The parks surrounding Lake Travis showcase some of the most impressive landscapes in Central Texas. Each offers distinct features, ranging from scenic overlooks and sandy beaches to winding hiking trails and shaded picnic areas. These spaces highlight the region's natural beauty while reflecting the outdoor lifestyle that defines the Lake Travis area.
This guide explores some of the best places to experience the area’s lakeside charm, open spaces, and recreation opportunities in detail.
Pace Bend Park
Pace Bend Park in Spicewood stands out for its expansive size and diversity of terrain. Covering more than 1,300 acres, the park includes limestone cliffs, sandy coves, and oak woodlands. The park's western side is especially popular for its striking views of the lake’s blue water and rugged shoreline. Visitors come for camping, hiking, and boating, with over 400 campsites spread throughout the park.
The park’s extensive trail network appeals to both hikers and mountain bikers, offering a mix of technical challenges and scenic stretches. Water access points are well-maintained, making it easy for boaters and kayakers to launch. The views at sunset are some of the most memorable on Lake Travis, attracting locals and travelers who want to enjoy the natural beauty without straying too far from Austin.
The park’s extensive trail network appeals to both hikers and mountain bikers, offering a mix of technical challenges and scenic stretches. Water access points are well-maintained, making it easy for boaters and kayakers to launch. The views at sunset are some of the most memorable on Lake Travis, attracting locals and travelers who want to enjoy the natural beauty without straying too far from Austin.
Mansfield Dam Park
Mansfield Dam Park is located near the Lake Travis dam, giving visitors a close-up look at one of the area’s major engineering landmarks. The park’s design emphasizes accessibility, with large parking areas, paved paths, and multiple designated swimming coves.
For those interested in diving, Mansfield Dam Park features one of the region’s best freshwater scuba sites, complete with underwater platforms and structures. The clean, clear water and deep entry points make it a favored destination for certified divers and snorkelers. The park also includes volleyball courts, shaded pavilions, and ample space for groups or gatherings.
For those interested in diving, Mansfield Dam Park features one of the region’s best freshwater scuba sites, complete with underwater platforms and structures. The clean, clear water and deep entry points make it a favored destination for certified divers and snorkelers. The park also includes volleyball courts, shaded pavilions, and ample space for groups or gatherings.
Windy Point Park
Windy Point Park is known among divers and boaters for its excellent water conditions and relaxed atmosphere. Located on the southern shore of Lake Travis, this park provides immediate access to some of the deepest and clearest portions of the lake. The water’s clarity often reaches over 20 feet, drawing diving instructors and experienced swimmers throughout the year.
The park features multiple dive platforms, underwater sculptures, and even sunken boats, making it one of the most interesting underwater environments in Central Texas. On land, picnic areas and shaded groves create comfortable spaces for day use.
The park features multiple dive platforms, underwater sculptures, and even sunken boats, making it one of the most interesting underwater environments in Central Texas. On land, picnic areas and shaded groves create comfortable spaces for day use.
Arkansas Bend Park
Arkansas Bend Park is located near Lago Vista and provides a more secluded alternative to the busier Lake Travis parks. This park offers 323 acres of pristine shoreline and rolling terrain. The two boat ramps provide excellent water access, while the park’s long, curved peninsula creates naturally sheltered coves for swimming and kayaking.
Recent renovations have added upgraded campgrounds with water and electrical hookups, improved restroom facilities, and paved trails. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and uninterrupted views across the lake.
Recent renovations have added upgraded campgrounds with water and electrical hookups, improved restroom facilities, and paved trails. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and uninterrupted views across the lake.
Bob Wentz Park
Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point offers convenient access and panoramic views that define the Lake Travis experience. The park’s sandy shoreline is ideal for wading, sunbathing, and launching small boats. Its open design gives every visitor clear sightlines to the lake, while grassy areas provide ample room for relaxation.
The park also features picnic tables, barbecue grills, and shaded areas that keep it comfortable throughout the day. Due to the steady lake breezes and open water, windsurfing and kiteboarding are especially popular here.
The park also features picnic tables, barbecue grills, and shaded areas that keep it comfortable throughout the day. Due to the steady lake breezes and open water, windsurfing and kiteboarding are especially popular here.
Tom Hughes Park
Tom Hughes Park, located near Hudson Bend, is smaller and more rugged than many of the other Lake Travis parks. It appeals to those who enjoy hiking and exploring less-developed spaces. The park is built along a steep hillside that leads down to the water, with natural limestone paths and shaded overlooks along the way.
Because of its limited amenities, Tom Hughes Park maintains a more natural and unspoiled atmosphere. It’s a favorite for those seeking solitude, photography opportunities, or a peaceful afternoon near the water. The park’s proximity to residential communities in Hudson Bend also makes it a convenient getaway for locals who prefer to avoid crowds.
Because of its limited amenities, Tom Hughes Park maintains a more natural and unspoiled atmosphere. It’s a favorite for those seeking solitude, photography opportunities, or a peaceful afternoon near the water. The park’s proximity to residential communities in Hudson Bend also makes it a convenient getaway for locals who prefer to avoid crowds.
Lakeway City Park
Lakeway City Park is a well-designed urban green space that offers direct lake access while providing more structured amenities than most Lake Travis parks. The park includes two miles of walking trails, designated picnic areas, and large open lawns for recreation.
Boat launches and swimming areas are easily accessible, and the park’s well-maintained facilities reflect Lakeway’s commitment to quality public spaces. Sculptures, shaded pavilions, and native landscaping create an appealing, natural, and refined setting.
Boat launches and swimming areas are easily accessible, and the park’s well-maintained facilities reflect Lakeway’s commitment to quality public spaces. Sculptures, shaded pavilions, and native landscaping create an appealing, natural, and refined setting.
Hippie Hollow Park
Hippie Hollow Park, located near Marshall Ford, is the only public clothing-optional park in Texas. Beyond that unique characteristic, it also offers some of the most dramatic lakeside views in the region. The rocky shoreline and clear water make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding in a private, adult-oriented setting.
The park’s layout follows the contour of a steep hillside, providing multiple access points to the water and several secluded spots along the way. Its sense of openness and acceptance contributes to its longstanding popularity among visitors.
The park’s layout follows the contour of a steep hillside, providing multiple access points to the water and several secluded spots along the way. Its sense of openness and acceptance contributes to its longstanding popularity among visitors.
Sunset Observation Points Around Lake Travis
In addition to the major parks, the Lake Travis region includes several smaller observation points and scenic lookouts worth exploring. These areas, such as those near Oasis on Lake Travis and along the Comanche Trail, offer unmatched sunset views over the water.
Even without structured amenities, these overlooks reflect the same appeal in the larger Lake Travis parks: open skies, clean air, and uninterrupted connection with nature. Together, they showcase why this part of Texas remains one of the state’s most distinctive outdoor destinations.
Even without structured amenities, these overlooks reflect the same appeal in the larger Lake Travis parks: open skies, clean air, and uninterrupted connection with nature. Together, they showcase why this part of Texas remains one of the state’s most distinctive outdoor destinations.
Find Your Dream Home on Lake Travis
If the natural beauty and lifestyle of the Lake Travis area have captured your attention, Travis Real Estate can help you take the next step toward finding your ideal home. Their team connects clients with properties that reflect the area’s unique blend of outdoor recreation, waterfront living, and refined design. Whether you’re exploring homes near scenic parks, quiet coves, or vibrant lakefront communities, Travis Real Estate offers the insight and expertise you need to make confident decisions.
Contact their team today to start your search and experience life at Lake Travis.
Contact their team today to start your search and experience life at Lake Travis.
