Bastrop State Park
Bastrop State Park is one of our favorite Texas State Parks! The towering pines make it feel like you’ve truly gotten away even though it’s only about an hour drive from the Austin area. The park is located a few minutes away from the adorable downtown area of Bastrop which can be a pro or a con, depending on how you look at it. This park has plenty to offer, and it’s one we find ourselves returning to over and over.
Our van parked amongst the beautiful pines of Bastrop in site 56.
Location
Bastrop, TX
Bastrop State Park’s location in Central Texas makes it an easy day trip from the most populated areas of Texas. It’s a bit more of a trek for our friends in West Texas, but it’s worth it for the change of scenery in my opinion.
From Austin- 36 mi (40 min)
From DFW- 222 mi (3 hours 45 min)
From Houston- 133 mi (2 hours)
From San Angelo- 234 mi (4 1/2 hours)
Accommodations
Water/Electric Campsites
Full Hook-Up Campsites
Tent Only Campsites
Screened Shelters
Cabins (recently renovated and have private bathrooms)
We recommend sites 55-58 in the Copperas Creek Campground for the best campsites! They are in a little cul-de-sac of their own and offer more space and privacy than some other sites.
Something else to note about accommodations in Bastrop State Park is that the bathrooms have been renovated and are so nice and clean!
Vibes
Explore the Lost Pines
There are over 6,000 acres of loblolly pine trees in Bastrop, TX named the “Lost Pines.” When we first visited and heard of the name, I figured it was called “Lost Pines” because the pine trees found here literally seem like they’re lost. There’s nothing else like it for many miles. Another theory I had was that it was called “Lost Pines” because of the fires that had clearly ravaged the forest. I thought maybe the name was a reference to acres of the forest being lost to the fires. According to visitbastrop.com, I wasn’t too far off in my first theory. There are two explanations given to explain the name. One theory is a Native legend that tells of a Native-American bride requesting her beloved pine trees be brought to the area and grown there to relieve her homesickness after leaving East Texas. The other explanation from geologists is that the trees found themselves there after a prehistoric glacier separated the Central Texas pines from the East Texas pines. Whatever the reason may be, I feel an immense amount of gratitude that we can drive an hour down the road to visit these towering beauties among the rolling hills of Central Texas.
Here you can see a great view of the “Lost Pines” forest, including the trees that have been effected by the fires.
Trails
There are about 7 miles of trails in Bastrop State Park. The park also connects Buescher State Park, so you can always drive down a little ways and get even more hiking in if you’re looking for that. We like that some of the trails are moderate, so it feels like you’re working for the view. But there are also accessible, easy trails. However, the easier trails tend to be in the sun, so they don’t always feel easy on hot summer days.
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1.7 mi one-way
Moderate
We always hop on the Scenic Overlook Trail from our site in Copperas Creek and occasionally hike to the Overlook. We usually just hike as far as we feel and turn around or use it to connect to other trails. This trail offers beautiful views, and you can see the Bastrop water tower with a smiley face on it just beyond the Lost Pines forest. It’s our favorite trail there.
The Scenic Overlook is special to us because it was the first sunset we watched after playing around with the idea of creating Go There Do That. That evening's sunset was unforgettable and solidified our decision to Go There Do That.
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0.4 mi
Easy
This trail starts off of a picnic and parking area and connects to the Scenic Overlook Trail. We took our first steps in Bastrop (and for Go There Do That) on this trail in 100+ degree temperatures in August of 2020. It was incredibly hot but this short, easy trail will always have a special place in our hearts.
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0.25 mi
Easy
This trail is short and sweet but can only be accessed from the Scenic Overlook Trail. There is a Historic Water Fountain that we joke as being a waterless fountain. We imagined something very different when we set off to find this piece of history but understood its beauty and significance nonetheless.
Pool
Not many Texas State Parks have a pool to enjoy inside the park! Although the pool is only open during the summer season, it is a great amenity to enjoy on the hottest Texas days. The pool is open roughly from Memorial Day Weekend to the last day of August. However, it’s only available for open swim on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from noon to six. Reservations are required and cost $5 a person ($3 for those with an annual state park pass or for ages 6-13 and free for children under 5) for a 2 hour time-slot. I recommend making the reservations ahead of arriving. When I camped with two of my friends in July, we booked three 2 hour time-slots to escape the heat as long as possible. We spent the day chatting, reading, and enjoying each other’s company at the pool. If you’re brave enough to camp during the summer in Texas, I would definitely recommend allowing yourself some reprieve from the heat and checking out the pool in Bastrop State Park.
Visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop/fees-facilities/swimming-pool for more detailed information on the Bastrop swimming pool.
Location, Location, Location
Not only is Bastrop State Park a convenient drive from the Austin, San Antonio, and Houston areas, the town of Bastrop is the cutest! The downtown area is so much fun. There is a peaceful river that runs through town. And although there isn’t a lake inside the state park, there is one in Bastrop. We really enjoy Bastrop State Park and note it as one of our favorites, but we also say that Bastrop, the town, could be a great place to retire one day. Until then, it’s a great place to visit!
Additional Bastrop Need-to-Knows
Bastrop State Park is especially beautiful in the Fall when leaves change!
There are often burn bans in place.
It is close to a highway, so there is some subtle noise.
The “lake” inside the park is for fishing only.
Buc-ee’s is just down the road if you’re into that.
Don’t forget to reserve the pool ahead of time in the summer!
If you head into town, try out Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard for amazing pizza or Maxine’s Cafe & Bakery for breakfast!
Our first visit to Bastrop State Park August 15, 2020
