Pace Bend Park wilderness guide
County Park · TX

Pace Bend Park

Pace Bend Park, located on the scenic shores of Lake Travis in Texas, offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and boating. Its rugged limestone cliffs and expansive water views make it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

County Park1,3684+ Trails

Designation

County Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,368

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Pace Bend Park

Pace Bend Park, located on the scenic shores of Lake Travis in Texas, offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and boating. Its rugged limestone cliffs and expansive water views make it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Pace Bend Park is situated in the Texas Hill Country along the north shore of Lake Travis, approximately 30 miles west of Austin. Known for its striking limestone cliffs that drop down to the lake below, the park spans over 1,368 acres, providing ample space for outdoor recreation. The park is managed by Travis County and offers numerous facilities, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat ramps. One of the park's main attractions is its eight miles of shoreline, which presents opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. The diverse landscape also supports various wildlife species, including whitetail deer and a variety of bird species, making it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. Historically, the area was used by Native Americans and later by European settlers, and it remains a significant part of local cultural heritage. Visitors to Pace Bend Park are drawn by the promise of scenic vistas, rugged terrain, and clear waters, perfect for both adrenaline-packed activities and peaceful relaxation.

Field Guide · County Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Pace Bend Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The park's limestone cliffs which offer striking views and opportunities for climbing.✦ Diverse habitats that support a variety of wildlife, including bird watching opportunities.✦ The expansive waterfront on Lake Travis for boating and fishing.✦ Hidden coves accessible by kayak, offering a quieter escape on busy weekends.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Pace Bend Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Pace Bend Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use fee is required; annual passes available.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Pace Bend Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Pace Bend Campground South

Located near the shoreline with open sites suitable for tents and RVs, but without hookups.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Pace Bend Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Lago Vista, Texas
⌖ 4.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lago Vista, Texas

Lago Vista, Texas offers a perfect blend of Hill Country terrain and Lake Travis adventures. From kayaking and mountain biking to bird watching and fishing, this lakeside town invites outdoor lovers year-round.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Jonestown, Texas
⌖ 8.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jonestown, Texas

Jonestown, Texas offers a quiet gateway to outdoor fun with boating, fishing, hiking, and kayaking on Lake Travis. Perfect for nature lovers seeking lakefront adventures and scenic trails just outside Austin.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Lakeway, Texas
⌖ 9.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lakeway, Texas

Lakeway, Texas offers outdoor lovers lakefront recreation, scenic hiking and biking trails, and excellent fishing on Lake Travis. Just 25 miles from Austin, it’s a comfortable base for exploring Texas Hill Country’s natural beauty.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Volente, Texas
⌖ 10.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Volente, Texas

Volente, Texas, sits on the sparkling shores of Lake Travis, offering boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking in a relaxed lakeside setting. Perfect for water lovers and outdoor adventurers seeking a vibrant yet laid-back Hill Country escape.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Leander, Texas
⌖ 13.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Leander, Texas

Leander, Texas offers quick access to Texas hill country adventures like hiking, biking, paddling, and birdwatching. Close to key parks and lakes, it’s a solid basecamp for outdoor lovers year-round.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Cedar Park, Texas
⌖ 13.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cedar Park, Texas

Cedar Park offers handy access to outdoors with family-friendly parks, miles of trails for hiking and biking, and nearby lakes for paddling. It’s a convenient base for exploring Texas hill country adventures just outside Austin.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Pace Bend Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Canters Along the Cliffs: Pace Bend Trail Ride on Lake Travis
ADVEXPEDITION
Austin, Texas
HorseADV Bookable

Canters Along the Cliffs: Pace Bend Trail Ride on Lake Travis

Guided rides from Maverick Horseback Riding traverse Pace Bend Park’s limestone cliffs and more than nine miles of Lake Travis shoreline; this guide lays out what to expect, fees, and group limits.

HorsePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip