Tom Hughes Park

We discovered Tom Hughes Park a couple years ago but had dogs with us, which is strictly forbidden there. We finally went back a few weeks ago and it’s my new favorite place. Technically closed right now, but it’s an easy gate to walk around. I think you used to be able to swim there, but it’s a steep, rocky climb down to the shoreline now. It was the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic, though. Maybe someday it’ll start raining again, and then I’m sure it’ll become my favorite place to swim and I’ll switch this to 5 stars.

Here’s a secluded spot with beautiful views just north of Mansfield Dam.
I don’t know how Craig saw 30 people here at one time. The parking lot is the only place where 30 people could possibly be at once. The «park,» as it is, is a little rock outcropping at the bottom of a steep trail – enough room for four or five people to sit and have a picnic. That’s it.
Below the outcropping – WAY below, as in entirely not accessible without rappelling gear – is the lake. Of course, the reviews that have already been written were from a few years ago, when the lake was a lot higher. So I’m guessing you could swim there then. But now there’s not even a way to get down to the water.
This isn’t really much of a park. No grassy area. No hiking. No dogs allowed. Aside from one picnic table next to the parking lot, there’s just that one great picnic spot. But with no one else around (and we saw not not one other person on a sunny Sunday afternoon), it’s a fine spot to relax for a while.
There’ a $ 10 entry fee, and the park is closed from Nov. 1 through March 31. That gate at the entrance was pretty easy to walk around.

Both reviews are right on (small, cliff face, port-​o-​potty, fees rarely collected), except the ban on alcohol. You can have alcohol in all the Travis County Parks. The «no public consumption of alcohol» is lawyer speak for HIDE THE BEER LABEL. Throw a koozie on your brew and you’re in compliance. Plus you keep your barley pop cool. Use a flask for your hooch. The Rangers are more concerned with broken glass (glass is banned), so purchase your suds accordingly. CHEERS!

Aw I love Tom Hughes park. It’s the lil’est park of them all on Lake Travis.
It’s quiet here. I’ve never seen more than 30 people here, and before then the most I saw was maybe 15. It’s not unusual to have the entire place to yourself.
One reason for this is that the trail down hill is short, but steep and rocky. If you come, bring your bathing suit but also shoes you can crawl down some boulders with.
You don’t have to crawl down boulders, I like to sit on the high ones and catch the sunset. But if you want to get to the water, and its low, it takes a little navigating. It’s worth it though.
I’ve only been charged once for parking here — often there is nobody at the booth (probably due to low traffic). «Public consumption of alcohol» is prohibited. Therefore… be discreet.
Don’t break the no glass rule though. I HATE broken glass in parks, especially ones that involve water. Don’t be lame, bring it in cans or plastic bottles. The park rangers tend to look very dimly upon glassware.
Anyway, this place is beautiful. Hands down my favorite.

This park is a true hidden gem. When I lived near this park I would pack up some cheese a bottle of wine and a friend and hike down the VERY steep VERY unimproved trail down to the boulders along the Lake Travis shoreline to watch the sunset. I have so many happy memories here. And some very funny memories of the hike back up the VERY steep trail after a bottle of wine…
Depending on lake levels it is a great place for cliff diving and scuba diving.
There is an 8.00 per car entrance fee and there are only stinky portable toilets. If you need to use the toilet I highly suggest you do it in the woods.
Minus 1 star because dogs are not allowed:(
Alcohol is also not allowed but some rules are worth braking and easier to conceal!