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Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

Lake Travis stretches below the hillside sites at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, a Lower Colorado River Authority campground that draws both equestrians and paddlers to its narrow section of the lake. The primitive camping area sits along the water with most sites offering direct lake access within a short walk.

Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring, with some featuring additional BBQ pits and communal grills in the main camping area. A horse pen accommodates equestrian visitors. Restrooms with running water are located at the gate entrance, about three miles from the campsites, while portable toilets serve the camping areas. Erik F. notes that "all of the camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water."

The lake access requires water shoes due to vegetation along the shoreline, though several areas allow easy entry for swimming or launching kayaks. Fishing for bass draws anglers to the water's edge. Easy walking trails wind through the area without significant elevation changes, though campers consistently report encountering stickers throughout the property.

Spring visits showcase wildflowers across the landscape, while summer heat makes the lake access particularly valuable for cooling off. For those wanting more developed amenities, May the Forest Be With You unique RV stay provides a different experience less than a mile north.

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Map & DirectionsShaffer Bend Recreation Area is located in Texas near Spicewood

Public Campground

Address

706 County Rd. 343A
Marble Falls, TX 78654

Coordinates

30.54665948 N
98.17405497 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+18553927638

Drive Time

48 min from Austin, TX
57 min from Killeen, TX
1 hr 29 min from San Antonio, TX
1 hr 43 min from Waco, TX

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the scenic Lake Travis setting with clean sites featuring standard amenities. A common theme was disappointment with limited restroom facilities and lack of showers. Some noise issues from nearby venues were noted.

Steve L.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2022

Awesome beach day

We set up at site 15 it has an awesome view of the river/lake and it’s walking distance down to the waters edge. Great spot to fish for some bass or take a dip in the water. Looks like you can also have a fire out in the sand as we found some charred wood out there, there is ample spacing at the site with a fire ring, and a table provided and plenty of shade. The trees are great to set up a Hamic, which we did, which gave you an awesome view of the water and the sunrise in the mornings. They have good trails not too difficult, the only negative items I can mention are the various amounts of stickers everywhere we got plenty on our ankles and our hands other than that there was an issue with loud music from a venue outside of the park that would echo through the valley not much could be done about their music, but the on-site personnel contacted the local authorities to have a talk with them and the music wasn’t a problem after the first night. I’m definitely coming back here in the summer since the water is so close and so cool. Do we great to cool down on those hot days.

Site15

Month of VisitOctober

(17) View All

Steve L.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 10, 2022

Great beach day

Great stay. The site we had was walking distance to the sandy beach of lake Travis. Great fishing and the sand carrier up so it’s a soft bedding for the evening. Lots of tree cover to help combat the sun. There is a table, a fire ring, and a grill at each site. Walking trails are nice for a stroll not too difficult and not much elevation change. Only negative is the amount of stickers everywhere. Got one right between the toes and a venue near the park plays music if there is an event. The echo of the rock face by the lake didn’t help it. That’s not the parks fault though.

Site15

Month of VisitOctober

(9) View All

robin

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 20, 2022

Small RV and tent-dry camping

Relaxing and clean. Very windy, so no bugs! Dogs love running along water’s edge and jumping in. Horses ok too from the looks of it. Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site if each other but still ok. Great hiking and walking. Small RV plus tent for us.

Site17

Month of VisitApril

Candice C.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 29, 2021

Wildflowers Ji

This is a great little place on Lake Travis. Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy. Campsites are clean with a fire pit and a grill. There is easy access to the lake to go swim or paddle. Be mindful that Lake Travis is not a constant level lake and this is a narrow and shallow part of the lake. There is a chance of low water levels. Also it’s Texas and there is wildlife. We saw about a 5 ft rattlesnake. Overall a great place!

(7) View All

Kyle G.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

hot

the campsite is good for equestrians. if you're a kayaker you can put in here and travel down and take out elsewhere. the lower Colorado River Authority has plenty of places along the Colorado to facilitate this. we stayed here for 4 days before Memorial Day weekend and it was hot. there are no showers or bath houses. there are Porta-Johns located throughout the campground. Texas in summer can be unforgiving. Lake Travis is home to boaters and Jet skiers. there are fish if you're into that.

Erik F.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 10, 2016

Weekend Trip

Shaffer Bend Rec. Area has a beautiful setting in the Texas Hill Country right off of Lake Travis. At the gate entrance you have wonderful landscape views. All of the camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water.

The camps are clean. Most are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. In the large camp area, some have BBQ pits with a couple big communal grill/smoker. The same area has a horse pen as well if you're an equestrian enthusiast on top of a camper. It is a primitive campground. The large camp area has a couple port-a-poties. At the gate entrance there are men's and women's rooms with running water. That's about 3 miles from the camp sites. So, be prepared to dig holes, bring your own portable toilets, or hold it.

Considering you're on the lake, the water access is surprisingly limited. There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access. I recommend sandals or water shoes since there's a fair amount of plant life along the shore. The same areas you can walk in would be good for kayaks though. The camp sites are situated along a narrow section of the lake. So, there would be plenty to explore.

(7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities can you do at Shaffer Bend Park?

Shaffer Bend Park offers excellent water-based activities with easy access to Lake Travis for swimming, fishing (particularly bass), and paddling. Hiking and walking trails wind through the property, providing opportunities to explore the Texas Hill Country landscape. The park is also equestrian-friendly, making it a good choice for those traveling with horses. Many visitors enjoy relaxing on the sandy beaches along the lake's edge, and the area is known for its wildlife viewing and wildflower displays in spring. The varied terrain makes it ideal for nature photography and bird watching as well.

How do I find Shaffer Bend Recreation Area and what are the access details?

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area is located along Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country. Upon arrival, you'll pass through a gate entrance that showcases spectacular landscape views of the surrounding hills. The access road leads you into the recreation area where campsites are distributed, many near the water's edge. Keep in mind that water levels at Lake Travis fluctuate, which can affect shoreline access depending on when you visit. The area is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). For specific directions, it's best to check with the LCRA website or call ahead for current access information and any seasonal road conditions.

What camping facilities are available at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area?

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area offers primitive campsites with basic amenities. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill for cooking. The campsites are clean and some are situated close to Lake Travis, offering water views or short walking distance to the shore. There are no showers or hookups available, making this more suitable for tent camping or smaller, self-contained RVs. Sites 1-13 are positioned closer together, while others like site 15 offer more privacy and better views of the water.

What do visitors say about camping at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area?

Visitors consistently praise Shaffer Bend Recreation Area for its beautiful Texas Hill Country setting and proximity to Lake Travis. Many highlight the clean campsites, peaceful atmosphere, and scenic views. The spring season receives special mention for spectacular wildflower displays. Campers appreciate the easy water access, with some noting the sandy beach areas along the shore. Several mention the area can get quite windy, which helps keep bugs away. Overall, guests value the natural surroundings and relaxing environment that provides a true outdoor experience.

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