LAKE TRAVIS SWIMMING SPOTS | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS
🏊 Swimming Guide
Lake Travis Swimming Spots
Discover the best coves, beaches, and hidden gems for swimming on Austin’s crystal-clear lake.
Looking for the best swimming on Lake Travis? With 271 miles of shoreline and countless coves, Lake Travis has some of Texas’s best swimming. This guide covers our favorite spots – from famous party coves to secret swimming holes.
Lake Travis is known for its unusually clear, blue-green water – thanks to the limestone bedrock and minimal sediment. Water visibility can reach 15-20 feet, making it one of the cleanest-feeling lakes in Texas. Whether you want a peaceful swim, a lively party cove, or cliff jumping adventures, Lake Travis has a spot for you.
Most of the best swimming spots on Lake Travis are only accessible by boat, which is why renting a Lake Travis boat is the best way to experience them. Let’s explore the top spots!
Best Swimming Coves (Boat Access)
These spots require a boat to access – and they’re worth it:
Devil’s Cove
Party Cove
🎉 Famous
Lake Travis’s legendary party cove. On peak weekends, hundreds of boats raft together for a massive floating party. Clear water, good swimming, and unmatched energy. Not for the faint of heart on holiday weekends!
Loud music
Very crowded weekends
Good swimming depth
Near Volente
Starnes Island
Swimming Cove
⭐ Local Favorite
Beautiful cove near an island with crystal-clear water and a more relaxed vibe than Devil’s Cove. Popular but not overwhelming. Great for groups who want to party AND actually swim. Sandy areas at lower water levels.
Super clear water
Island scenery
Group-friendly
Mid-lake
Cypress Creek
Scenic Cove
🌲 Secluded
A gorgeous arm of the lake with dramatic limestone cliffs and clear water. More spread out than party coves, offering quieter swimming spots. Multiple coves to explore. Beautiful for photos!
Dramatic cliffs
Photo-worthy
Less crowded
Northwest area
Arkansas Bend
Cliff Jumping
🏊♂️ Adventure
Known for cliff jumping opportunities when water levels are right. Various heights for different comfort levels. Deep water at the base (when lake is up). Always check conditions – water levels affect safety!
Cliff jumping
Check water levels
Deep water needed
Near Lago Vista
💡 Captain’s Tip
Water levels on Lake Travis fluctuate significantly. What’s a great swimming spot one month might be shallow or rocky the next. Our captains check conditions daily and know which coves are best at current water levels. That local knowledge is invaluable!
Access the Best Swimming Spots
Most Lake Travis swimming coves require a boat. Book a captained rental and your captain will take you to the perfect spots!
Public Swimming Areas (Shore Access)
These spots are accessible from land:
Hippie Hollow
Public Park
🔞 Adults Only
Texas’s only legally clothing-optional public park. Rocky shoreline with clear water. $15 entry fee, 18+ only. Popular with locals who enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Bring water shoes for the rocks!
$15 entry
18+ only
Bring water shoes
Comanche Trail
Pace Bend Park
County Park
👨👩👧👦 Family
Large county park with multiple swimming areas along the shoreline. Rocky beaches, cliff areas, and camping available. $10 entry fee. Very popular on weekends – arrive early for good spots.
$10 entry
Camping available
Rocky shoreline
Spicewood
Mansfield Dam Park
LCRA Park
💎 Clear Water
Located at the dam, this park has some of the clearest water on the lake due to depth. Rocky shore, picnic areas, and dramatic dam views. Great for scuba diving too. $10 entry.
$10 entry
Very clear water
Scuba popular
Near dam
How to Access Swimming Spots
🚤 Getting to Lake Travis Swimming Spots
🚤 By Boat (Best Option)
Renting a boat gives you access to dozens of swimming coves that can’t be reached from shore. Your captain knows current water levels and which spots are best that day. Most coves are boat-access only!
🚗 Public Parks
Several parks offer shore swimming access. Expect entry fees ($10-15), crowded weekends, and rocky shorelines. Less flexibility but no boat needed. Arrive early on summer weekends.
🏡 Private Property
Much of Lake Travis shoreline is private. Only swim at designated public areas or when accessing by boat (you can swim from an anchored boat anywhere on the lake).
Best Times to Swim
⏰ When to Go Swimming
Morning (9-11am)
Calmest water, fewer crowds, best visibility. Perfect for serious swimmers.
Midday (11am-2pm)
Peak swimming time. Warmest water, most activity. Party coves get busy.
Afternoon (2-5pm)
Can get windy and choppy. Good for floating. Golden hour photos toward end.
Weekdays
Much less crowded than weekends. Party coves are calm. Best for relaxed swimming.
Swimming Safety Tips
⚠️ Stay Safe on Lake Travis
Watch for Boats
Always be aware of boat traffic. Stay near your anchored boat and be visible.
Check Depth First
Water levels change. Never dive without checking depth first. Feet-first entries are safer.
Swim Sober
Save the drinks for after swimming. Alcohol impairs judgment and swimming ability.
Supervise Kids
Children should wear life jackets and have constant adult supervision in the water.
Check Conditions
Occasionally there are algae advisories. Check LCRA website for current conditions.
Know Your Limits
Lake Travis is big and conditions can change. Stay near the boat and know your swimming ability.
What to Bring for Swimming
Lake Travis Swimming FAQs
You can swim at many Lake Travis spots including public areas like Hippie Hollow (clothing optional), Pace Bend Park, and Mansfield Dam Park. By boat, you can access swimming coves like Devil’s Cove, Starnes Island, Cypress Creek, and dozens of unnamed coves throughout the lake.
Yes, Lake Travis is generally safe for swimming with clear water and no significant pollution issues. However, always swim in designated areas, watch for boat traffic, supervise children, and be aware of underwater hazards. Water levels fluctuate, which can expose rocks and stumps at lower levels.
The best swimming at Lake Travis is from May through September when water temperatures reach 75-85°F. Morning hours (9am-11am) have calmer water and fewer crowds. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Avoid swimming during storms or when boat traffic is heavy.
Most Lake Travis swimming coves are only accessible by boat. You can rent a boat to access these spots – your captain will know the best coves based on water levels and conditions. Public beaches and some parks offer shore access, but the best swimming spots require boat access.
Explore Lake Travis’s Best Swimming
Ready to discover amazing swimming coves? Book a boat and let your captain show you the hidden gems!
Lake Travis’s crystal-clear water and countless coves make it one of Texas’s best swimming destinations. Whether you prefer party coves or secluded spots, there’s a perfect swimming hole waiting for you. Book a boat with Tide Up and dive in!