Bastrop SP, Texas 12/03 - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Turn Key · 12-27-2003, 01:31 PM

Bastrop State Park, Texas
December, 2003

Got an opportunity to take a look at Bastrop State Park last week and as always, couldn’t pass up the chance to check out a park we hadn’t been to. Many have said that they like this park and we are always on the prowl for a new place to camp. Being as this park is not too far from our favorite stomping grounds (the Texas Hill Country), we really felt a need to have a look. We didn’t camp but spent about three quarters of an hour driving around the park. This is what we found.

Bastrop SP is located just east of the town of Bastrop, Texas, about 30 mile east and a bit south of Austin. Access to the park is fairly easy just off of Texas 71 but you will need to watch your signs.

Bastrop State Park encloses some 3500 acres, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and it opened in 1937. On entering the park, you will first notice that the road straddles an 18-hole golf course. Being as I was never a very good golfer and I had to give up “cow pasture pool” about 25 years ago, I am not much of a judge of courses. I have heard from some, who should know, that this is a good course. The park is also equipped with a large swimming pool that I understand is staffed with lifeguards during the “open” season. Looks very nice.

Almost 9 miles of hiking trails are enclosed by Bastrop SP. To prevent erosion, no bicycles are allowed on the trails. There is a 10 acre lake at the north end of the park with a swimming area. Lake looked nice but was about 6-7 feet low at the time we were there. There are also suppose to be a couple of small ponds along the hiking trails. There is a cabin area on the lake with about 14 cabins for rent, one being “Handicapped Accessible“. We did not take the time to look at any of these.

There are four main camping areas plus a Scout Camping Area that is located at the eastern end of the park, off of Park Road 1A. The four main areas are broken down as follows:

Deer Run Camping Area, 16 tent sites
Creekside Camping Area, 7 tent sites
Piney Hill Camping, 25 “Full Hook-Up” sites, all “pull-thru”
Copperas Creek Camping Area, 28 “Power & Water” sites, all “back-in”

All areas are well kept and clean, if a bit old. Shower houses are clean and serviceable but could stand to be rehabbed. Sites are equipped with the normal picnic tables, grills and gas lamp standards. All sites have fair shade but not much privacy as all are very close together with limited or no underbrush. Roads and sites in Copperas Creek can be very difficult to maneuver due to the narrowness of the road and the proximity of trees. You could find it a challenge to get into or out of sites 62-68 with anything larger then a small PU and TV. “Pull-Thru” sites in Piney Hill Camping would be much easier to negotiate but you will still find yourself very close to your neighbor. Being as we were a bit pressed for time on this trip and we do not use these facilities, we did not check the two “Tent” areas or the Scout Camping Area. Further housing amenities in this park include a “Group Barracks Area” made up of 4 structures. There is also a Dining Hall just west of the pool.

For those who wish to come here, you will find the town of Bastrop able to supply any needs you may have. There is a Wal-Mart “Super Center”, a number restaurants and more then sufficient choices in fuel stops.

I have heard many speak highly of this park and I can see why they may. With a choice of golf, fishing, swimming and hiking among other activities, there is much to keep a person busy and happy. For us, we find the lack of “elbow room” and privacy in the camping areas a major drawback. Also, being as we much prefer other parks not very distant from Bastrop, we do not see ourselves returning to this park unless there was a definite need to be in this area.

I hope that as you read this, you find it helpful as you plan your next camping trip. If I can help further, feel free to contact me via e-mail or PM.

Happy Camping!

copuswalker · 12-28-2003, 04:33 PM

We used to camp there often. Some of the pull trus on the smaller loop offer real nice privacy. It used to be an almost empty park at one time. Like most now they seem to be busier than ever. Thanks for your take.