Camping spots near Bastrop, Texas range from lakeside parks to historic forests, with many recovering from the 2011 wildfire that reshaped the landscape. The area sits within the Lost Pines Forest, an isolated stand of loblolly pines separated from the East Texas Piney Woods by approximately 100 miles. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, with humidity making proper hydration essential for campers.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Bastrop: Both shores of Lake Bastrop offer excellent water recreation opportunities. "The park is very pretty however only half of the campsites have shade and ours was unshaded at 90 plus degrees. The pet area was excellent. The campground is located adjacent to the Colorado river," notes a visitor to Bastrop/Colorado River KOA.
Hiking through recovering forests: The trails surrounding Bastrop showcase the area's natural regeneration. "It's sad what happened here to the trees in the fire and the lake when the dam burst, but this park is resilient. Please support it by visiting. You can now also walk the old closed golf course," writes a visitor at Bastrop State Park Campground.
Fishing in smaller lakes: Quieter fishing spots exist beyond the main lake. "This is a very nice, small, State park. There is a lot to do and it didn't feel crowded at all. The tent camping spots were great! We stayed at a walk in site (water only) and had a great time! Good fishing, hiking, etc," reports a camper at Buescher State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private, well-spaced sites: Many Bastrop area campgrounds offer good separation between campers. "We spent a couple of nights at this park. We loved the water falls and the sites are far apart with trees and shrubs surrounding them," notes a review of McKinney Falls State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms and amenities impress visitors. "Very clean restrooms and camp sites, nice trails, trails not very difficult. Perfect for a day trip from San Antonio, will be back," reports a day visitor to Bastrop State Park.
Proximity to Austin: The convenience of being near a major city while enjoying nature appeals to many. "Nice park with campsites with lots of trees for privacy..good hiking trails," says a visitor to South Shore Park. Another camper mentions the park is "a quick 15 minute drive from downtown Austin" while reviewing McKinney Falls.
What you should know
Summer heat requires planning: High temperatures affect camping comfort significantly. "Camped here two nights. The facilities are amazing... Visited during the middle of summer, so it was very hot, sunny, and dry. Bring sun screen and plenty of water!" warns a Bastrop State Park visitor.
Seasonal crowding: Busy periods can impact availability and experience. "Long waits for toilet/shower. All are family type facilities with the toilet, sink and shower as one unit behind a lock door, so one showering person ties up a toilet. There are 8 'units' for 40 campsites PLUS cabins," notes a camper at South Shore Park.
Recovery from natural disasters: Wildfire and flood damage remains visible in certain areas. "We went after the 2nd fire & was able to see the affected trees from the 1st fire that affected Bastrop. Bathrooms were super nice & clean. Tons of hiking/running trails," reports a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for different ages: Lakes and pools provide cooling relief. "The have some good moderate hiking trails and some interesting historical sites. The have a children's playground and a nice swimming pool. The trees here are being replanted and restored," notes a Bastrop State Park visitor.
Kid-friendly historical features: Educational opportunities abound. "Right outside Austin with lots of easy trails, historic buildings, nature center, woods, pool. Kids got to do the junior ranger program which they loved," shares a family that visited Bastrop State Park.
Day-use amenities: Even without overnight stays, families can enjoy park features. "We enjoy going for the day to this park it has a huge lake for our canoe and lots of room for he kids to run around. Kids under 12 get in free and adults are $5 for the day," explains a day visitor at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain. "The sites weren't anywhere near being level. Not a deal breaker or even a surprise, but when paying a high price at a KOA, I would expect them to be a bit more level than they were," notes an RVer at Bastrop/Colorado River KOA.
Concrete pads at select parks: Some sites offer better surfaces for larger rigs. "We camped with a travel trailer. The sites were very nice and clean. Staff is friendly and helpful. Great views," mentions a visitor to South Shore Park.
Power reliability: During weather events, some parks maintain utilities better than others. "We experienced the Austin winter storm 2021 and although we were without water hookup for 1 week we never lost power," reports an RVer staying at a park near Austin, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness.
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