Best Campgrounds near Bastrop, TX
Bastrop State Park Campground and the surrounding areas offer a range of camping experiences from developed sites with amenities to more rustic options. Several campgrounds feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites, including Bastrop State Park, Buescher State Park, and Lake Bastrop North Shore Park. Most camping areas include standard amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby restroom facilities. The region supports mixed-use camping with options for various types of outdoor recreation, from fishing at Lake Bastrop to hiking along forested trails connecting Bastrop and Buescher State Parks.
Campgrounds in the Bastrop area typically remain open year-round, though summer months bring high temperatures that can make camping challenging. According to one visitor, "The park has tent, group, RV, group cabin w/ barracks, cabins (some are wheelchair accessible), and a dining hall." Many sites require advance reservations, especially during popular weekends and holidays when facilities like Lake Bastrop's swimming areas attract families. Most established campgrounds provide water and electrical hookups, while some offer full-service sites with sewer connections. The 2011 Bastrop Complex fire significantly altered the landscape in parts of Bastrop State Park, creating a mix of recovering forest areas alongside mature pine stands.
Campers consistently mention the scenic 12-mile park road connecting Bastrop and Buescher State Parks as a highlight, with its winding route through pine forests and areas recovering from wildfire. The area provides good fishing opportunities, particularly at Lake Bastrop and the small lake at Buescher State Park. A review noted that "The sites have good tree cover and a nice level of privacy which can be rare at state sites." Family-friendly amenities are common throughout the region's campgrounds, with playgrounds, swimming areas, and relatively flat, accessible sites. Several campgrounds feature waterfront sites along Lake Bastrop, offering direct lake access for fishing and boating. Despite being relatively close to Austin, many camping areas maintain a quiet atmosphere suitable for relaxing weekends away from urban environments.
