Visit One of the Beautiful State Parks in Bastrop County

Bastrop County is home to two beautiful state parks—Bastrop State Park and Lake Bastrop North Shore Park—each offering a unique outdoor experience surrounded by the iconic “Lost Pines” of Texas.

🌲 Bastrop State Park

Located just 30 miles east of Austin, Bastrop State Park covers over 6,600 acres of loblolly pine forest and historic CCC-built cabins and facilities (jefflynchdev.wordpress.com, tclf.org). After enduring wildfires, this park stands as a testament to nature's resilience, inviting visitors to explore its seven miles of hiking trails, scenic Park Road 1C, and tranquil Lake Mina, where you can fish without a license and borrow equipment onsite (tpwd.texas.gov). Other activities include picnicking, swimming in the seasonal pool, biking, geocaching, wildlife watching, and joining ranger-led or junior ranger programs (tpwd.texas.gov). With overnight options ranging from tent sites and RV hookups to historic cabins and group lodges, it’s an ideal year-round escape (tpwd.texas.gov).

🌅 Lake Bastrop North Shore Park

On the shores of the 900-acre reservoir, Lake Bastrop North Shore Park offers a blend of relaxation and adventure (lcraparks.com). Whether you're camping in traditional sites, glamping in safari-style tents, staying in Airstream trailers, or renting one of the on-site cabins, you’re immersed in pine-covered lakeside scenery and full amenities . The park features hiking and biking trails, picnicking spots, swimming areas, boat ramps, fishing piers, playgrounds, and rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, e-bikes, and pontoons—perfect for family outings or romantic getaways (explorebastropcounty.com).

Both parks welcome guests with reasonable entry fees (around $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under), and lodging includes fully equipped cabins and Airstreams amid lush, historic surroundings (lcra.org). Whether you’re a hiker, angler, camper, bird-watcher (with over 366 species observed!), or simply seeking to unplug, Bastrop County’s state parks offer a rejuvenating retreat that captures the spirit of Central Texas (visitbastrop.com).

Plan your adventure today—rediscover the Lost Pines and make memories under the Texas sky.