Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis, near Austin, Texas, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, it caters to a variety of camping styles, all while offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding nature.

This campground is known for its beautiful cliffside locations and access to swimming, hiking, and cliff jumping. Visitors rave about the privacy of sites like North Gracy Cove, which provides a perfect spot for a refreshing swim without the noise of motorboats. One camper noted, “Gracy Cove was a great spot for a swim to cool off on a hot day. No boats allowed.”

Amenities include drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it comfortable for a weekend getaway. Campers appreciate the clean facilities and the ability to have campfires, which adds to the cozy atmosphere of evenings spent under the stars. As one reviewer put it, “The best part about this park is the seclusiveness. We love the stars at night.”

For those looking to explore, the park offers trails for hiking and biking, along with opportunities for kayaking and fishing. The nearby cliffs are popular for rock climbing, and there are plenty of spots to set up a hammock and relax. Whether you’re here for a day or planning a longer stay, Pace Bend Park is a great choice for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Look no further for camping near Austin - 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. Primitive Camping Primitive campsites with picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, and plenty of trees for shade and privacy are scattered along the cliffs and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The east and north sides of Pace Bend offer more gentle, sloping shorelines with sandy and gravel beaches, providing easy access to the lake for families with young children and people with disabilities. Numerous primitive campsites can be found among the oak and mesquite trees and all are within a short walk to the lake. Camping on the beach is also permitted. Please note that primitive camping permits do not include shower privileges. Waterless toilets are available. 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.

Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

Lago Vista is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Lago Vista, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lago Vista. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Lago Vista

The Best Camping Near Lago Vista, Texas

This park is decent if you like staying around large lakes.  There are plenty of camping spots so lots of room.  There aren't many large trees, so don't plan on a hammock.  It can get a little windy too.  We went when Lake Travis was down so it was a long ways to the lake, but it if the lake is full it should be good.  We stayed on a Thursday in the fall and we didn't see anyone else the whole time.

Bare but decent

Not a lot of shade at our site. Other sites did have trees. Decent length walk to the lake, but beautiful. Saw many birds and some other critters during our stay. 

Lake was beautiful, campground decent

Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas. 

Not far from the old (and new!) Backyard (a great place to see live music in the live oak capital of Texas), Pace Bend is a quick drive away. A perfect spot to pitch a bunch of tents, jump off cliffs, swim and barbeque. Maybe 45 minutes from downtown Austin (without traffic).

I won't lie the cliff diving kinda freaks me out. Be careful is all I'm saying!

There are several primitive campsites throughout the park with picnic tables, grills and toilets. Additionally there are 20 RV hook-up type sites that offer running water, electricity, restrooms and showers.

One of my favorite spots in Texas

This is a nice spot to take advantage of what the lake has to offer. 
The swimming is nice, and there are some cliffs to jump off of if your into that!

It's definitely better when the lake is more full, so with all the past rain we have been having this season should be a nice time to go camp here.

Nice spot

My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake. I love the water and this campsite was perfect for me.

Cliff Jump

Super Flat spots!  Everything is level and clean!  We loved our stay at Pace Bend.  

Excellent Camping

Plenty of camp sites to choose from with fire pits, grills, benches, and close by bathrooms. Very close to Lake Travis where there's always gorgeous sights. Would definitely recommend.

Lakeside Camping

Pace bend is a great county park surrounded by water with over 300 primitive camping spots right outside if Austin.

Escape the city...

We stay at Pace Bend every time we go rock climbing in Austin. The campsites are private and there are always sites available. The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night.

Great Camping! 

Pace Bend Park is conveniently located a short distance from the city of Austin and on the shores of Lake Travis. The park is managed by the Travis County Parks Department. The entrance fee is $10 per car and the campsites are all first come first served. There are almost always campsites available, but the best campsites do get taken early. On the east side of the park there is easy beach access to the lakeshore and water. On the west side of the park there are a number of coves. Access to the water is possible by scrambling over and down rocks to the waters edge. Many people cliff jump off the cove cliffs, but be sure to test the depth of the water before jumping. Many people get injured every year jumping off the cliffs. Some of the campsites have developed pads to set up your tent. Other campsites just have clearing to set up your tent. There are ample trees available for hammock hanging. Because the park is located so close to the city many people visit the park for day use. The day time crowd can be a bit overwhelming and loud at times. At night the atmosphere generally calms down a bit. Many of the campsites have picnic tables and some have grills. A few have fire rings for campfires, but the park is removing many of the rings. Depending on the time of the year and the dryness, there is often a county fire banned in the area and park. My favorite campsites are along the west side of the park and the coves (N. Gracey Cove).

Pace Bend Park + Lake Travis

Love Pace Bend! It is only a 40 minute drive from Austin, perfect for a weekend get away. They have big camping sites, great for large groups! The park ranger are awesome! Going in the summer is a must, the water is the right tempter for swimming or boating. The only down side to this park is 9 out 10 of the toilets are drop toilets (no flush, hole in the ground)

Other then that, this park is a great fit for families, elderly people and even college groups.

Pace Bend!!!

Pace Bend is one of the few reliable parks in Central Texas and near Austin that will always have an available campsite, while all of the other prks require a reservation months in advance. You can even show up late and find a site.

Although, these sites are primitive, so not all of them have picnic tables or grills.


Also, there is great mountain biking trails, cliff jumping and swimming.

Over 200 primitive campsites

The campsites here are well spread out and provide quick access to deep water soloing routes in Pace Bend. Just don't go in the middle of summer because it's way too hot. Even if you jump in and out of the water to cool off, it's still going to be hot. Also, the campsite I stayed at had a table. That was a nice plus.

Nice for deep water soloing

The lake is clean, cool and deep! Tons of primitive camping and most sites have a table and a grill...and PRIVACY! ...Depending on what side you're on, that is! I've been going there practically all my adult life and it's nice to have a place to get away that's within 30 minutes of the city!

A Texas Gem!

Lots of sites available, some more primitive but plenty to find your comfort zone. Access to the water from the majority of where we were and super fun jumping in from the cliffs.

Word of caution, water levels change so be sure there is plenty where your jumping before you jump!

Had lots of fun and having a site with a table, plenty of room for multiple tents and close to the water was great.

Great place to be

Pace Bend was the backdrop to many Dad and kiddo camping trips! Tent, kayak and you're ready to go. Back to nature, still close to civilization!

Rugged yet Accessible

getting in can be tedious. only one way in and out and the line gets intense on holiday weekends. 

tons of great little spots all around this peninsula that are right on the water. one side in particular offers some awesome cliff jumping and there’s usually a ton of people out there. the other side gently slopes into the water and has more spread out camp grounds. but you need to get there early to claim your spot because basically it’s a free for all. there isn’t a way to reserve them really. 

also, critical, cash or check only for entrance. they don’t take any card. 

dogs are welcome but generally kept on leash. if you’re off on your own and your dog is swimming in the water then they usually let that slide. it’s a good little spot but there’s generally too many people there for me to want to actually camp there. I personally like it to be more remote. 

Lively little spot

This place is popping during the summer with plenty of fun for the whole family. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, cliff jumping, rock climbing - you name it! It's also a great place to get away and find seclusion and some great camping spots just off of a cliff that results in some awesome sun rises and sunsets. Go during the week if you want to miss the crowds. Pet's on leases :) Cash only $10-$15

Plenty of activities to choose from!

We camped here for several days to get some rock climbing in at nearby spots. It was a great open campground for tent camping. It was quiet but slightly dusty. The bathrooms were clean and staff was nice. If you like hiking trails this is good area for it.

Hot spot for rock climbing.

This is a county park in Travis County, Texas. We stayed one week in the middle of March 2019. We decided to stay outside the campground in the dispersed area. Technically, you can camp anywhere in the park; however, we believe there are only a few decent spots for RVs. Camping is limited to 7 days in a 30-day period. We stayed at Mudd Cove Mesquite Point and found a great spot right by the lake. We were able to get level without leveling blocks after some trial and error. There were several spots in that area that would be great for a RV of any size. As of April 1, 2019, they are closing the Tournament Point area to camping, so Mudd Cove Mesquite Point will have some of the only RV spots (IMO). Those spots are off Grisham Trail. The areas down Pace Bend Road were not RV friendly. Most were a tight squeeze, and many did not have turnaround spots. Great areas in there for tent camping, but not RVs. On Grisham Trail, you will find potable water. It is easy to miss and in a horrible spot on a curve and hill. It will be on left if you are coming from the park entrance. The dump station is outside of the park, right before the entrance on the right.  Easy in and out when leaving. Since we were in the dispersed area, we relied on our solar for electricity. The area we found was perfect for that. We were able to find a nice open spot with no trees and the weather cooperated, so we had no trouble with electricity. The park was quiet and empty for most of the week. Things did pick up Thursday and over the weekend, but most people were respectful and quieted down after 11pm. We walked the trails a few times, but overall there is not a ton to do here unless you are swimming. The cost for us was $20/night. $15 for the truck and $5 for the travel trailer. Day use fees are $7 a person which is included in the camping costs. The employee working when we arrived was not friendly or helpful at all, but the other employees we encountered were very helpful and nice. Overall, we will likely not be back. The price seemed steep for no hookups and the park just didn’t offer enough for us to want to stay again.

Dispersed or Campground Camping

Wonderful summer time spot, plenty of drive-up tent sites (don’t settle for the first you see unless it’s a busy weekend) great cliff jumping and deep-water soloing opportunities for the seeking. Also great swimming/fishing holes. Hiking is short but nice. 

Drive Up Tent Camping

Most sites have water access or are very short walk to it. Each of the “primitive” sites has a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and a bit of shade. The east side has mostly beachfront sites &amp; the west has the cliff sites. My favorite sites are near the entrance; these sites have the best sunsets.  

Activities:

*   Boating - Ramps located at Collier Cove on the west side &amp; Tatum Cove on the east side.
*   Fishing - Ask park staff for recommendations on good shore fishing spots
*   Swimming - Mudd Cove, Kate’s Cove, and Gracy Cove.
*   Trails – Hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

Good Lake Camping!

There are lots of sites and some space between them. Nice swimming, hiking, and biking, so there is a lot to do.

Nice regional park near Austin

Such a great spot to spend the day or spend the night, super cheap for either. Went with some friends and we went cliff jumping into lake Travis, it was a blast! 

Beautiful & Affordable

Pace Bend is a great place to camp - lots of camp sites, some are secluded. You’re close to the city but far enough to feel like you’re out in nature. Beautiful views of the lake and good spots to swim and cliff jump. Some deep water soloing, places to put in kayaks and a couple of boat ramps at the park. There are a few restaurants on the road into the park (Lee’s on the Lake is fairly cheap, kid friendly, and they have delicious fried catfish). Have camped there at least 6 times and have always had a great time!

Awesome place to camp

Camping, swimming, climbing, grilling. You name it. They probably have it. Great spot to throw up the hammock and hang out for the day or stay the night. Affordable, pleasant and clean. Love the state parks and this one on the lake doesn’t disappoint. Swim and boat at your own risk 

Great spot right on the lake

Gorgeousness

Stayed here on Monday, December 21( winter solstice) 2020. There were only four other campsites taken. It was very quiet. We went mountain biking in shorts the first day and a backpack training hike the next. Nice trails. Flush toilets and shower are locked and you get the access number when you register.

Pace Bend Park Travis County 

We've been coming out here for years and it never disappoints. The best part about this park is the seclusiveness. We love the stars at night and if you get lucky enough to have quiet nearby campers the evenings are amazing with beautiful lake views. Out favorite sites in the RV loop are 5, 6, 8, and 11. The bathrooms are not amazing and it's hit or miss on getting nice park staff. They also close the gate on one side of the loop which is annoying when having to get out after hours. 

Texas Wilderness and the stars!

Pace bend is a great little spot if you’re wanting to get out of the city for the weekend. Full of hiking, fishing, cliff jumping (at your own risk), and kayaking. They have reserved sites and first come first serve. 

Nice little getaway 

Favorite campsite rear Austin! Great drive on beach area where you can swim or lay out. If you are feeling adventurous you can go cliff jumping and rock climbing. 

Campsite amenities could be better. 

Best campsite near Austin! 

Fantastic short stay in Pace Bend on Lake Travis. We paid for the improved tent camping site but ended up switching to a site North Gracy Cove which had way better views of the river and more privacy. We still went back to use the showers and running water at the improved site though.

Gracy Cove was a great spot for a swim to cool off on a hot day. No boats allowed.

Beautiful spot up on the cliffs

Was absolutely stunning, it’s on a cliff top so your “backyard” is a small trail to a gorgeous overlook of the lake and adjacent cliffs. I didn’t expect to be given this view. The campsite itself is also fairly shaded and there are some cacti but it’s the best spot I’ve stayed at while being there! 

Photos of Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

Real photos from real campers