A Preview · The Hollows Local Guide
Every guest who books direct with Hill Country Lakes Rentals receives the complete Hollows Local Guide — the most comprehensive insider resource for The Hollows on Lake Travis.
The full guide covers every amenity, trail, marina detail, and dining option. These are the eight insider tips that change how guests experience the community.
Jonestown was designated by DarkSky International in January 2024 — one of ~210 certified dark sky places worldwide. The city changed all its street lights and actively protects the night sky. You're 25 miles from Austin, and you can see the Milky Way. The Hilltop Smokehouse at 800 ft elevation is the best stargazing spot — arrive for sunset, stay for stars.
Most Guests Don't Know ThisTABC regulations mean all alcohol at the Beach Club must be purchased from The Wild Hare (seasonal, May–Oct). This catches every first-time guest off guard. The Hilltop Smokehouse has no such restriction — bring a cooler and whatever you want. The guide tells you exactly which amenities have restrictions and which don't.
Save Yourself the SurpriseIn shoulder season (Oct–Nov, March–April), when air temps drop but you still want to swim, the spa pool stays comfortable while the infinity pool feels cold. Arrive early on summer weekends — the infinity pool fills up by mid-morning. The grill area next to the Beach Club has a sink, refrigerator, and icemaker — just bring food, no equipment needed.
Local Tip150–160 feet of water depth. The only true deepwater floating marina on Lake Travis. When droughts shut down every other boat ramp on the lake, NorthShore stays fully operational. Six-time Texas Marina of the Year. 2021 National Marina of the Year. Tacos on weekends at the ship store. Two commercial trams carry your gear down to the docks.
Deepwater Advantage8.5 miles of paved trails, 15+ miles total. All paved trails are golf-cart accessible. The system connects Kayak Clubs → Beach Club → NorthShore Marina → Hilltop Smokehouse → Trailhead Club through all three neighborhoods. Load a cooler on the cart and ride to the Beach Club instead of driving. Native trails require closed-toe shoes — limestone, caliche, occasional cactus.
The Sleeper AmenityBoth Kayak Clubs offer direct lake launch — no car, no reservation. The Sanctuary-side launch (Big Devil's Hollow) produces glassy water reflections of limestone cliffs before 9 AM. By mid-morning, powerboat traffic from the main lake creates chop. Water shoes are essential when wading to launch — zebra mussels on every submerged surface.
Timing Is EverythingThe beloved local coffee shop closed permanently. The best morning coffee is now Solstice Coffee + Cocktails in Jonestown (~10 min) — from the team behind Austin's Odd Duck and Whisler's. Craft coffee by day, cocktails by night, rotating food trucks, and a second-story patio that leans into Jonestown's Dark Sky vibe.
Updated 2026800 ft elevation. 360° panoramic views of Lake Travis and the Hill Country. Propane grills, wood smoker, covered pavilion, outdoor fireplace, and in-ground fire pit. It's simultaneously the best sunset spot, the best photography location, and the best stargazing site. BYOB. Check Travis County burn ban status before planning a fire evening — propane grills are always available.
The Defining Experience"The pool/beach club is mind blowing! We sat on the covered porch every single day. The views — amazing."Combined guest reviews · Vrbo & TripAdvisor
The complete Hollows Local Guide — with every amenity detail, dining reviews, fishing spots, trail maps, seasonal calendars, and the insider knowledge that took years to learn — is included free with every direct booking.
Browse Hollows Stays or call to book 512-267-7000
