Pace Bend Park★5.0

South > Texas > Texas Hill Country > Pace Bend Park

Travis County park on a limestone peninsula jutting into Lake Travis, offering camping, swimming, cliff jumping, kayaking, and miles of rugged hiking trails with sweeping lake views.

General Information

Hours:
Open daily, sunrise to civil twilight (dusk) for day-use visitors. Boat ramps: the Collier ramp is open 24 hours; the Tatum ramp and Tournament Point are open 8:00 AM to civil twilight. Overnight camping is available.
Fees:
$10 per vehicle for day use. Overnight camping fees vary by site type; visit the Travis County Parks website for current camping rates.
Pets
Dogs are allowed throughout the park and on the beach. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Closest cities with hotels:
Austin, TX (Hampton Inn, La Quinta, Holiday Inn) — approximately 35 miles east
Seasons:
Open year-round; spring and fall are ideal for hiking and camping, while summer draws visitors for swimming and water activities on Lake Travis.
Location:
2805 Pace Bend Road North, Spicewood, TX 78669
Website:
parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/pace-bend
Spicewood, TX Weather Forecast

How to Get There

From Austin (35 mi): Take US-71 West from Austin approximately 35 miles to Spicewood, turn right onto Pace Bend Road (RR 2322) at the lighted intersection near the Chevron station, and follow it about 4 miles to the park entrance gate.

Overview

Pace Bend Park is a 1,368-acre Travis County park on a limestone peninsula that juts into Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country west of Austin. Its miles of shoreline and cliffs make it one of the most versatile spots in the Highland Lakes area, packing swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and lakeside camping into a single easy trip from the city. The peninsula setting catches wind from nearly every direction, drawing sailors and wind-sport enthusiasts, and leash-friendly rules make it a popular choice for dog owners. Travis County operates the park year-round, though spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for hiking and camping.

Things to Do

Swim in Lake Travis
Enjoy designated swim coves and clear waters along the shoreline of Lake Travis. The park is one of the most popular swimming destinations in the Highland Lakes region.

Take in the Lake Travis Cliffs
Explore the dramatic limestone cliffs along the western side of the park, which offer some of the most scenic views of Lake Travis and the Texas Hill Country.

Boat and Paddle on Lake Travis
Launch a boat, kayak, or paddleboard using the park's boat ramps and enjoy miles of shoreline and open water recreation.

Hike the Interior Trails
Explore miles of multi-use trails that wind through rugged Hill Country terrain, offering lake views, wildlife habitat, and access to remote areas of the park.

Enjoy Sunset Views
The park's cliffs and shoreline provide excellent locations for viewing sunsets over Lake Travis.

Top Trails

Pace Bend Park Loop
Distance: Approximately 11.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Scenic shoreline views, rugged Hill Country terrain, limestone cliffs, and continuous views of Lake Travis.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Pace Bend Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.