Pace Bend Park - The Ultimate Guide to Lake Travis Camping & Hiking

Must reserve campsites early and coordinate sunrise views to lock in your plan. A solid approach starts with checking current reviews and choosing sites near west-facing coves to catch both sunrise and sunset hues. For groups, pick a size that fits snugly in a two-row layout to give children room to roam. If children are along, bring a light jacket and shade, plus a banana or snack that travels well. A good starter map helps you align your route with trailheads under a bright star, ensuring easy return before dark.

System checks before departure: confirm owner permissions, fees, and rules from Gracy staff. West Shoreline Reserve groups sites near boat ramps. For power, a chargetrailer helps keep devices charged during long days; pack a cherry and a banana for quick energy. For children, brief lessons about wildlife boost safety. A captain-led sunset cruise can provide a stellar view over calm west coves.

Gear Essentials: a lightweight jacket plus rain shell, compact first-aid kit, and a small cooling towel. Make the most of each moment by planning a loop that returns to shaded sites near the shoreline, and include quick breaks at a few parks with overlook decks. If you’re towing, ensure your setup works with a proper chargetrailer hookup and a spare battery. reviews from other families highlight calm mornings and safe play zones for children.

Pace Bend Park: Lake Travis Camping & Hiking and 23' Tige RZX Boat Rental Guide

Pick the 23' Tige RZX for your day on the water and hire a captain for a complete, stress-free outing. Craft delivers quality wakesurf and surf waves, with a ballast setup that adapts to group size, so you get the right vibe every run. What you need to plan: a time window, a dock pickup, and a clear list of riders. This package will include a wakesurf board, ropes, and safety gear to meet needs. Owner Mansfield Starnes runs a straightforward operation and accepts cards to secure a reservation; many bookings include a quick pre-trip briefing and a check-out process that keeps flow easy from downtown ramps to water. Ramp pickups are streamlined for quick water access.

Wake system delivers solid surf wave and smooth wake for beginners and experienced riders; which features include a dedicated ballast array, a deep hull, and an easy-access cockpit. slideshade protects bow and cockpit, boosting comfort during long sessions; switch vibe by using optional tritoons as backup craft for guests who prefer calmer ride or larger group comfort. Rig supports standard racks, a surfboard starter pack, and tow ropes for kids ages 5–17 under supervision.

Logistics: ramp pickups are simple; captains can direct you directly to familiar spots along shorelines, including quiet coves, sandy banks, and cliff overlooks; ideal for a mixed crew with boater backgrounds. Downtown access means nearby dining and shops; shorelines near Mansfield and Starnes offer easy launch zones and clear signage for campers and hikers who want to swap water days for trail time. If group is large, consider adding a second craft or tritoons, keeping everyone engaged and avoiding bottlenecks.

Prohibited: fires on shore, glass containers near water access, reckless behavior; ages under 18 must be accompanied. Boaters are expected to follow posted speed limits and no-wake zones near docks; owner and crew enforce safety. Time windows range from early morning to late afternoon; bookings run in 4–8 hour blocks, with some outfits offering full-day rates. Cards accepted include Visa, MasterCard, and American Express; include a wakesurf board, life jackets, and a spare throw rope to ensure safety on busy weekends.

To maximize value, pick easy access ramps and reserve a distinct time slot to minimize traffic; secure an award-winning experience by booking directly through the operator, who maintains a complete maintenance log and quality-control checks before each trip. Vibe at dock tends to be casual yet organized, with many captains ready to run you through best, less-crowded spots. Times to combine on one day include a morning lakeside cruise, a midday wake session, and a late-afternoon shore stroll near downtown dining zones.

Camping Options at Pace Bend: Site types, capacity, and reservation process

Book early for weekend stays–reserve 2–3 months ahead to lock in your preferred option. Developed sites with water and power are the easiest choice for groups, while a smaller, primitive patch offers outstanding solitude in mornings. Look for options near Lakeway area for quick access and courtesy at county office.

Site types include: drive-to pads with a table, ring, and grill; standard tent pads; and small group areas designed for 8–20 campers. Each space serves a defined capacity; smaller single-site spaces fit 4–6 people comfortably; group areas can host larger gatherings. Some pads accommodate motorized rigs; others are strictly non-motorized. All sites are clearly labeled and meet safety needs. Each space is assigned directly, and access roads are well-maintained for easy drive-in entry.

County offering spans basic to enhanced amenities, with a straightforward reservation process online. For outings, you should create an account, pick dates, and select site type; office staff can assist with complex changes. Orientation slides cover safety rules, and mornings are ideal for settling in before crowds. When you arrive, gate staff in vests will direct you onto your site; they operate with courtesy and help with check-in. Group outings may require coordinated lessons and a captain-led briefing, especially for motorized arrivals. If you need a lone, simple setup, a small site near water’s edge is easy to reach, while others around offer more space for longhorn emphasis or family music evenings.

Trail Highlights and Difficulty: Pace Bend Park’s best hikes by distance

Recommendation: begin with the 0.9-mile North Shore Loop for a gentle warm-up with solid footing on limestone, staying near the water’s edge. It’s usually family-friendly, ideal for children, and offers photo spots with views toward downtown Austin; early arrivals enjoy cooler air and lighter crowds.

Second option: Highland Ridge Trail, a 2.3-mile middle-distance loop with modest climbs and limestone ledges. Residency in nearby highland communities usually chooses it as a first longer outing; there’s a 2-story overlook perfect for a break and photo. The climb holds a solid grade and rewards with expansive views across the shoreline flats.

Third: Lakeside Vista Path, about 3.6 miles, weaves along the waterline with longer segments through open prairie and rocky outcrops. There’s designated swim access in coves near the marina; pontoons and a barge glide by on windy days. Bring jackets for cooler shade, and plan ahead to catch a sunrise photo before the crowds arrive, especially if you’re visiting with children or siblings.

Fourth: Lakeshore Summit Traverse, roughly 5.0 miles, the longest option with steeper climbs and solid footing along limestone ridges. This route attracts experienced hikers and those seeking a bigger challenge; access is governed by a formal agreement, with some sections held by private owners (superowner parcels). For Mansfield visitors and residents from downtown Austin chasing experiences, this track delivers solid 5-star moments that are worth the effort, possibly requiring extra water and a cautious step across exposed ledges.

Lake Rules and Safety for Water Activities: Boating, swimming, and wakeboarding basics

Start every session by verifying life jacket requirements and weather updates; all riders must wear USCG-approved PFDs while underway, with children under 13 wearing them at all times on any boat or platform. Possibly bring extra PFDs for guests; inspect each device for wear. Keep a whistle, a horn, and a first-aid kit aboard; keep volume low on speakers to preserve safety signals. Before departure, check fueling hoses and battery connections to stay secure; use pickup area only for loading gear, not for parking heavy equipment near ramps. Check forecast for winds 15–25 mph gusts; if storms form, postpone activities. A concise technical briefing is required before rental launches.

Boating rules require a licensed operator if needed; ensure all craft have current registration and a copy of operator’s license or permitted certificate. Keep to right side of channels and use opposite side when passing head-on. Maintain distance at least 50–100 feet from swimmers and anchored boats; observe posted no-wake zones within 30–60 meters of shoreline; idle speed near docks. Use navigation lights at dusk; register guest count as a group for safety planning; time on water should be logged to avoid overloading any crew. In rental scenarios, provider will verify availability and collect a short safety briefing; if you rent, a trained team member may supervise to ensure compliance. Sailing craft should yield to motorized traffic; statistical data show safe operation should be practiced by every user to reduce incidents.

Wakeboarding and wakesurf basics: designate a dedicated zone away from swimmers; wakesurf operations require a spotter and a leash or clear separation; use appropriate tow lines and equipment; rope length for wakesurf operations typically 15–25 meters; a separate rope for wakeboarding spans 20–24 meters. Ensure a spotter is in place and signals rider when riders fall; riders should wear a helmet if provided; never attempt tricks near ramps or piers. For beginners, practice within personday limits per rental agreement; use a stable boat with sufficient horsepower; limit sessions to 15–20 minutes per rider if crowds are heavy. Equipment technologies like GPS-controlled speed limiting can enhance safety; harnessing such technologies helps manage speeds and reduces foam in shallow zones.

Swimming safety: Swim only in designated zones; never dive in shallow water; observe posted times for swimmers when boats are using area; keep distance from piers, grills, and shore facilities; wear PFDs in all water near shore; keep a close watch on children; restrict unsupervised access to water; if foam from shore appears, steer away from foam pockets as they can mask hazards; designate a photo-friendly area for family shots without blocking traffic. In heavy wind, avoid broad open-water swimming; consider sheltered coves when possible. Statistical notes indicate higher risk near docks, so stay toward central channels and away from foam patches.

Equipment and logistics: ramps and docks have posted instructions; use ramp for loading at sunrise and late afternoon when crowds ease; use pickup to shuttle gear and avoid trailing lines; if using grills area, keep fuel and flames away from dry vegetation and do not leave unattended. Bring a spare car key or photo ID for rentals; guests should present a valid ID to verify identity. Availability of rental gear fluctuates; reserve ahead during weekends; typical group bookings cover 4–6 hours and include life jackets, boards, and ropes. West-side launch points tend to be less crowded than downtown access; plan routes accordingly and allow extra time for parking and photo stops.

Protection and safety technologies: technicians and guides may deploy GPS-based monitoring to enforce speed limits; boats should be equipped with a VHF radio or mobile signal; wear hearing protection in noisy dock areas; speakers should be positioned away from anglers and swimmers. Harnessing a simple, developed safety plan reduces risk; create a concise safety briefing for guests before any activity; ensure user instructions are clear and shared with all guests. Make sure all guests understand emergency procedures; for group events, assign roles like lookout, line handler, and emergency contact to keep operations smooth and safe; availability of equipment and rentals should be confirmed prior to day.

Emergency readiness and rules quick-check: keep address of closest medical facility in crew notes; in case of accident, call local emergency services immediately; share location with harbor master or rangers via hudson-area contact point if available; maintain a calm, organized response and a photo of injuries for medical staff on site if needed. Remember no late-night schedule; stop activities if winds shift or visibility drops; stay updated on plans and adjust accordingly. West district coordinators and downtown marshals provide support if crowding increases; always ensure a safe, respectful environment for guests and residents.

Renting the 23' Tige RZX: Inclusions, fuel policy, insurance, and availability

You should book 48 hours ahead via marina desk or rental company site to secure a slot for a windy afternoon. Celebrate a smooth trip by bringing proof of booking and a credit card at check-in; thanks for choosing this offering, our team will provide courtesy instruction and education before you drive off.

Inclusions

• 23' Tige RZX with trailer and wake tower
• Full safety kit: life jackets (PFDs), throw rope, whistle
• Bimini shade, wakeboard racks, ballast system, and on-board audio
• Swim platform, non-slip mats, and boarding ladder
• YETI cooler and snacks for your trip
• On-site grills at marina for shore-side cooking and a designated courtesy area
• Proof of booking and digital confirmation provided at check-in
• Access to marina amenities and helpful staff from a dedicated company team

Fuel policy

1. Full-to-full fuel policy: pick up with full tank, return with full tank; in-house refueling service available at prevailing rates
2. If fuel level drops below preset threshold, refueling charges apply plus fuel cost; you may opt to prepay for fuel at booking
3. Gas receipts and refueling proof are logged and archived for your trip

Insurance

• Standard liability coverage is included with rental
• Optional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) available to reduce out-of-pocket costs
• Deductible and coverage limits clearly stated at booking; proof of insurance from your provider can be used
• Driver must meet age and license requirements; company reserves the right to verify and approve drivers

Availability and booking

1. Where to book: via the rental company site or directly at the marina desk; you can also coordinate through a dedicated user account on file
2. Typically high demand on weekends and during December; plan ahead to secure a preferred time slot near limestone bluffs or hill shores
3. Duration options: half-day and full-day trips; you can extend your pace if skippers approve a longer window
4. Drive instruction and safety education are provided before departure
5. Cancellation terms are straightforward; if plans change, notify the company as soon as possible to minimize penalties

Notes: expect briefings to cover wake zones, speed limits near a barge or other pontoons, and best practices for a back-to-back trip with a 2-story wake tower appearance. For a star-rated experience, arrive with a plan for afternoon activities, bring snacks and mats, and keep a respectful pace while enjoying a Longhorn sunset–where the limestone cliffs glow and music from nearby shores adds to the vibe. December trips can be chilly, so include warm layers and a plan for on-land fun after parking the boat. proof of donation is appreciated if you celebrate a milestone on board; thanks for choosing this service and enjoy your ride wherever your itinerary takes you.

Practical Visit Tips: Seasonal access, parking, gear checklist, and etiquette

Arrive before first light during peak season to secure parking near ramps and office; seasonal access hours vary by site and posted signs override recommendations.

Parking options vary by site; use paved lots when available, and smaller craft may use designated overflow sites. Follow posted directions to areas such as starnes lot or gracy zone; avoid blocking lanes and keep entrances clear. If you reach travis-area access, plan extra time to reach main docks.

Gear checklist covers easy essentials for a day out: PFDs for each person, a throwable flotation device, a compact anchor with line, a fender, a simple first aid kit, water, sunscreen, map or GPS, identity and proof of access if required. For wakesurf fans, bring wakesurf gear and leash. For motorized trips, include fuel containers, spare parts, and a chargetrailer connection where available. Electricity outlets may be found near office or dock area, enabling quick top-ups for devices. Some slips provide power directly at the dock. Rentals from getmyboat often offer captained options; those improve safety and provide experienced guidance, especially on unfamiliar spots.

Etiquette and safety: keep noise to a minimum during early hours; yield to larger craft and obey wake rules; avoid floating in restricted zones; park your vehicle away from floaters and protect home shores. Here’s a practical approach: limit wakes to gentle levels, maintain a safe distance of at least 30 feet from other vessels, and simply follow posted signage; if anything seems unfamiliar, ask office for guidance. This united approach helps location-based rules be respected by all visitors.