This review is for the swimming hole - an awesome swimming spot just an hour away from Austin!…read moreNumber one tip is to make sure you have reservations ahead of time on the website. You will want to show up a little bit ahead of time because people will be lining up to get in once the reservation time opens and you don't want to waste your reservation time just waiting in line. Service was kinda off-putting, the lady was not very friendly and she also wasn't very clear about the wristbands and whether or not all of us needed them or if just the kids needed them. Other than that, the place itself was very nice and other staff walking around were very nice too. They did round everyone up around 5pm because of lightning storms within 10 mile distance so they have to clear the area and hold for 30 mins before they can allow you back, but luckily we were pretty much ready to leave anyway. Our reservation specifically included a picnic table so we had a designated spot with our name reserved just near the swimming hole. The nice part about reservations means that the place doesn't get super crowded. The kids really liked the swing but even just floating around was really nice. The water itself is mostly shaded by large trees so you aren't burning in the sun. Definitely recommend bringing food and drinks to enjoy a picnic out here, since they had one vending machine nearby. The bathrooms were super clean and not terribly far from the water itself so that was super convenient, as well as nice changing rooms! This was a nice way to spend the afternoon cooling down from the Texas heat.

We visited during the 2-6pm time slot and now I understand why reservations are required. The place…read moreis smaller than I expected, but that actually makes it feel more peaceful and less crowded. Everything was very organized and the staff did a great job keeping things running smoothly. The water was great a bit cold but clear and so refreshing on a hot day. We also had a lot of fun using the rope swing! Just sharing a few tips: large umbrellas aren't allowed, but you can bring a small one, and you'll probably want it if it's sunny. There are some reserved spots available but they're very limited and book up fast. If you don't have one, make sure to arrive early because most spots are first come, first served. You could bring your own food and drinks but alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Overall, such a fun place to spend a few hours and cool off. Definitely worth the visit!

I felt welcome and appreciated the straightforward communication. The experience had a few small…read moreimperfections, but nothing that became a major concern. I'd be comfortable considering them again in the future.

The older male attendant with the beard refused to refund my $20 after our GPS took us to the wrong…read moreentrance and we had to make a U-turn before even getting to enjoy the lake. He told me, "No refunds, I'm sorry," and I replied, "You're not sorry." It was incredibly frustrating to lose $20 without seeing any part of the lake. I wish the staff had more discretion and common sense to handle situations like this, especially when the issue was caused by incorrect directions rather than us using the facilities. Couldn't even hold eye contact with me.

This park is absolutely amazing on many levels. Well maintained and gorgeous trees on the east side…read moreis the view of the lake that is better than the Oasis on Lake Travis. Always free always free and a perfect spot for families or couples. The children love it and you can see the entire panorama of Canyon Lake. Everyone is always happy there and there is a special feeling about the place of freedom. It truly makes it a joy to be an American and to have such special peaceful and accessible spots for the ones you love. Often views of sailboats and skiers in front of the backdrop of a glorious Hill country sunset with beautiful Cascades of Guadalupe hills rolling into the lake. The park is well maintained and safe. Parking is sometimes a walk because it is such a popular location for everyone from college students to children and senior citizens walking along the dam for exercise. The spot is truly a joy that should be embraced by everyone in Central Texas. To the east you have a view of the gorgeous Canyon valley and the activity below on the river. Oftentimes you will see fly fisherman in the river which is remarkable for the ambiance of Central Texas and quite a pleasant surprise. Put this location on your list for a beautiful spring day and make some memories with your family!

Overlook Park and Dam at Canyon Lake (about 50-60ish miles from both Austin and San Antonio) is the…read morepublic park I visit most often since joining the CL community in June 2020. At least a couple of times per month, we make our weekend run over the dam from North Park and bask in the seasonal beauty of the big blue lake, the variety of plants on the slopes and forest, and the joy of other visitors taking it all in. Who knows how long it will last in these troubled times for public works, but today, the park remains free to enter from dawn to dusk. The enforcement of parking and capacity limits is by Comal County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), while the authority for the water and 1964-built dam falls on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Game Wardens, and the Guadalupe - Blanco River Authority (GBRA). Finally, the Water Oriented Recreation District (WORD) helps with safety signage and waste management around the park by providing free litter bags to make it as easy as possible for visitors to pack out their trash. The park technically doesn't promote swim access, and there is no lifeguard or buoy barrier system for protected swim zones, but you will see many swimmers and floaters in the cold water around the rocky shore during warm weather. The closer to the dam you are, the more likely you'll see fish swimming in the clear water, so bring your snorkel and enjoy. Keep in mind, depth drops off steeply down to 120 feet, so if you're not a strong swimmer, a life vest or other safety provisions may be in order. Certainly, keep an eye on your kids at all times. If you want a coveted spot for the day at the shoreline, you're going to need to plan ahead. Pack up your provisions, chairs, shade tent, what-have-you and get to the park as soon as possible after dawn to secure a parking spot. You'll need your goat feet and maybe an all-terrain wagon to get down the rocky trails to your place at the water. The shore is entirely limestone, so you typically won't be able to use stakes for a pop-up; plan to weigh down with something else, as Canyon Lake gets VERY windy. Restrooms are at the far southeast end of the park, near the Gorge overlook. You'll also find porto-johns near the dam gate and disabled parking spots. If you're still there by sunset, you'll hear the sheriff's deputy over a PA system asking you to leave. There is no camping or overnight parking allowed. Note that this park is also home to USACE headquarters for Canyon Lake. Their visitor center is open Mon-Fri, 8a-4:30p except for federal holidays. A few times per year, special events may open up an opportunity to drive across the dam's paved path (a.k.a. the Verada Real). These spots are secured through a charitable donation to the DAM Community Alliance (damcommunityalliance.com) and tend to sell out fast. Otherwise, only pedestrians, strollers, and bicycles are allowed on the paved path. Dogs should be on leash and poop should be picked up, please, for the love of all that is holy. More to come....

Woot! I did It! I swam from Volente Beach out to Starnes Island today! Ok I had to get that out! It…read morewas that exciting. The 5 stars is for the actual overall experience not the island itself. This morning 4 of my adventure friends and I met at 620/Bullick Hollow and piled into James' truck for the ride out to Volente Beach Water Park - since the Island does not have an address that is the address I used for the island. To swim out to the island pass the water park and turn into the first private driveway on the right pay 5.00 per car and drive all the way to the water - you will see the island out off shore. If you want to swim out to this island you must have swim fins a flotation device for water and dry pack and I highly advise some sort of flag since there are boats in the area. We swam up to a sandy beach and hiked over to the other side that has cliffs and huge boulders to jump off of. The guys jumped first to prove to Tracy and I that it was safe:) yes the water is still deep enough here. Even though the water is low it was a good 1/8 mile swim out to the island that took about 20 minutes. I highly recommend the island for anyone who likes to explore, swim or scuba dive.

A buddy and I decided to go kayaking on Lake Travis, little did I know just how far we'd go. We…read moreput in at Jones Brothers park in Jonestown and just started paddling. We were having a great time but neither of us wanted to be the first to say they were getting tired. Next thing we know we could see the main body of the lake and see Starnes island (isn't it aka "Snake Island?) and paddled furiously towards it. We got there and were well rewarded. I am totally going to pack the 'yak for an overnighter on the island, its a great place! That is, once my shoulder heals up. Next time I'll probably wuss out and put in at Volente. Great times had by all!

Good times spent here. Water is the perfect temperature (…read moreonce you adjust, definitely a cold plunge ) and the rapids were good fun!!! Definitely will be renting tubes next time and taking the entire river float... Only downside and something to be cautious of is the slippery rocks. Definitely wear shoes.

This is a really lovely place to spend some time outdoors. A beautiful park right by the water,…read morewith a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. There's a café along the shore where you can sit, have a drink, and enjoy the view of the waterfall -- such a nice spot to slow down and take everything in. It's a great area for walking and casual strolls, and there's also a playground for kids. Overall, it's a wonderful place to relax, whether you're visiting with children or just coming on your own. Perfect for a walk, some fresh air, and enjoying the water. Definitely a spot worth coming back to.

My best tips: -Come…read moreas soon as they open to beat the crowds. Like 10am latest if possible -BYO snacks and drinks and lots of water! -sunscreen a must and multiple times. You will get burnt. Maybe consider a water shirt to keep cool. -the float will be 3hrs + and can get packed in the river -water shoes such a plus Overall, love coming tubing here and always have a good time with friends!

What an awesome place for a float!! We had a great time and the service was fantastic. Thank you…read moreCody, Nicole, Cheyenne, Valance and Pete-we'll be back for another float. Thank you for your hospitality! -Louise, aka big Lou :)

It's a beautiful park in the community where you can park your car and walk around as well as…read morehaving picnic under the trees or swimming or fishing Pretty nice landscape and just enjoy having a relaxing moment! Come and cheers

It is a cute little park. I have been to it several times. The best is during Christmas season…read more This is when I make it a real plan to go visit it at night. It is always lit up with thousands of lights! For all the years they have been doing it I never failed not going to check it out

Wanted to come before the rain raised the water level again. The last rain we got, it raised it…read morequit a bit. Putting Lake Travis at 100% Not a lot of places to actually lay down and enjoy the biting of the fire ants. The water level took a lot of space away. Not complaining. I love seeing and know Lake Travis is full. I'm very happy about that. Anyway. I wanted to enjoy what little space was left before the rain Someone always talks to me or joins me and sits down and we chat about simple things. Of course they are respectful and ask if it's okay. I don't feel threatened, or being sexualized. Obviously we have the same vibe being at a nude beach. I just come on my day off from work, decompress, enjoy the water, which is gorgeous by the way. Lay out and enjoy the heat from the sun. The slight breeze, and just listen to my music and escape for a few hours. It's just my time of not adulting and just being free.

The park sits on a rugged stretch of Lake Travis, and the scenery alone is worth the trip. The…read morecliffs, the water, and the wide‑open views make it one of the more striking spots around the lake. The hike down to the shoreline is rocky and uneven, so it's not the kind of place you wander into by accident -- you earn the view a little, which honestly fits the whole atmosphere. When you arrive, the staff makes sure you understand the rules, especially the one about no sexual activity. They're clear, direct, and they repeat it enough times that you'd think no one could possibly forget. And yet, once you're inside, you occasionally encounter someone who seems to have the memory retention of a goldfish or the attention span of a distracted squirrel. Thankfully, the vibe of the park is mellow enough that these moments are more eye‑roll than incident. The crowd is a mix of regulars who clearly know the place well and visitors who show up curious or just wanting a quiet spot by the water. The atmosphere is laid‑back, nonjudgmental, and surprisingly calm. Even with the clothing‑optional reputation, it doesn't feel chaotic or wild; it's more like a group of people who collectively decided they're done pretending swimsuits are mandatory. The water access is great once you get down there, and the rocky shoreline gives you plenty of places to set up without feeling crowded. The views across Lake Travis are some of the best you'll get without renting a boat or owning one of the massive houses perched above the lake. If you're looking for a typical beach park, this isn't it. But if you want a quiet, scenic spot with a very specific kind of freedom baked into its identity, Hippy Hollow delivers exactly what it promises.

I'll have to say this is one of my favorite parks for hiking. There are so many trails! You can…read morespend an entire day and then some just hiking. Of course getting to view the falls is wonderful. It's a lovely, peaceful, and serene setting. The swimming areas, canyons, and rocks are great to climb, rest, nature watch, and splash around. A quick 45 min-hour drive from Austin making it a great place for a day trip. A few hours in nature does the soul good!

Pedernalas Falls. We hiked the short path to the falls. The view was beautiful. But guess…read morewhat... no falls. Pretty dry here at the park. Well there was some water running on the other side We did hike down to the river bed and walked around the rock formations. Pretty cool! On the way out of the park we saw some Greater Kudu! Beautiful animals!

This is a perfect getaway for a weekend camping! We live in round Rock it was hardly 11 miles!…read moreSince we picked a weekend where the weather was perfect and breezy it was amazing. The camping sites are nice and the restrooms are clean. Overall it's a great place to camp or hike.

Very strange that this place has the word "sandy" in its name. The beach looks like a rocky…read moreconstruction site. Not exactly child friendly. If the folks that curate this park would just clean up the strand and actually get some real sand on this beach it would get a 5 star rating. Otherwise, save your money.