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Outdoor Spotlight - Pace Bend Park

2701 FM 2322 North, 4.5 miles off Hwy 71
266-1482

I am always on the lookout for good camping spots around Austin. The problem is finding something that appeals to everyone. Pace Bend is definitely on the top of my list. The park is surrounded on three sides by Lake Travis. It is over a thousand acres with several hundred campsites. I always camp at the primitive sites, but improved sites are available for RVs. When camping with my wife, I always end up on the cliff-side portion of the park. The views are incredible, and there tends to be more privacy. The water is still accessible, but a little climbing may be involved.

When camping with my daughter, I opt for the beach side. I wouldn't want her to walk off the side of a cliff in the middle of the night. The beach side has a fair amount of advantages. First and foremost, the descent to the water is very gradual. In fact, many folks with jet skis or boats, just back right on up to the water rather than taking advantage of the boat ramps. Secondly, the lake depth is very gradual, so it's ideal if you'd rather wade in the water than swim.

Rather than ramble forever, which I could do (I like this park that much), I'll just give you a brief list of reasons why I'd recommend this park.

• Miles of shoreline
• Grills and picnic tables at the campsites
• Dogs allowed
• Horses allowed
• Cheap ($5 per car for day trips, $10 a night for primitive campsites, $?? for RVs and trailers)
• Hiking trails (enough to get lost if you're not careful)
• Restrooms within walking distance of any campsite
• Enough space to get away from other campers
• Designated swimming areas
• Boats and jet skis allowed

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Written by Jason Massey
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