Get a Dose of Bastrop State Park

Bastrop State Park is part of an isolated timbered region of pines and hardwoods known as the "Lost Pines" about 30 miles southeast of Austin.

At almost 6,000 acres, there is plenty of room for backpacking, camping, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

The park also includes an 18 hole golf course, but the jewel of Bastrop are the overnight cabins.

These rustic cabins were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s but have many comfort amenities like air-conditioning, microwave, and bathroom. So you'll sleep like you're staying in a hotel, but play like you're in the wilderness.

Because of all the beautiful old stone structures around the park, you can't help but learn a little history about how they were built.

During the Great Depression President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the public works organization known as the Civilian Conservation Corps to help put men to work and conserve the nation's natural resources, create public recreational areas and to help boost the economy.

They transformed the over-cut pine forest into a scenic wonder by seeding, transplanting and clearing the land. All the structures appear to grow out of the ground like a natural outcrop.

The non-intrusive designs were used for the cabins, roads, dams, culverts, bridges, and fences. Bastrop's refectory is a showplace of CCC craftsmanship.

Cedar, oak, walnut and pine indigenous to the park and red sandstone quarried nearby come together in an attractive stone structure featuring carved mantles, roof beams and handmade furniture.

Campsites and other facilities include restrooms with showers; picnic sites; campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity; cabins; lodges; group barracks; and a dining hall that accommodates 90.

The Refectory is a day-use dining hall with a kitchen area, tables and chairs for 90, a patio area, air-conditioning, and two fireplaces. The rustic cabins can accommodate two to six people and overlook the lake and each has air-conditioning, a microwave and kitchen facilities.

For more information on Bastrop State Park, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/bastrop/