Sandy Creek Park
Sandy Creek Park is located in the picturesque Hill Country of central Texas, on one of Lake Travis’s calmer coves. Swimming, nature hikes, birdwatching, camping, and fishing are all popular activities at this 92-acre park. Boaters and overnight campers will appreciate the park’s easy access to Lake Travis’ basin region, as well as its proximity to Austin. At the same time, this park provides a tranquil, woodland setting away from the busier boat traffic found on other portions of the lake. Sandy Creek is home to a number of endangered bird and plant species, including the Golden-cheeked Warbler. A trek along the forested bluff and beach offers excellent views of the lake.
Activities
Travis County Parks does not supply any equipment, despite the fact that the park allows access to the specified activities.
Camping
Overnight camping is limited to developed campsites and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping near the beach is not permitted. There are just rudimentary campsites accessible. The campsites do not have electric or water hookups. Water spigots may be found around the park. Large RVs and camping trailers are not permitted in the park because they may struggle to fit into campsites and navigate the park roads.
Ground fires are permitted only in defined places and when weather permits, but guests must provide their own fuel. It is illegal to cut or gather firewood, including kindling.
We ask that overnight campers come by midnight and keep vehicle traffic to a minimal after dark in order for all park guests to enjoy their time at Sandy Creek. Quiet hours are rigorously enforced between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. At this time, all radios and generators must be switched off.
Zebra Mussels have been discovered on the shores of our lake parks. Swimmers as well as
THE LAKE TRAVIS
Lake Travis is a Colorado River reservoir in central Texas, United States.
Lake Travis has a historical minimum to maximum water height variation of more than 100 feet, primarily operating as a flood-control reservoir. In 2018, it had a 20-foot depth increase in a single 24-hour period.
With 30 square miles of surface area, Lake Travis has the most storage capacity among the Highland Lakes reservoirs. It runs 65 miles (105 kilometers) upriver from western Travis County (near Lago Vista, Texas) through southern Burnet County to the Max Starcke Dam, southwest of Marble Falls. In addition to flood control and water distribution, the lake is used for power generating and recreation.
The Pedernales River, a major tributary of the Colorado River, flows into the lake from southwestern Travis County.
Creation
The reservoir was built in 1942 by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) in the western outskirts of Austin, Texas, and was designed 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. began regular scheduled ferry service between Point Venture and the south bank of Hurst Creek. The 20-minute ride was Texas’ only inland ferry service at the time.
Boat sinkings in September 2020
A boat parade in support of Donald Trump was held on September 5, 2020. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office received several calls of boats in distress, and several vessels sunk. Despite the calm weather, the boats created a massive wake as they began to move together, drowning at least five vessels. The hashtag #dumbkirk trended on Twitter following the occurrence.
Recreational
On Lake Travis, popular recreational activities include fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, picnics, camping, and zip lining.
Swimming and nude sunbathing are other permitted activities in Hippie Hollow Park. This picturesque park on Lake Travis’ eastern shore is Texas’ first designated clothes-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.
Death toll rankings
Lake Travis was ranked first in Texas for accidental fatalities in 2011 and second overall between 2000 and 2015.
In 2018, six people drowned at Lake Travis, accounting for six of the 29 total boating deaths recorded in Texas that year.
Fish populations
Lake Travis has been stocked with a variety of fish species to improve its suitability 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 several reports of leeches in Lake Travis. Leeches are largely harmless to humans, however they can be annoying.
Next Point of Interest: Robin Bledsoe Park