Bastrop State Park – Texas State Park 15/89

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The Deets

Bastrop State Park is located in Bastrop, TX, where Lydia went to school for most of her school years. Bastrop is only a 40-minute drive from Austin, TX. The park covers over 6,000 acres and has much to offer. You can stay the night in one of the historic CCC-built cabins or book a tent/RV space in one of the many campgrounds. While visiting, you can fish, hike more than seven miles of trails, bike or drive the scenic drive through the park, or enjoy the swimming pool during the summer months. Park hours are 6 AM to 10 PM daily. The cost of admission is $5 per adult and free for children aged 12 and under (or free for everyone if using a Park Pass).

The History

Bastrop State Park is located in an area known as Lost Pines. The area gets its name from the isolated swath of loblolly pines. Set next to a major waterway (the Colorado River), this area has been popular for centuries. Like a few other parks we’ve visited, the El Camino Real passed through here, and because of that, this park is part of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. Many historians believe that Bastrop (then called Mina) is one of the oldest towns in Texas, established in 1832.

Land from the city of Bastrop and private citizens was donated from 1933 -1935, and the park opened in 1937. The CCC (civilian conservation corp) built beautiful buildings here, including the cabins, refectory, scenic overlooks, and so much more. They made the park a lovely place to visit, and their handiwork can be seen throughout. In 1997, Bastrop State Park was granted the National Historic Landmark status due to the spectacular work that the CCC completed.

Bastrop Complex Fire

On 4 September 2011, high winds and dry drought conditions set the stage for disaster. Blown down by the winds, a tree fell into nearby powerlines and caused a spark that started the largest wildfire in Texas history. The Bastrop Complex Fire raged for 37 days and destroyed over 34,000 acres. Over 1700 homes and commercial structures were destroyed, and 2 people lost their lives. Bastrop State Park was in the direct path of the fire and ninety-six percent of the park was affected. Incredibly, the CCC structures survived. People worked tirelessly to save the park’s history, and we are so grateful to all of those who fought the fire.

Today, nearly 10 years later, scars from the fire are still plainly visible. However, life is starting to return. Thousands of pines are returning, a great deal due to the replanting efforts in years following the fire. It has a long way to go to return to its original splendor, but the park is well on her way. A true phoenix rising from the ashes.

Our Experience

This was an emotional park for us, especially for me (Lydia). I grew up surrounded by these forests, and we were living in the house I grew up in when the fires raged through. It was a terrifying time, to say the least. Coming back to Bastrop State Park was a bit like reopening that wound. With that being said, we had an incredible day.

The park is such a beautiful place. The staff was kind and knowledgeable and all of the facilities we used were in perfect, clean condition. One of the park roads is still out (a large section washed out a few years back), but you can still get to all areas of the park without it. The drive through the park is gorgeous and is well worth it. The scenic overlooks are worth a stop as well, one of which is right off the road and requires no hiking. We had a wonderful experience here.

The Trails

We hopscotched around on the trails, hitting as many as possible without backtracking. We didn’t encounter anything challenging. The terrain ranges from sandy to rocky to flat, packed earth. There are some inclines, but again, all very easy.

The back end of the Lost Pines Loop was closed during our visit due to controlled burning in that area of the park. Definitely check out the park website or call ahead to see if there will be any burning planned during the time of your visit. We shortened that loop by taking the Old Road Bed from one section of the trail to the other.

Keep in mind that many of these trails once meandered through towering pine forests. The trees are growing back, but the area is still scarred. There are many signs to watch for falling trees, and we’d advise the same. There are many trees, some easily 30 feet tall, that are leaning precariously throughout the park. They burned during the 2011 fire and haven’t come down yet, so remember to keep an eye out for them while you’re there.

Our Takeaway

Bastrop State Park is a survivor. She has seen many struggles in her long years, a few immense trials in the last decade alone. Through it all, she still stands proud, regrowing, ever faithful. The craftsmanship of the CCC is a beauty, and the new pines are a sight to behold. If you’re in the Bastrop area, this park is definitely one to take in. Even if you don’t intend to hike, the drive through the park (and into Buescher State Park) is serene. It winds through the growing forests of Bastrop State Park and into the untouched forests of Buescher State Park. Definitely make the drive; you won’t be disappointed.

Prefer to see the park in action? Check out our vlog episode for Bastrop State Park!
Cheers,
Lydia and Billy