Quinlan Park Boat Ramp: Open Or Closed?

Mary Quinlan Park is a small park in Austin, Texas, that offers 5.8 acres of rolling hills and 200 feet of shoreline access to Lake Austin. The park is known for its boat ramp, which is the only public boat ramp for several miles around. The boat ramp at Mary Quinlan Park has been the subject of some news reports and forum discussions, with people sharing their fishing experiences and others reporting incidents that have occurred in the area. The park is open from sunrise to civil twilight and offers various amenities, including barbecue grills, a basketball court, and picnic tables.

Mary Quinlan Park is the gateway to Lake Austin

The boat ramp at Mary Quinlan Park is an excellent option for those looking to get out on Lake Austin. The lake is known for its narrow width in this area, giving boaters and fishers alike a taste of the original steep-sloped Colorado River bottoms. The park is also a great option for those looking to avoid the crowds and fees associated with other boat ramps in the area. With no park use fee and free admission, Mary Quinlan Park provides a cost-effective way to enjoy the lake.

In addition to the boat ramp, Mary Quinlan Park offers barbecue grills, a basketball court, lake access, and picnic tables. However, it is important to note that the park does not provide any equipment for these activities, and there is no electricity or drinking water available on-site. The park is open from sunrise to civil twilight, and glass containers, ground fires, and fireworks are prohibited.

Zebra Mussels have been found along the shoreline of the lake, so swimmers and others seeking water-based recreation should exercise caution when in or near the water. It is also recommended to clean, drain, and dry your boat and other gear before and after using it in the lake to prevent the spread of zebra mussels, which is required by law.

Overall, Mary Quinlan Park serves as an important gateway to Lake Austin, providing public access to the lake and offering a peaceful and cost-effective way to enjoy a day on the water.

The park offers 5.8 acres of rolling hills with 200 feet of shoreline access

Mary Quinlan Park is a small, moderately visited park located on the upper reaches of Lake Austin. The park offers 5.8 acres of rolling hills with 200 feet of shoreline access, including a public boat ramp. This boat ramp is the only one available for several miles, making it a popular spot for fishing and boating. The narrow width of Lake Austin in this area gives the park a unique feel, preserving the atmosphere of the original steep-sloped Colorado River bottoms.

The park is situated at 1601 Quinlan Park Road in South Austin, Texas, and is open from sunrise to civil twilight. It is a free day-use park, offering barbecue grills, a basketball court, lake access, and picnic tables. However, it is important to note that there is no electricity or drinking water available, and visitors must bring their own equipment for activities. Ground fires, glass containers, and fireworks are prohibited in the park.

The boat ramp at Mary Quinlan Park provides easy access to the lake for boaters and anglers. The lake is also known for its fishing spots, and the park's shoreline access makes it a convenient place to cast a line. The park serves as the gateway to Lake Austin, offering a peaceful escape for those seeking to connect with nature.

Zebra Mussels have been found along the shoreline of the lake, and swimmers and recreational water users are advised to exercise caution. Additionally, an incident involving a submerged vehicle near the boat ramp was reported in 2019, underscoring the importance of safety precautions when enjoying the lake. Overall, Mary Quinlan Park is a tranquil and scenic spot, offering a range of outdoor activities for visitors.

It has the only public boat ramp for several miles

Mary Quinlan Park is located on the upper reaches of Lake Austin, in Austin, Texas. The small park offers 5.8 acres of rolling hills with 200 feet of shoreline access. It is the gateway to Lake Austin, providing a peaceful place to fish and the only public boat ramp for several miles. The boat ramp at Mary Quinlan Park is one of two excellent concrete public boat ramps on Lake Austin. The other is the Walsh Boat Landing, located off Lake Austin Boulevard.

The park's boat ramp is located at the end of Quinlan Park Road. It is open from sunrise to civil twilight and there is no park use fee. The park also offers barbecue grills, a basketball court, picnic tables, and portable toilets. However, there is no electricity or drinking water available, and visitors must bring their own equipment for activities.

The park preserves the feel of the original steep-sloped Colorado River bottoms due to the narrow width of Lake Austin in this area. Zebra mussels have been found along the shoreline, so swimmers and others seeking water-based recreation should exercise caution when in or near the water. The public is also strongly encouraged to avoid contact with algae and to keep dogs from ingesting or playing in algae in Lake Travis or Lake Austin.

Mary Quinlan Park is easily accessible and provides a great opportunity for boat enthusiasts and fishers to enjoy the water. With its rolling hills and shoreline access, the park offers a peaceful and scenic experience for visitors seeking outdoor recreation.

Zebra Mussels have been found along the shoreline, so caution is advised

Mary Quinlan Park in Austin, Texas, is open to the public and offers a boat ramp for access to Lake Austin. The park features 5.8 acres of rolling hills with 200 feet of shoreline access, including the only public boat ramp for several miles. The boat ramp at Mary Quinlan Park provides an opportunity for bass fishing and other water-based recreation.

However, it is important to exercise caution when visiting the park due to the presence of Zebra Mussels along the shoreline. Zebra Mussels are an invasive species that have been found in the reservoir. They can attach themselves to boats, trailers, and other gear, and it is illegal to possess or transport them. Before visiting Mary Quinlan Park, ensure that you are taking the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of Zebra Mussels. This includes cleaning, draining, and drying your boat and other equipment before and after use. By following these measures, you can help protect the ecosystem of Lake Austin and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the park.

Zebra Mussels pose a significant threat to the aquatic environment and can have detrimental effects on native species and the overall health of the lake. They are known for their rapid reproduction and ability to colonize surfaces in large numbers. Their sharp shells can also pose a risk to swimmers and other water enthusiasts, so it is essential to wear appropriate footwear when entering the water. In addition, the presence of Zebra Mussels can impact the structural integrity of boats and other watercraft over time, so regular inspection and maintenance are crucial.

To protect yourself and the environment, it is crucial to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Clean, Drain, and Dry: After leaving the water, thoroughly clean your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other equipment. Drain all water and dry your gear completely before visiting another body of water.
• Inspect Your Equipment: Carefully examine your boat, trailer, and other gear for any attached Zebra Mussels. Remove them properly and dispose of them in a sealed container or bag.
• Disinfect Your Gear: Use hot water or a mild bleach solution to disinfect your equipment. This will help kill any remaining Zebra Mussels or their larvae, preventing their spread to other water bodies.
• Practice Good Hygiene: If you come into contact with Zebra Mussels, wash your hands and other exposed body parts thoroughly. This is especially important if you have open wounds, as Zebra Mussels can pose a risk of infection.
• Report Sightings: If you notice Zebra Mussels in new locations, report them to the appropriate authorities or management organizations. This helps track their spread and allows for timely implementation of control measures.

By being vigilant and following these precautions, you can help prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels and ensure that Mary Quinlan Park and Lake Austin remain safe and enjoyable for all visitors.

The park is free to enter and open from sunrise to civil twilight

Mary Quinlan Park is located on the upper reaches of Lake Austin in Texas and is free to enter. The park is open daily from sunrise to civil twilight, with today's hours being from 07:27 am to 06:12 pm. It offers 5.8 acres of rolling hills with 200 feet of shoreline access, providing a peaceful place for fishing and the only public boat ramp for several miles. The boat ramp at the end of Quinlan Park Road is a great spot for bass fishing, as one angler caught a "decent" fish there.

The park is a small, moderately visited area that preserves the feel of the original steep-sloped Colorado River bottoms due to the narrow width of Lake Austin in this area. It offers barbecue grills, a basketball court, lake access, picnic tables, and portable toilets. However, it's important to note that there is no electricity or drinking water available, and visitors must bring their own equipment for the activities provided. Ground fires, glass containers, and fireworks are prohibited in the park.

Zebra Mussels have been found along the shoreline, so swimmers and those engaging in water-based recreation should exercise caution. Additionally, the LCRA and Travis County Parks strongly advise against contact with algae and encourage dog owners to keep their pets from ingesting or playing with algae in Lake Travis or Lake Austin.

Mary Quinlan Park serves the communities of Steiner Ranch, River Place, Grandview Hills, Westminster Glen, and Comanche Trail. It is located at 1601 Quinlan Park Road, Austin, TX 78732, and can be contacted at 512-854-7275.

Frequently asked questions