Mansfield Dam Park
Mansfield Dam Park has stunning views of Lake Travis and is a great place for families to dine, swim in our hidden cove, fish, and play. It also has the biggest public boat port on Lake Travis and an extensive scuba diving park.
Activities
While the park gives access to the specified activities, Travis County Parks does not supply any equipment.
Boat Ramp
During peak boating season, the boat ramp is very busy. Boat launches may be delayed on busy weekends and holidays.
Mansfield Dam’s boat ramp includes four lanes and an attached wheelchair-accessible courtesy dock to make lake launching simpler.
Scuba Diving
Potable water and an explanatory kiosk are available at the diving park’s entrance.
The construction of four underwater diving platforms at varying lake levels has increased underwater entertainment. In addition, an underwater route and compass course will be put out to link diving sites such as sunken vessels, historic dam building materials, and geological areas of interest.
Zebra Mussels
Zebra Mussels have been discovered along the shorelines of our lake parks. Swimmers and those seeking water-based enjoyment should use caution when in or near the water.
About
Mansfield Dam Park, as the name implies, is located close to Mansfield Dam on the main body of Lake Travis and serves as one of the key entry locations for boaters. A central entertainment area set back from the water’s edge provides picnic areas, a playground, chess tables, and a panoramic view of the Lake Travis basin.
Mansfield Dam’s boat ramp will be expanded from two to four lanes, with an accompanying wheelchair-accessible courtesy dock, to make lake launching easier. In addition, parking space has been raised to accommodate 112 trailer-towing vehicles.
The park’s day use section has picnic tables with BBQ grills, as well as many with covered shelters, nestled within the canopies of native trees. Picnic areas and lake access are easily accessible by strolling along the meandering hike and bike route to the place of your choosing.
Diving is almost as simple as getting out of your car and into the water. To make the journey from hillside to lakeside easier, we’ve constructed diving stairs, a wheelchair-accessible ramp, and a courtesy dive lift. The construction of four underwater diving platforms at varying lake levels has increased underwater entertainment. In addition, an underwater route and compass course will be put out to link diving sites such as sunken vessels, historic dam building materials, and geological areas of interest.
The western peninsula of Mansfield Dam Park has some of the best views of Lake Travis. Wander along our hike and bike track to a calm gazebo surrounded by trees and vines and enjoy the scenery, observe the wildlife, or read a book.
No access to the dam is permitted for safety concerns. Potable water, pay phones, and an interpretive kiosk are available at the diving park’s entrance. During peak boating season, the boat ramp is very busy. Boat launches may be delayed on busy weekends and holidays. Dogs and other pets are welcome in the park, but must be kept on a leash and not left unattended. Glass containers and pyrotechnics are forbidden in all Travis County Parks.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis is a Colorado River reservoir in central Texas, United States.
Lake Travis has a historical minimum to maximum water height range of more than 100 feet, primarily serving as a flood-control reservoir. In 2018, it grew by 20 feet in a single 24-hour period.
Lake Travis has the highest storage capacity among the Highland Lakes reservoirs, with 30 square miles of surface area. It flows 65 miles (105 kilometers) upriver from western Travis County (near Lago Vista, Texas) to southern Burnet County to the Max Starcke Dam southwest of Marble Falls. In addition to flood management and water distribution, the lake is utilized for power generation and pleasure.
The Pedernales River, a significant tributary of the Colorado River, pours into the lake from southeastern Travis County.
Creation
The reservoir was established in 1942 by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) in the western suburbs of Austin, Texas, and was meant primarily to absorb floodwaters in a flash-flood prone zone. Following a severe storm in July 1938, the height of the dam was extended during construction to boost floodwater storage capacity.
Ferry assistance
In April 1971, Point Venture Development Co. commenced regular scheduled ferry service between Point Venture and the south bank of Hurst Creek. The 20-minute trip was Texas’ only inland ferry service at the time.
Recreational
Fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, picnics, camping, and zip line are all popular leisure activities on Lake Travis.
Swimming and naked sunbathing are other authorized activities at Hippie Hollow Park. This lovely park on Lake Travis’ eastern side is Texas’ first authorized clothing-optional park. Lake Travis is often considered as one of the cleanest bodies of water in Texas. It is a vital supply of water for the neighboring city of Austin, Texas, as well as the surrounding metropolitan region.
Fish populations
Lake Travis has been stocked with a variety of fish species to increase its potential for recreational fishing. Lake Travis is home to largemouth bass, guadalupe bass, white bass, striped bass, catfish, and sunfish.
In the spring of 2008, there were multiple reports of leeches in Lake Travis. Leeches are mostly harmless to people, however they can be bothersome.
Next Point of Interest: Arkansas Bend Park