Lake Travis Boat Ramps: Open Or Closed?

Lake Travis is a popular boating destination in Central Texas, known for its sparkling waters and scenic views. However, the lake's water levels can be unpredictable, fluctuating between drought and periodic floods. These water level changes can impact the accessibility of boat ramps, as ramps may close when water levels drop too low. As of November 2024, several boat ramps at Lake Travis were closed due to low water levels, including Bob Wentz at Windy Point, Gloster Bend Recreation Area, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Pace Bend - Collier Cove, and Pace Bend - Tatum Cove. The Mansfield Dam Park Boat Ramp and Tournament Point at Pace Bend Park Boat Ramp remain open, offering boaters access to the lake. With the cyclical nature of the lake's water levels, boaters are advised to check the status of ramps before heading out to ensure a smooth launch.

Mansfield Dam Park Boat Ramp

The Mansfield Dam Park Boat Ramp is located at 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Road in Austin, Texas. The boat ramp is one of the primary access points for boaters on Lake Travis and is the deepest and most accessible boat ramp on the lake. It features four lanes, with an adjoining wheelchair-accessible courtesy dock, to make launching boats easier. The courtesy dock at Mansfield Dam was closed for maintenance and repair in November 2024.

The Mansfield Dam Park offers beautiful views of Lake Travis and a range of amenities for visitors, including barbecue grills, campsites for scuba divers, chess tables, a climbing boulder, covered shelters, a designated swim cove, fishing, paved multi-use trails, a playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and an underwater dive park. The park also has the largest public boat ramp on Lake Travis, which can accommodate up to 112 trailer-towing vehicles.

The boat ramp can be quite active during peak boating season, and delays for launching boats can be expected on busy weekends and holidays. The park is open 24 hours a day, from sunrise to civil twilight. Park Entry and Amenity fees can only be paid in cash, and visitors are encouraged to avoid contact with algae and keep their dogs from ingesting or playing in it.

Zebra mussels have been found along the shoreline of Lake Travis, so swimmers and others seeking water-based recreation should exercise caution when in or near the water.

Tournament Point at Pace Bend Park Boat Ramp

The Tournament Point boat ramp at Pace Bend Park is located on Lake Travis in Texas. It is one of three boat ramps at Pace Bend Park, the others being at Collier Cove and Tatum Cove. The boat ramp is open from 8 am to civil twilight.

In September 2023, the boat ramp was closed due to low water levels at Lake Travis. This was not the first time the ramp had to be closed due to low water levels. However, as of September 2024, the ramp was open again.

Lake Travis is a popular spot for boaters, but drought and periodic floods can sometimes cause issues. Boat ramps are often closed if the water level drops too low, and the lake is closed to recreational boaters during severe floods.

Lake Travis is the most-visited recreational lake in Texas and has the largest and most diverse boat charter fleet in the state. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and is a popular spot for boating, swimming, and camping.

Bob Wentz at Windy Point

Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts and swimmers, located in the basin area of Lake Travis in the scenic Hill Country of central Texas. The park first opened in 1983 and has since become a favourite location for windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving and swimming. It features a sandy peninsula known as "The Point", with covered picnic areas, restrooms, and access to the water. The park also offers a boat dock, two sand volleyball courts, a shoreline walking path, and a pavilion with outstanding views of the lake.

The park's close proximity to Austin, approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown, makes it an attractive destination for picnicking and water-based activities. However, it is important to note that the boat ramp at Bob Wentz Park is currently closed due to low lake levels. Visitors are advised to take caution when visiting the non-motorized boat launch area due to the overgrowth of the invasive plant hydrilla.

Zebra mussels have been found along the shoreline, so swimmers and other water recreation seekers should exercise caution. The LCRA and Travis County Parks strongly encourage people to avoid contact with algae and to keep their dogs from ingesting or playing in the algae in Lake Travis or Lake Austin.

Bob Wentz Park experiences large crowds during holiday weekends and may reach capacity, leading to closures for the remainder of the day. It is advised that visitors be aware of potential closures and plan their visits accordingly. The park is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, with no new entries allowed 30 minutes before closing.

Gloster Bend Recreation Area

The park offers grills, BBQ pits, and a fire ring, as well as a boat ramp for those looking to get out on the water. The boat ramp is open 24 hours a day, although the park itself is only open during the day, from sunrise to sunset. Pre-approved activities may take place outside of standard park hours.

It's important to note that, while Lake Travis remains open for boating, some of the public boat ramps offering access to the lake have been closed due to low water levels. As of September 2024, the boat ramp at Gloster Bend Recreation Area was closed. However, most boat rental and charter companies have their boats at marinas in the water and continue to offer full access to the lake.

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

The park also has a 600-foot-long boat ramp, which opened in April 2024. The ramp was initially unavailable due to low water levels, but it is now open for boaters to access the lake. Lake Travis is known for its crystal-clear water, and Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area provides an excellent opportunity to explore the lake, with watercraft rentals available on-site.

In addition to boating and mountain biking, visitors to the park can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and picnicking. The park is open year-round, and reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

It is important to note that zebra mussels have invaded the reservoir, so proper boating procedures must be followed to prevent their spread. Glass containers are not permitted in the park, and there may be burn bans in place during certain periods.

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