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Pace Bend Campground

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Old school or new school, classic or modern, Backstreet Boys or One Direction?

These are the types of deeply philosophical questions you’ll want to ask yourselves before choosing a site at Pace Bend. On the one hand, there are numerous “primitive sites” throughout the park, modestly equipped with picnic tables, grills and waterless toilets (first-come, first-served). On the other hand, there are 20 “improved camping” sites available for RVs and tent-camping that offer water, electricity, restrooms and showers (reservation only). So, eager camper, the questions awaits - are you more of the “I Want It That Way” type, or more of a “What Makes You Beautiful” kind of camper?

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42 ratings · 16 reviews

Douglas G.recommends

April 22, 2019

Great place to camp for a more primitive experience. Like most parks in Texas you should go during the week if you want more privacy.

Becca S.

May 29, 2018

Pace Bend is a must-go for rock climbers in Texas. It's an easy drive right outside of town. It is the only place to Deep Water Solo in TX, which makes it great for climbers in the Summer when it's too hot to sport climb! There's also lots of great cliff jumping if the climbing part isn't your thing.

Randy G.

November 1, 2017

Pit toilets that stink, stink, stink. No showers.

Samantha K.recommends

September 5, 2017

Some of the campsites facing the lake are full of burrs- be careful before you settle in.

Chelsea S.recommends

August 22, 2017

Classic spot for cliff-jumping and deep water solo--ing! Pick a cove and check it out -- or hope around to all the coves and pick your favorite! Mine are usually on the west side of the peninsula ;)

Andy B.

July 7, 2017

A great, easy getaway, but not one with a ton of (or any) quiet or privacy. A great place for beginner campers!

Dillon S.recommends

May 9, 2017

Some sites are difficult to access the Colorado River. Plenty of camp sites with lots of room.

Spencer I.

January 29, 2017

This is one of our favorites. Only 45 minutes west of Austin. With so many sites available, this is our go-to for spur-the-moment weekends. No need for reservations unlike many of the surrounding state parks with limited sites.

Jason H.

November 16, 2016

I did a little overnighter at Pace Bend in just my hammock in October, and it was great! It was my first time hammock camping and I didn't have a tarp or anything, so since the campsite I picked was right by the water, I did get destroyed by mosquitoes. On the flip side, it was incredible falling asleep truly in the great outdoors. Pace Bend was nice for the one night get away, but it's not a completely wild place. There's fancy lake houses across the water, and the stars aren't as bright as I wanted them, but campsite space seems to be endless so it's great for quick, spontaneous trips.

Sherry K.

November 7, 2016

Love this park, but for all the grass burrs, it would be perfect. I miss the bar and grill at the entrance :(

Matt + Jenne B.

October 10, 2016

What a great example of county parks! A friend at work recommended this park - we didn't even know it was here, and less than an hour from home. Our family enjoyed our recent weekend at Pace Bend - we stayed in the improved campsite area, and found it to have great access to the lake, to trails, and well-shaded sites with a handy, and code-guarded running-water restroom and shower facility just for people at that campsite area. We definitely plan to go back soon!

Rich G.

April 10, 2016

Loved this place! We went to campsite 30 which has a hidden gem. I'll let you find it ;) drive up and camp. Because of all the overgrowth you get a sense of solitude but there are campsites all around. A backcountry feel with the ease of car camping. Great one or two night stay and if you need anything (beer run) theres a store 5 minutes away.

Kristin Y.

July 14, 2015

It's worth a drive around to pick out the best campsite since there are so many available. My advice - find a quiet spot near a trailhead with a couple good hammock trees and you're golden.

Morgan E.

July 14, 2015

Its a beautiful place for swimming in the river. We had an epic mud war in one of the coves x)

Erin W.

June 30, 2015

Loved this campground - it's perfect for an easy, one or 2 day trip. Close to the city and lots of spots to choose from. There are lots of campers there so it's a great spot to bring friends and party!

Texas V.

January 21, 2015

Awesome little get away if you live near Austin! Pace Bend is about an hour west of Austin and offers lots of great swimming areas, hiking trails in the middle of the park, tons of coves to explore and campsites border both sides of the peninsula.

Your guide to camping in Pace Bend Campground

Overview

Boating

Lake Travis isn’t your average pond. The long river snakes through the hills and limestone cliffs, with so many coves and inlets to explore that you could live at Pace Bend Park and never see them all. But the best exploring can be done by boat, so head down to the boat launches at Collier Cove on the west or Tatum Cove on the east.

Fishing

Hiking

Hikers will enjoy 15 miles of trails that meander through the hills of Pace Bend Park, offering great lake views from the top. Terrain is rocky but wooded, with plenty of shade and rocky patches for the more adventurous out there. A trail map divides trails by difficulty and will lead you to the closest train head, bathroom, or beach access point.

Horseback riding

About half of Park Bend Park’s extensive trail system is open to equestrians, making this park one of the best spots around for you and your horse to enjoy some great views and new trails. The northern section of the park offers the most diverse array of equestrian trails, including Post Oak and Rosenbush Loop, which wind along Alfred Cove and Milam Cove. Stop at the cove to take in the beautiful lake views and enjoy a rest by the water. Trails are also open to hikers and bikers, so always be cautious of those who might be approaching fast!

Paddling

With the exception of a couple designated swim spots, kayaks, canoes and other small non-motorized boats can be launched just about anywhere from Pace Bend Park. With miles of shoreline, that means you’re never too far from a boat launch, so don’t forget the kayak when you visit Pace Bend. Lake Travis is a paddler’s dream come true, with endless coves and inlets to explore, beautiful limestone cliffs to marvel at, and smooth, clear water that will wind you through the hills until your arms give out.

Wildlife watching

You’ll find plenty of company as you hike or bike along the trails, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, fox, and ringtail cat. Plenty of birds make Pace Bend Park their home, but generally speaking, the recreational opportunities are more ubiquitous than the wildlife here at Pace Bend Park. Enjoy the new fauna when you spot it, but don’t forget to put down the binoculars every so often to explore the cliffs and coves by foot or paddle.