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Bastrop State Park

The park is situated 32 miles southeast of Austin and 4 miles to the west of Buescher State Park. The two parks are connected by Park Road 1. Today's park lies on an area of 6,600 acres and it was established in 1938.

Almost all of the park was damaged in a massive fire in September 2011, however, the park has slowly been gaining its beauty back thanks to the careful recovery process. The visitors can see the aftermath of a forest fire, but also how new trees are planted and the woodlands regrow again. Its Historic Cabins and facilities built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s were fortunately saved and are now open to the public again.

Flora and Fauna

The park's main feature are the Lost Pines of Texas, loblolly pines which earned their nickname due to their location being about 100 miles away from the East Texas pines, a vast area of a coniferous ecoregion.

The park is also home to the endangered Houston toad and to better protect the largest mating group of this specie, some areas of the park are closed during its mating season. Do not be discouraged, however, as you might also spot white-tailed deer, rabbits, squirrels or Northern cardinals amongst the trees.

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Park Features

The park's facilities include restrooms, parking, playgrounds, a swimming pool (open from May to September), a Refectory and a Historic Golf Shelter. You can either stay for a night at a campsite or the Historic Cabins. Groups can stay at group barracks.

There are a number of different trails giving opportunities for forest exploration on a bike or by foot. And even though the park's 18-hole golf course was closed in 2015, the golf cart paths are open for walks. You might also like to go fishing in Lake Mina, take a nature program or just go on a search of wildlife.

An adult ticket costs $5, children under 12 are free to enter. An annual Texas State Parks Pass is $70.

Reviews

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This was the first trip back to one of our favorite state parks since the terrible wildfires in 2011. Yes, there are still lots of charred, dead pines trees, etc, but there are numerous meadows now ripe with rebirth, covered in ferns, bushes, baby pines, and wildflowers, some of which were still blooming even in late June. Additionally, there are also lots of pines trees that survived the fire. There are a number of fun hiking trails, none are strenuous, most less than 2 miles, with some slight elevation changes. It was not crowded, hardly anyone there during the weekday we went. Clean bathrooms by picnic area, lots of tables in the shade. This area is a small ecological bubble with pines which are not normally found in central Texas.

David B - TripAdvisor

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Great day hiking at this part - the purple trail was closed due to controlled burns, but that didn't stop me from enjoying 10 miles of trails!

Karen C - TripAdvisor

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I put off a hiking trip here because I didn't think it would be all that great. Well, I was wrong. This older Texas State Park was built during the depression by the CCC and much of what was built is still there. The hiking... well it reminded me of back home in NC with the sandy trails and the loblolly pines. The trails although not challenging were pretty long and made the trip worthwhile. There was enough altitude change to keep it interesting. Would have given a 5 but this park incurred a devastating fire a few years back so it is highly scarred from that event but shows signs of rebounding. Also, the girl at the entrance booth could have been a little more friendly. But the old architecture was amazing and the highlight of this trip.

Rick B - TripAdvisor

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This was a nice hike with plenty of options. The trails were wide enough I was able to hike with dogs on leashes and still get around other hikers. The ascent to the overlook was a nice incline. The dogs and I loved our afternoon. I appreciated their clean bathrooms!

Teresa - TripAdvisor