Everything you need to know about Devil’s Cove, Lake Travis

Undeniably, Devil’s Cove, Lake Travis is one of the ultimate party spots in the Austin area. From Spring Break to the summer’s hottest parties, Texans and visitors alike flock to this hollow for fun in the sun. 

Amongst the landscape of rocky cliffs and clear deep water, music and laughter echoes, tan swimsuit-clad bodies splash in the water, and the faint scent of alcohol swirls in the infamous Lake Travis hollow locals call Devil’s Cove. 

This is a popular scene at Devil’s Cove, Lake Travis, Texas. For decades, the competition for the best Lake Travis party spot was tight, considering contenders like the nude eccentricities of Hippie Hollow. Though sure enough, it was Devil’s Cove that prevailed as the ultimate lake party, attracting bachelor/bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and weekend warriors to party hard in the hollow. 

Only those ready to party hard take on the planning a trip to Devil’s Cove requires to safely and successfully have a good time. As your friendly neighborhood marina, Northshore Marina understands exactly what it takes to experience a party at the unforgettable Devil’s Cove on Lake Travis.

What to Expect at Devil’s Cove

Devil’s Cove is a large hollow on Lake Travis, Texas. For decades, party-goers have sought out Devil’s Cove for its accommodating size, optimal lake location, and privacy. Rent a boat and visit during Spring Break, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day to experience the charged energy boaters and visitors bring to the generally quiet area. 

The excitement usually starts as captains take their vessels out early to the hollow and drop anchor. Then, they pass out a long rope from boat to boat to tie up in rows taking “the more the merrier” to a whole other level. You’ll see all different types of boats in the hollow like tour boats from Northshore Marina’s sister marina, VIP Lake Travis, runabouts, sleek cigarette boats, and the occasional luxury houseboats, but you’ll see no extra large double-decker tour boats diversifying the party landscape. Back in 2011, the city of Jonestown announced that tour boats must take the party over to Starnes Island, an island nearby.

Whether at Starnes Island or Devil’s Cove, amongst the anchored boat rentals and tour boats are boomers floating on water accessories, millennials swimming, and local Gen-Z’s taking selfies. Devil’s Cove welcomes anyone and everyone for a good time.

What to Bring to Devil’s Cove

On the popular holidays and occasions, Northshore Marina sounds like a cacophony of laughter, boat motors thrumming to life, and flip-flops slapping on the dock. Visitors on their way to Devil’s Cove start their day at Northshore to prepare for their adventure by checking into their transient slip, utilizing the Wi-Fi, finding the air-conditioned bathrooms, and stocking up at the Ship Store. We believe the most important part of a fun day at Devil’s Cove is what you do before the boat embarks. 

The combination of the Texas sun, physical activity, and alcohol can shut down any party just as quickly as it gets started. That’s why visitors should prepare and bring crucial items onto the boat to both enhance and support partying all day long. 

As the neighborhood marina closest to Devil’s Cove, Northshore Marina has a well-equipped Ship Store carrying everything someone might need to go wild, safely, at the infamous hollow. 

Here’s what we recommend you bring on your trip.

Water, soda, and ice 

Firstly, and most importantly, visitors should stock up on water and ice to stay cool all day long. We also carry cold soda, energy drinks, tea, and freshly brewed coffee to quench any thirst. Additionally, we sell Budweiser beers, Busch Light, all Coors products, all Miller brews, BuzzBallz, and wine to the responsible boater.

Snacks to keep you fueled

Your boat isn’t the only thing that’s going to need fuel for your holiday celebration, so load up at the Ship Store. Pick up snacks like chips and dip, classic candies, and ice-cold Nestle and Häagen-Dazs ice cream, to keep you going throughout the day. 

Sunscreen, toiletries, and medicine 

Every captain knows that anything can happen on the water, especially the unexpected. So, make a note that the Northshore Marina has various hygiene products and over-the-counter medicine in stock. Our inventory includes: Sunscreen/lotion, sunglasses, personal hygiene products, allergy medicine, and pain relievers. 

If you have questions about Northshore Marina’s Ship Store inventory, feel free to reach out and call 512-267-6222 or email .

How to stay safe

The best kind of fun is the safe kind. That being said, as you begin planning your trip to Devil’s Cove, remember these quick tips to stay safe on the water. 

Boat responsibly

A lot goes into boating responsibly so start with the basics. The Lower Colorado River Authority recommends never boating alone, confirming there’s a life jacket for everyone on board the vessel, and following Lake Travis rules and regulations like noise ordinances.

Swim safely

Swimming is always a risk in a large body of water, especially when depths reach up to 100 feet. When doing so, never swim alone, stay hydrated, and know when you’ve reached your limit.

Use the buddy system

Sun exposure, water, and alcohol can be a lethal combination. When you find yourself partying at Devil’s Cove use the buddy system as a precautionary measure against this mixture. 

The LCRA also believes it’s important for lake visitors to recognize when someone is struggling in the water so they can act appropriately by providing flotation, rescuing and removing the person from the water without compromising their own safety, and then providing emergency care and seeking medical services.

Call authorities for help

Lastly, due to its reputation, Lake Travis patrol and authorities will be nearby Devil’s Cove during these peak occasions. If something goes wrong, don’t hesitate to contact the authorities.

“Our Lake Patrol Deputies enforce state laws and respond to calls for assistance, but they can’t be everywhere at all times, so it’s vital for lake patrons to do their part to stay safe on the water,” said Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez. “Follow the law, don’t drink and drive, and wear your life jacket.”

Finish your Devil’s Cove adventure at Northshore Marina

Time flies when you’re having fun, so soon, the sun will begin to set, turning the sky tangerine orange and cotton candy pink, and the charged energy begins to slow, all of which means the party is over and it’s time to return the boat rental. 

Fortunately, it’s a short commute home to the marina where you can shower, reset, refuel, and complete a perfect day of partying at Devil’s Cove.

Whether you’re just renting a boat at the marina, staying the weekend in a transient slip, or picking up water and snacks, Northshore Marina has everything you need to feel safe and supported while having a good time at Devil’s Cove, Lake Travis.

For more information on boat storage or the Northshore Marina Ship Store inventory, reach out to our team of friendly staff members by calling 512-267-6222 or filling out our contact form.