Pace Bend Park

Pace Bend Park is popular for camping on the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis, swimming on a beach, boating, and exploring the Hill Country beauty with miles of hike, bike, and equestrian trails.

Know Before You Go

Activities

While the park provides access to the listed activities, Travis County Parks does not provide any equipment.

Primitive Camping

Primitive camping is limited while park staff rehabilitate and designate campsites in the park’s West coves, which are closed for construction, and Kate and Johnson cove. As each cove’s campground is completed, they will reopen for camping.

Currently only the Kate and Johnson cove campground is open. 43 primitive campsites, nestled in a shady Post Oak grove, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lake is within easy walking distance of all campsites. Tent camping is allowed only at designated campsites. RV’s are not allowed at these sites, as they are not developed for them. A maximum of 2 vehicles may occupy a site and must park in designated parking. Each site has a maximum occupancy of 8 people. Groups larger than this will need to use more than one campsite. Water and electricity are not available in the area. Pit toilets are available. This area is for permitted campers and their guests only. All campers must register for campsites at the entrance station. If coming in after hours, please check-in at the entrance station on the following day.

Improved Camping

Pace Bend offers 20 improved campsites, with water and electrical hook-ups, showers and restrooms. These sites are all located on the east side of the park just above Levi Cove, within easy walking distance to the lake. They feature plenty of shade trees and flat, grassy areas for tent camping. All sites are back-ins only. Reservations are highly recommended.

Parking is available on site. A maximum of two vehicles may occupy a site.

Quiet Hours

In an effort to allow all park visitors to enjoy their stay at Pace Bend, we suggest that all overnight campers arrive by 10 pm and keep vehicle traffic to a minimum after dark. If you have an improved camping reservation and will be arriving after 10 pm, please call the park to let us know. Quiet hours are strictly enforced between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. All radios and generators must be turned off at this time. Ground fires are permitted, as seasonal conditions allow. However, the cutting or gathering of firewood, including kindling, is prohibited in all Travis County Parks.

Boating and Swimming

Boating is one of the most popular activities at Pace Bend. With two main boat ramps in the park - located at Collier Cove on the west side and Tatum Cove on the east side - boaters rarely have to wait long to launch. Smaller boats and canoes may be launched directly off the beach in certain areas; however, the launching of any motorized watercraft from a beach area is prohibited. Motorized watercraft must be launched and retrieved from the two improved ramps. Park staff can answer your questions about the best places to launch, as well as recommend good places for fishing directly off the shore.

Please be aware that Mudd Cove, Kate's Cove and Gracy Cove are designated for swimming only. No lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk.

Potable water is available opposite the Tatum Cove boat ramp.

Zebra Mussels

Zebra Mussels have been found along the shoreline of our lake parks. Swimmers and others seeking water-based recreation should exercise caution when in or near the water.

Fees

We accept cash but do not accept credit or debit cards at the entrance booth.

Reservations

Improved Camping

Reservations, though not required, are recommended as improved campsites tend to fill up quickly. For holidays and summer weekends, we suggest that you make reservations in advance. Each improved site is limited to a maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people. We only accept CASH or CHECK.

Make a Reservation

Rules

The following are prohibited:

• Off-Leash Pets
• Noisy, vicious, or dangerous animals are not permitted, as determined on site by park staff
• Fireworks
• Glass Containers
• Public display of consumption of alcohol
• Tobacco Products

For more information, view the Parks Rules and Safety page.

About

Pace Bend Park is located in far western Travis County in the Hill Country of central Texas. With more than nine miles of shoreline along scenic Lake Travis, Pace Bend is one of the most popular areas in the Highland Lakes region, offering visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities. The west side of the park features high, limestone cliffs and numerous rocky coves with some of the most impressive views available of Lake Travis, especially at sunset.

Most of Pace Bend Park is easily accessible by vehicle from the six-mile, paved roadway that loops the park. However, the interior of the park is managed as a wildlife preserve and can be reached by foot, bicycle, or horseback only. Numerous trails lead into the hills and provide excellent views of the lake and the Hill Country. This area serves as home to a large number of whitetail deer, raccoon, fox, ringtail cat, and dozens of bird species.

Pace Bend Park Visitor's Map

Pace Bend Park Trail Map

Rare Plant Survey and General Plant Inventory