An enormous rock formation pushes out into Lake Travis at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey

An enormous rock formation pushes out into Lake Travis at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey

The Lower Colorado River Authority manages some of the most scenic parks in the Highland Lakes, along with the lakes themselves. Go to LCRAparks.com for details. Entrance fees required at each.

  • Black Rock Park, 3400 Texas 261 in Buchanan Dam—This 25-acre park has 18 cabins for rent, RV hookups, and an events hall. It also rents kayaks and standup paddleboards. Enjoy fishing, swimming, miniature golf, and sand volleyball. The park doesn’t have a boat ramp, but the Llano County park next door does. Call 512-369-4774. 
  • Camp Creek Park, 1221 CR 343 east of Marble Falls off of RR 1431—The park sits on the upper end of Lake Travis and offers fishing, picnicking under shady pecan trees, tent camping, and six explorer tent rentals. Call 512-473-3366.
  • Cedar Point Recreation Area, 545 RR 3014 in Tow—At 310 acres, this park is one of the largest public pieces of land on Lake Buchanan and features 3 miles of shoreline. Fish, camp, or watch wildlife here. Call 512-473-3366. 
  • Gloster Bend Recreation Area, 3533 Hollingsworth Road east of Marble Falls—This 508-acre, day-use park has more than a mile of shoreline and two secluded coves on Lake Travis’ north shore. Most visitors come to use the boat ramp, which is open 24 hours. The park is ideal for picnicking, fishing, and swimming. Call 512-473-3366.
  • Grelle Recreation Area, 640 CR 412 in Spicewood—This 276-acre park is wrapped around an isolated cove on the south shore of Lake Travis. With 8 miles of wooded trails, it is ideal for horseback riding (you bring the equine) and hiking the hills with spectacular views of Lake Travis. The cove’s grassy shoreline is great for swimming and launching canoes and kayaks. Tent camping is allowed. Call 512-473-3366.
  • Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, 2820 CR 414 in Spicewood—This outdoor enthusiast’s mecca has a 9.8-mile mountain-biking trail (some of it fairly challenging single-track), running trails, horseback riding (you bring the equine), and water activities in Lake Travis. Camping is allowed, and kayaks, paddleboards, and QuietKat electric mountain bikes are available to rent. The boat ramp is accessible 24 hours a day. Call 512-473-3366.
  • Pedernales River Nature Park, 404 U.S. 281 North in Johnson City—This 222-acre, day-use park features shoreline fishing on the Pedernales River. The numerous trees are ideal for a picnic. It has a 1.5-mile trail for walking and two pavilions for rent on special occasions. Swimming is not allowed. Call 512-473-3366.
  • Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, 706 CR 343A east of Marble Falls—This 508-acre park has a lot to offer, including day hikes and overnight camping. It has trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, while the sandy shore offers fishing and swimming access. Call 512-473-3366.
  • Turkey Bend Recreation Area, 4000 Shaw Drive east of Marble Falls—Fish and camp at this 1,146-acre park nestled along the Colorado River arm of Lake Travis. It doesn’t have a boat ramp, but you can launch canoes and kayaks from the park. The campsites are “unimproved,” but the views and the 15 miles of hiking trails make up for it. Call 512-473-3366.