From The Current

Lake Travis Access Parks

No boat, no dock, no problem — the public parks that get you to the water for the price of a day pass.

🏞️

You don't need lakefront property to have a lake day. Travis County's parks open up miles of shoreline, public boat ramps, swimming coves, and shaded picnic spots to anyone willing to pay a few dollars at the gate. Whether you're backing a trailer down the lake's largest ramp, claiming a sandy point for the afternoon, or pitching a tent for the weekend, these three parks are the easiest way onto Lake Travis. One neighborly heads-up: most entrance booths take cash only, so hit the ATM before you go.

Before you go: Day passes run about $5 per person at each park, and several booths are cash only. Water levels affect boat ramps and swimming areas, so check the current lake level and park updates before heading out — especially on busy summer weekends and holidays, when parks can reach capacity and close their gates early.

The Parks

Ramps, coves, and picnic tables — pick your point of entry.

🌳
$5/person · Camping

Pace Bend Park

1,368 acres, two boat ramps, and 20 coves — the kind of park you could visit all summer and still find a new spot.

  • Largest lake park in Travis County, off SH 71 in Spicewood
  • Two boat ramps, 9+ miles of shoreline, 20 coves & inlets
  • Day pass $5/person; campsites $20/night; improved RV $30 (2 vehicles/8 people per site)

Where: 2805 Pace Bend Road N, Spicewood  |  Park info

🏐
$5/person · Cash Only

Bob Wentz Park

A sandy little peninsula made for swimming, paddling, and the occasional fiercely contested volleyball game.

  • Easy access for swimming, picnicking & nonmotorized water sports
  • The Point: sandy peninsula, covered picnic areas, restrooms, grills & sand volleyball
  • $5/person — entrance booth is cash only

Where: 7144 Comanche Trail  |  Park info

⚓
$5/person · Cash Only

Mansfield Dam Park

Home to the lake's biggest public boat ramp — and a favorite launch for everyone from anglers to scuba divers.

  • 71 acres beside Mansfield Dam, with the lake's largest public boat ramp
  • Swim, fish, picnic, scuba dive, or hit the hike-and-bike trail
  • Playground, picnic shelters & shaded recreation areas; $5/person, cash only

Where: Mansfield Park Drive  |  Park info

Make the Most of Your Park Day

Bring cash. Most entrance booths don't take cards, and the $5-per-person day pass adds up for a carful — small bills save time at the gate.

Go early on weekends. Summer Saturdays fill up, and parks can close their gates once they hit capacity. An early arrival means a shady spot and a parking space.

Mind the water line. Lake levels shift through the year and can affect ramp access and swimming areas — check current conditions before you load the boat or the cooler.