Bastrop State Park
Effects of 2011 Wildfire
In September 2011, Bastrop State Park and the surrounding pine forest were stricken by wildfire that affected 96 percent of the park. However, firefighters were able to save the historic cabins and facilities that were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park is recovering from the fire, and most trails, campsites and facilities have reopened to the public.
All areas of the park are open except the following, which will remain closed until further notice:
- Area east of Harmon Road including that section of the Lost Pines Hiking Trail
- Gotier Trace and areas north and south of the road
- Primitive Camping
Learn more about the Bastrop wildfire and how you can help the park.
Things to Do
The park provides opportunities for backpacking, camping, picnicking, canoeing (park rents canoes), swimming (pool), golfing, wildlife viewing, hiking and interpretive programs.
Biking - Whether you are a beginner or an expert rider, you will find what you are looking for on Park Road 1C between Bastrop and Buescher State Parks. Enjoy the 12-mile scenic ride through the Lost Pines of East Central Texas. This roller coaster ride is part of the MS-150 (famed bike race from Houston to Austin.). Call the park for more information.
Scenic Drives (Field Trips on Wheels) - Get in the car and go for a leisurely drive along Park Road 1C between Bastrop and Buescher state parks. This scenic 12-mile drive will take you through the beautiful Lost Pines of East Central Texas. Turn down the radio and enjoy the serenity of the forest along this quiet drive. Call the park for more information.
Fishing - Bring your pole and enjoy some good ol’ fishing along the banks of Bastrop State Park Lake. If you can’t reach them from the bank, you can rent one of the canoes and relax out in the open waters. Call the park for more information.
Golf: A golf course, operated by the Lost Pines Golf Club, is one of the finest and most scenic 18-hole golf courses in Central Texas. The course is 6,152 yards long, has Bermuda grass greens, is playable year-round, and has golf carts and pull carts available for rent. More information about golf at Bastrop State Park.
Volunteer Information: For information on volunteer opportunities at the park contact the volunteer coordinator at (512) 237-2241.
Friends of the Lost Pines State Parks - The Friends of the Lost Pines State Parks was organized to assist in the promotion, interpretation and operation of Bastrop and Buescher State Parks. As a fund raising and service group, the goal of the friends is to help in the overall operation of the park through sponsoring events, helping fund projects and raising the awareness of Bastrop and Buescher state parks as assets to the community and surrounding areas. For more information go to the Friends of Lost Pines State Parks website.
Equipment Rentals
The park rents canoes, and bar-b-q pits.
This park participates in the Angler Education "Tackle Loaner Program," individuals can borrow rods, reels and tackle boxes with hooks, sinkers and bobbers.
Ranger Programs
The park offers a variety of educational opportunities. Check the calendar of events or contact the park for special tours.
Get more information on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which helped develop this park and numerous others over 70 years ago, by visiting our CCC page that includes the interactive on-line exhibits and education resource, “The Look of Nature: Designing Texas State Parks during the Great Depression” and “A New Deal for Texas Parks”.
Area Attractions
Nearby attractions include Lake Bastrop, which offers 900 surface acres of water suitable for boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing. A pleasant 12-mile scenic drive through forest leads to Buescher State Park, another beautiful forested area. Other parks within a 50-mile radius include Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway, McKinney Falls State Park and Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites. The nearby communities of Bastrop and Smithville boast many historic buildings and convenient locations for dining and shopping. The state capitol at Austin is 32 miles away. You may want to refer to nearby Lower Colorado River Authority parks.
