The campground is located just north of Bastrop, Texas and east on SH 71 of Austin about thirty miles to SH 21 and then one mile east on SH 21. This park has always been know for the Lost Pines of Texas and throughout history, many have come to see these majestic old pines. However, recent forest fires have taken a toll on these pines and much of the park remains only a skeleton of it′s past glory.

Coastal Plains Region of Texas

South Central Plains Ecoregion

You can camp, picnic, swim, ride bikes, hike, fish, geocache, take in a nature program, and look for wildlife.

Bike or drive scenic Park Road 1C between Bastrop and Buescher state parks. The hilly 12-mile road takes you through recovering and forested areas of the Lost Pines, a short drive that is still enjoyable.

To the east is Smithville which has the Railroad Museum and Depot.

Daily entrance fee is in addition to the camping fee.

There are quite a few cabins located in this state park with a variety of configurations and fees. Please check with the park for more information.

Adults: $5.00

Under 12: Free

35 Full Hookup: $25.00

19 Electric: $20.00

16 Water only: $15.00

Cabins: $110 to $200

Picnic table, water spigot, charcoal grill and/or fire ring.

One feature of this state park is a newly built shower house, one that appears to have had no shortcuts made in the construction. The building is a very modern one, with the floors and walls all covered with tile. The showers include a very modern handicap accessible shower. Too, there is even a heater in the shower house that comes on when outside temperatures drop.

And, would you believe it, the water temperature is close to being steamy hot.

Awake to another cold morning but when the sun rises, the day quickly warms. I dress in my fall blues, drive to the state park, check in to obtain a day pass, and then drive to the shower house for some hot water. This is my second time here for this purpose, the first time was when I first arrived in Bastrop.

After my shower, I leave the state park and drive northeast on SH 21.

My morning begins in the predawn darkness with driving to the w-mart for coffee and WiFi. Later, I drive to Bastrop State Park for a hot shower and then drive through the park noting that the once heavily forested park was mostly burned by fire in September 2011. One good thing that resulted from the fire was the construction of a new shower house in the camping area. It has all tile floors and walls, new plumbing and really hot water.

After my shower, I drive through the rest of the park to photograph some of the highlights and when I stop at the north scenic overlook, I park, get out my cookpost and prepare a hot breakfast.

After having my breakfast and packing away the cook pot, I then walk over to a couple of information boards, one of which tells about the big fire here in September 2011.