Map of Lake Travis | Splashtown ATX
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Map of Lake Travis | Lake Travis Boat Rentals
Looking for a map of Lake Travis to plan your boating adventure? Understanding the geography of this massive Texas lake is essential for making the most of your time on the water. At over 60 miles of shoreline and nearly 19,000 acres of surface area, Lake Travis offers countless destinations — but knowing where to go (and how to get there) makes all the difference.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Lake Travis geography: the major areas, popular destinations, navigation basics, and how to orient yourself on Austin's most famous lake. Whether you're booking a Lake Travis boat rental or exploring on your own, this is your complete Lake Travis orientation.
Let's map out your Lake Travis adventure.
Lake Travis Overview
The Basics
Lake Travis is a reservoir on the Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country, located northwest of Austin. Created by the construction of Mansfield Dam in 1942, it's become the recreational heart of the Austin area.
Key statistics:
Length: Approximately 65 miles (at full capacity)
Maximum width: 4.5 miles
Surface area: 18,929 acres (at full capacity)
Maximum depth: 210 feet (near Mansfield Dam)
Shoreline: Over 270 miles
Elevation: 681 feet above sea level (full capacity)
Important note: Lake Travis is a flood-control reservoir, meaning water levels fluctuate significantly based on rainfall, drought, and dam management. The lake can be dramatically fuller or emptier than these "full capacity" numbers suggest.
Lake Travis vs. Lake Austin
Many visitors confuse Lake Travis and Lake Austin. Here's the distinction:
Lake Travis:
Larger (18,929 acres vs. 1,830 acres)
Created by Mansfield Dam
More open water, bigger waves possible
Home to Devil's Cove and party cove culture
Multiple marinas and access points
Popular for boating, sailing, and water sports
Lake Austin:
Smaller, narrower
Created by Tom Miller Dam
Calmer waters, more residential
Closer to downtown Austin
Different character (more intimate)
Lake Austin boat rentals offer a different experience
Both are part of the Highland Lakes chain, but they offer distinctly different experiences.
Major Areas of Lake Travis
Understanding the Lake's Shape
Lake Travis is long and narrow, running roughly northwest to southeast. Think of it as a winding river that got very wide. The main channel runs through the center, with numerous coves, inlets, and arms branching off.
Orientation basics:
Southeast end: Mansfield Dam (where the lake begins)
Northwest end: The upper reaches near Marble Falls
Eastern shore: Includes Volente, Devil's Cove, Lago Vista
Western shore: Includes Lakeway, The Oasis, various marinas
The Southeast Section (Near Mansfield Dam)
This is where Lake Travis officially begins, held back by Mansfield Dam.
Key features:
Deepest part of the lake (up to 210 feet)
Mansfield Dam Park (shore access)
Hippie Hollow Park (clothing-optional shoreline)
Transition point to Lake Austin (below the dam)
Character: Deeper water, less boat traffic than central sections, scenic cliffs and hills.
Popular activities:
Cliff jumping (at designated safe areas)
Deep water swimming
Scenic cruising
Fishing
The Central Section (Lakeway to Hudson Bend)
The most developed and popular section for recreation.
Key features:
Lakeway area (major development, marinas, The Oasis)
Hudson Bend area
Multiple marinas and boat ramps
High boat traffic on weekends
Many coves and swimming spots
Character: This is the "main" Lake Travis that most people picture — busy, developed, lots of boats and activity.
Popular activities:
Boating and cruising
Restaurant hopping by boat
Wakeboarding and water sports
General recreation
The Eastern Shore (Volente Area)
Home to the famous party cove scene.
Key features:
Devil's Cove (the legendary party cove)
Volente Beach Waterpark (shore access)
Sandy Creek area
Various coves and swimming spots
Character: More rugged, less developed than Lakeway side. Party cove culture on weekends.
Popular activities:
Devil's Cove party scene
Quiet cove swimming (off-peak)
Exploration
Bachelor/bachelorette parties
The Northern Section (Lago Vista to Marble Falls)
The upper reaches of Lake Travis, less crowded and more natural.
Key features:
Lago Vista area
Pace Bend Park (major park with camping)
Arkansas Bend
Narrower channels
More natural shoreline
Character: Quieter, less developed, feels more remote. Water levels more dramatically affected here during droughts.
Popular activities:
Camping (Pace Bend, Arkansas Bend)
Exploring
Fishing
Escaping crowds
Popular Destinations on Lake Travis
Devil's Cove
Location: Eastern shore, near Volente What it is: Austin's legendary party cove Best for: Bachelor/bachelorette parties, social boating, weekend celebrations
Navigation:
Eastern shore, approximately marker 30 area
Look for the cluster of boats on summer weekends
Narrow entrance with rocky sides
When to go:
Summer weekends for party scene
Weekday mornings for peaceful swimming
Full Devil's Cove guide here (link to Blog #12)
Starnes Island
Location: Central lake area What it is: Island destination with sandbars (water level dependent) Best for: Swimming, anchoring, alternative to Devil's Cove
Navigation:
Visible island in main channel
Sandbars emerge at lower water levels
Watch depth around the island
When to go:
Any time for scenic destination
Weekends see more activity
Pace Bend Park
Location: Northern section, western shore What it is: 1,368-acre park with extensive shoreline access Best for: Camping, cliff jumping, exploration
Navigation:
Northwestern shore
Look for park facilities and camping areas
Can anchor near shore in many areas
Features:
Cliff jumping spots
Camping available
Primitive shoreline
Beautiful scenery
The Oasis
Location: Western shore, near Lakeway What it is: Massive lakeside restaurant complex Best for: Sunset views, dining by boat (limited docking)
Navigation:
Western shore near marker 18-19 area
Visible cliff-side development
Limited boat dock access
Note: More commonly accessed by car, but the view from the water is spectacular.
Hippie Hollow Park
Location: Southeastern section What it is: Texas's only clothing-optional public park Best for: Those seeking that specific experience
Navigation:
Eastern shore near Mansfield Dam
Recognizable by shoreline activity
Respect the park and its visitors
Windy Point Park
Location: Eastern shore What it is: Popular swimming and diving spot Best for: Swimming, scuba diving, shore access
Navigation:
Eastern shore
Visible park facilities
Good anchoring nearby
Coves and Swimming Spots
Understanding Lake Travis Coves
Lake Travis has dozens of coves — protected inlets that provide calmer water, privacy, and great swimming. Finding your own cove is part of the Lake Travis experience.
Types of coves:
Party coves:
Devil's Cove (most famous)
Gather crowds on weekends
Social, high-energy atmosphere
Quiet coves:
Numerous unnamed coves throughout the lake
Perfect for anchoring and private swimming
Best found by exploration
Sandy bottom coves:
Some coves have sandy bottoms (water level dependent)
Better for wading and swimming
Less common, more prized
How to Find Good Swimming Spots
From your boat:
Look for protected inlets on the shoreline
Check depth (need enough water to anchor but shallow enough to swim)
Observe the bottom (sandy or rocky?)
Look for existing boats (popular spots or crowds?)
Consider sun position for the time of day
Using the boat rental crew: Your captain on a Lake Travis boat rental will know great spots. Ask for:
Their favorite swimming coves
Current water conditions
Less crowded alternatives to Devil's Cove
Notable Swimming Areas
Clear swimming areas: Lake Travis water is generally clear with visibility of 10-15+ feet in good conditions. The water is spring-fed and relatively clean.
Cliff jumping spots: Several areas around the lake offer cliff jumping (at your own risk):
Pace Bend Park has popular spots
Various natural cliffs around the lake
Always check depth first
Shallow wading areas: At lower water levels, sandbars and shallow areas emerge throughout the lake. Great for families and relaxed swimming.
Marinas and Access Points
Major Marinas
Lakeway Marina (formerly Hurst Harbor):
Location: Lakeway area
Services: Fuel, rentals, storage
Character: Well-developed, central location
Volente Beach Marina:
Location: Volente area, eastern shore
Services: Rentals, water park adjacent
Character: Popular, near Devil's Cove
VIP Marina (Lakeway):
Location: Lakeway area
Services: Boat rentals, fuel, storage
Character: Full-service marina
Paradise Cove Marina:
Location: Northern section
Services: Rentals, camping, restaurant
Character: More remote, family-friendly
Emerald Point Marina:
Location: Central lake
Services: Rentals, fuel
Character: Convenient central location
Public Boat Ramps
For those with their own boats, Lake Travis has multiple public launch points:
Mansfield Dam Park:
Southeastern end
Fee required
Can get crowded
Pace Bend Park:
Northwestern shore
Fee required (park entry)
Multiple ramp options
Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point:
Eastern shore
Fee required
Popular launch point
Arkansas Bend:
Northern section
More remote option
Lower fees typically
Choosing Your Launch Point
Your starting location affects your Lake Travis experience:
Launch Area | Best For | Distance to Devil's Cove |
Volente/Eastern | Devil's Cove, party coves | 10-15 min |
Lakeway | Central lake, restaurants | 20-30 min |
Mansfield Dam area | Southern exploration | 30-40 min |
Pace Bend/Northern | Upper lake, camping | 45+ min |
When booking Lake Travis boat rentals, the marina location determines your cruising distances. Ask about the departure location when booking.
Navigation Basics
How to Navigate Lake Travis
Channel markers: Lake Travis uses standard US navigational markers:
Red markers: Keep on your right when heading upstream (away from dam)
Green markers: Keep on your right when heading downstream (toward dam)
Numbered markers help with location reference
Speed zones:
No-wake zones near marinas, docks, and marked areas
Speed limits enforced in certain areas
Be aware of swimming areas
Hazards:
Submerged objects (especially at low water levels)
Rocky shorelines
Other boats (heavy traffic on weekends)
Weather changes
Reading the Lake
Water depth:
Deepest near Mansfield Dam (up to 210 feet)
Shallower in northern sections
Varies dramatically with lake levels
Watch your depth finder
Water color:
Clear, green-blue in deep areas
Can see bottom in shallow areas
Murky after rain/storms
Wave conditions:
Main channel can get choppy with wind/traffic
Coves provide protection
Morning typically calmer than afternoon
Weather Awareness
Texas weather considerations:
Afternoon thunderstorms common in summer
Lightning = get off water immediately
Wind can build quickly
Check forecast before departing
Reading conditions:
Watch for building clouds
Feel for increasing wind
Listen to marine radio if available
Trust your captain on rental boats
Lake Travis by the Numbers
Distance Estimates
Cruising times (approximate, moderate speed):
From/To | Time |
Lakeway Marina to Devil's Cove | 25-35 min |
Volente to Devil's Cove | 10-15 min |
Mansfield Dam to Lakeway | 20-30 min |
Lakeway to Pace Bend | 35-45 min |
Volente to Pace Bend | 40-50 min |
Note: Times vary based on boat speed, water conditions, and traffic.
Lake Levels
Lake Travis levels fluctuate significantly:
Full pool: 681 feet above sea level Typical summer: 660-680 feet Drought conditions: Can drop below 640 feet
Why it matters:
At low levels, some areas become inaccessible
Sandbars and shallow areas emerge
Boat ramps may not reach water
Navigation hazards increase
Checking current levels: LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) publishes daily lake levels at lcra.org.
Planning Your Lake Travis Trip
For First-Timers
If this is your first time on Lake Travis:
Book a boat rental with a captain: Lake Travis boat rentals with experienced captains navigate for you. You focus on enjoying, they focus on safely reaching great spots.
Start with popular areas:
Devil's Cove (for the party experience)
Central lake cruising (for scenic beauty)
A recommended cove from your captain (for swimming)
Don't try to see everything: Lake Travis is huge. One day = one section experienced well. Don't rush from destination to destination.
For Different Activities
Party/celebration focus:
Head to Devil's Cove (summer weekends)
Allow 3-4 hours minimum at the cove
Book a party boat for maximum impact
Relaxation focus:
Find a quiet cove away from crowds
Northern sections are typically calmer
Ask captain for their favorite hidden spots
Exploration focus:
Plan for longer rental (6-8 hours)
Cover multiple sections
Bring provisions for the full day
Family focus:
Avoid Devil's Cove on party days
Look for sandy bottom swimming areas
Consider Pace Bend for shore activities
Weekdays or early mornings for calmer experience
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May):
Lake filling from winter/spring rains
Comfortable temperatures
Building toward summer crowds
Good for exploration
Summer (June-August):
Peak season, peak crowds
Warmest water for swimming
Party cove culture in full swing
Book boats well in advance
Fall (September-November):
Crowds diminish after Labor Day
Still warm enough for water activities
Beautiful fall weather
Locals' favorite time
Winter (December-February):
Quiet, minimal boat traffic
Too cold for swimming for most
Scenic cruising still possible
Limited rental availability
Lake Travis Map Resources
Finding Detailed Maps
Digital resources:
Google Maps/Satellite (good for general overview)
Navionics (detailed boating charts)
LCRA website (official lake management)
Local marina apps and websites
Physical maps:
Marinas often provide basic maps
LCRA produces detailed lake maps
Texas Parks & Wildlife resources
What to Look for on a Map
When studying a map of Lake Travis, note:
Your launch point: Where you're starting
Major destinations: Devil's Cove, marinas, parks
Channel markers: Navigation references
Coves and inlets: Potential swimming stops
Depth indicators: Where it's deep vs. shallow
No-wake zones: Where to slow down
Lake Travis Wildlife and Nature
What You Might See
Lake Travis isn't just about boating — it's set in a beautiful natural environment:
Fish species:
Largemouth bass (popular sport fishing)
Striped bass
Catfish
Sunfish
White bass
Birds:
Great blue herons
Osprey
Various waterfowl
Bald eagles (occasional sightings)
Other wildlife:
White-tailed deer along shorelines
Turtles basking on rocks
Occasional armadillos at parks
Vegetation:
Cypress trees in coves
Texas Hill Country native plants
Wildflowers in spring (shoreline areas)
Environmental Considerations
Water quality: Lake Travis generally has good water quality and clarity. It's spring-fed and regularly tested. The lake is safe for swimming in designated areas.
Invasive species: Zebra mussels have been found in Lake Travis. Boaters should clean, drain, and dry boats to prevent spread to other water bodies.
Respecting the environment:
Don't litter (pack out what you pack in)
Use reef-safe sunscreen when possible
Don't disturb wildlife
Follow no-wake zones to prevent erosion
Lake Travis History
How the Lake Was Created
Lake Travis didn't always exist. Understanding its history adds context to your visit:
1942: Mansfield Dam completed, creating Lake Travis Named after: Colonel William Barret Travis (commander at the Alamo) Purpose: Flood control, water supply, and power generation Development: Gradually became Austin's recreational playground
Evolution of Lake Culture
1950s-1970s: Lake Travis grows as Austin grows 1980s-1990s: Development accelerates, party cove culture emerges 2000s-present: Becomes integral to Austin identity
Today, Lake Travis is inseparable from Austin's culture — the lake represents escape, celebration, and the outdoor lifestyle that defines the city.
Safety Information
Emergency Resources
Know before you go:
Lake Travis has dedicated patrol boats
Travis County Sheriff's Office Lake Patrol responds to emergencies
VHF Channel 16 for marine emergencies
Cell phone coverage generally available (but spotty in some areas)
Emergency numbers:
911 (general emergency)
Travis County Sheriff Lake Patrol
LCRA emergency line for dam/flood issues
Common Hazards
Boating hazards:
Other boats (especially on crowded weekends)
Submerged objects (low water levels)
Rocky shorelines
Changing weather
Swimming hazards:
Boat propellers (biggest danger)
Currents near dam
Cold water deeper areas
Jumping into shallow water
Weather hazards:
Lightning storms (leave water immediately)
High winds (can develop quickly)
Extreme heat/sun exposure
Hypothermia (cold conditions)
Safety Best Practices
Wear life jackets — Required on boats, smart for weak swimmers
Designate a sober driver — Someone needs to operate the boat safely
Stay hydrated — Texas heat is serious
Watch for swimmers — Always before starting your engine
Check weather — Before and during your trip
Tell someone your plan — Where you're going, when you'll return
Know your limits — Swimming ability, sun exposure, alcohol
Lake Travis for Photographers
Best Photo Spots
Lake Travis offers incredible photography opportunities:
Sunset shots:
The Oasis area (from boat looking up)
Open water with Hill Country backdrop
Western-facing coves
Boat party photos:
Devil's Cove action shots
Golden hour on deck
Jumping into water
Scenic views:
Mansfield Dam area cliffs
Pace Bend natural beauty
Morning calm water reflections
Photography Tips
Timing:
Golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) is best
Morning offers calm water and soft light
Midday is harsh but captures the party vibe
Gear considerations:
Waterproof or water-resistant cameras
Floating straps for cameras
Polarizing filters reduce glare
Waterproof phone cases for casual shots
Composition ideas:
Use the boat as foreground
Capture people in action (jumping, swimming)
Include the Hill Country backdrop
Water reflections in calm conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Lake Travis?
Lake Travis covers approximately 18,929 acres at full capacity, with over 270 miles of shoreline and a length of about 65 miles. It's the second-largest lake in the Highland Lakes chain and Austin's premier recreational lake.
How do I navigate Lake Travis?
Use channel markers (red on right going upstream, green on right going downstream), GPS/phone navigation, and visual landmarks. For first-timers, booking a Lake Travis boat rental with an experienced captain is the easiest approach — they know the lake and can focus on navigation while you enjoy the day.
Where is Devil's Cove on Lake Travis?
Devil's Cove is located on the eastern shore of Lake Travis, near Volente. It's approximately 10-15 minutes by boat from Volente Beach area, or 25-35 minutes from Lakeway marinas. On summer weekends, you'll spot it easily by the cluster of boats gathered there.
What's the deepest part of Lake Travis?
Lake Travis reaches its maximum depth of approximately 210 feet near Mansfield Dam at the southeastern end of the lake. The northern sections are generally shallower, especially during low water periods.
How do lake levels affect Lake Travis?
Lake Travis is a flood-control reservoir with significant water level fluctuations. At lower levels, some areas become inaccessible, sandbars emerge, and navigation hazards increase. At higher levels, more of the lake is accessible. Check current levels at lcra.org before your trip.
What's the difference between Lake Travis and Lake Austin?
Lake Travis is larger (18,929 acres vs. 1,830), deeper, and more open with party cove culture and extensive recreational facilities. Lake Austin is smaller, narrower, calmer, and closer to downtown Austin. Both offer excellent boating, just with different characters.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the map of Lake Travis transforms your experience from aimless cruising to intentional adventure. This massive lake offers something for everyone — from the legendary party scene at Devil's Cove to quiet coves perfect for peaceful swimming, from cliff jumping at Pace Bend to sunset cruising along the scenic shoreline.
The keys to navigating Lake Travis successfully:
Know your starting point — Marina location determines your cruising distances
Have clear goals — Party, relax, explore, or celebrate?
Trust the experts — Lake Travis boat rental captains know the lake intimately
Stay weather-aware — Texas conditions can change quickly
Don't rush — Better to experience one area well than race across the lake
Whether you're heading to Devil's Cove for a bachelor party, finding a quiet cove for a peaceful swim, or exploring the upper reaches near Pace Bend, Lake Travis delivers. Just bring your sense of adventure and sunscreen.
See you on the water.
Ready to explore Lake Travis for yourself? Browse Lake Travis boat rentals and start planning your adventure.
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