Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Open year-round 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; the on-site office keeps shorter seasonal hours.

A paid entry pass is required. Peak-season Friday-Sunday and holiday visits require advance passes, often sell out, and do not allow roadside parking or entry without a valid pass.

Use the City Park Road entrance and have the pass ready. Boat ramps, beach, picnic reservations, primitive campsites, and utility campsites have different internal routes.

Developed areas normally include toilets, showers, sinks, and water. Water utilities are planned to be shut off during August-October 2026 maintenance, leaving portable toilets while showers, sinks, fountains, and hose bibs are unavailable.

Current day-use fees are generally $5 per vehicle Monday-Thursday, $10 Friday-Sunday and holidays, and $1 for walk/bike entry; camping and reservations cost extra.

Developed picnic, beach, parking, and restroom areas provide accessible features, but shorelines, campsites, slopes, and Turkey Creek trails vary substantially.

Leashed dogs may use allowed outdoor areas, but swimming-beach and facility restrictions may apply. Protect paws from heat and keep pets away from wildlife and unsafe water.

The designated beach, picnic sites, shoreline, and camping support full-day family visits. There is no substitute for close water supervision, sun protection, and advance pass planning.

This is primarily a driving destination with limited practical transit access. Arrange transportation in advance and do not rely on roadside drop-off or parking outside the gate.

Buy peak-season passes before travel, check boat-ramp and utility alerts, and confirm lake, storm, and water-quality conditions. Passes have no in/out privileges and capacity rules are enforced.

Check Austin's hourly heat index, lightning and heavy-rain alerts, flash-flood risk, air quality, and current facility notices. Limestone, pavement, play equipment, and exposed trails become dangerously hot, while creeks can rise quickly after upstream rain.