Bob Wentz Park

Park Overview

Positioned on the shores of Lake Travis in Austin, Texas lies Bob Wentz Park, a 211-acre spot in the Texas Hill Country. The park features the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Lake Travis, providing Austinites and visitors a place to escape the Texas heat. Entry will set you back $5 per adult (cash only), while kiddos under 12 can enjoy the park for free.

The Point

A notable feature of Bob Wentz Park is "The Point," a sandy peninsula that juts out into the lake. Here you'll come across covered picnic spots and restrooms, making it great for a day of swimming, lounging on the shore, or simply gazing out at the stunning lake views. Just a heads up - your four-legged friends will need to stay in other areas of the park, as pets aren't allowed at The Point.

Water Activities

If you're looking to get wet, you'll find plenty of options. The park is popular for windsurfing, sailing, and even scuba diving in Lake Travis's clear waters. There's a boat ramp available, but it's limited to non-motorized watercraft only - think kayaks and paddleboards rather than speedboats.

The swimming is fantastic, but don't say we didn't warn you about the rocky shoreline in some spots. Do yourself a favor and pack some water shoes to protect your feet. Lake levels can fluctuate year-round, so sometimes you might find yourself on a bit of a hike to reach the water's edge. Safety-conscious visitors will appreciate the life jackets available for both adults and kids.

Land Recreation

Not in the mood for a swim? No problem. The park offers scenic hiking trails and a sand volleyball court for the land-lovers among us. Scattered within the grounds are numerous picnic areas complete with barbecue grills - fantastic for cooking up a lakeside feast.

Planning a bigger gathering? You can reserve the park's pavilion, which offers gorgeous lake views along with tables, chairs, and electrical outlets. You'll also find several canopied picnic areas with charcoal grills dotted around the park for more casual get-togethers.

Accessibility and Terrain

Be prepared to stretch your legs a bit, as the parking areas aren't right next to the water. Depending on the season and lake levels, you might have quite a trek from your car to the shoreline.

The paths to the water can be uneven and rocky in places, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. If you're bringing coolers, chairs, and other gear, you might want to bring a cart to save yourself some backache.

Dog-Friendly Areas

While The Point is a no-go for dogs, your furry companions are welcome in other parts of the park. Many locals bring their pups to splash and play in the designated dog-friendly areas. Just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them to keep the park beautiful for everyone.

Visitor Information

Remember that $5 per adult entrance fee we mentioned? It's cash only at the entrance booth, so hit the ATM before you arrive. If you're a regular, consider grabbing an annual pass to save some money in the long run.

The park welcomes visitors daily from 8AM to 6PM. On holidays and perfect summer weekends, the park can reach capacity pretty quickly - once it's full, they'll close the gates to prevent overcrowding.

You'll discover clean restrooms throughout the park, but they might be a bit of a walk from where you set up camp for the day. For maximum comfort, pack plenty of sunscreen, water, and maybe a pop-up canopy for shade, as trees can be sparse near the water's edge.