Nestled along the banks of the stunning Colorado River, Bastrop, TX is the perfect place for a summer getaway to the Texas wilderness. Because of the work of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a community resource helping enhance the lives of Texans throughout the state, there are many public parks around Bastrop that offer breathtaking views as well as exciting outdoor activities for the whole family. Why not take advantage of the warmer months and head up to Bastrop to explore some of our beautiful parks? Read on for more information on how to make the most of your park visit.
Lake Bastrop South Shore & North Shore Parks
Boasting 900 acres of lake to explore, Lake Bastrop is the ideal spot for nature enthusiasts of all levels to escape the bustle of everyday life. It’s an especially good spot for casting a line, as Lake Bastrop is full of several types of fish, including crappie, perch, catfish and largemouth bass. Lake Bastrop tends to remain warmer than other lakes of its size, meaning that the bass stay active through winter and early spring, with the most productive fishing period falling between the months of February and June. You’ll find well-defined creek channels and drop-offs that make this meticulously maintained lake such a popular spot to fish. Drop a line from the pier, or head out on a boat and spend an afternoon on the lake. Either way, it’s more likely than not you’ll be leaving with that evening’s dinner.
On the South Shore, you’ll find a wide range of activities for those who are looking for other avenues of adventure. For instance, why not add a little excitement to your group’s experience with a bit of friendly competition? Lake Bastrop South Shore offers a 9-hole mini golf course perfect for sunny afternoons — as long as no one in your group is a sore loser, of course. You can also enjoy activities such as volleyball, horseshoes and much more throughout the park’s day-use facilities. Or get your workout on and embark on a 4-mile hiking or biking excursion, which offers both an opportunity to check out some of the best views of the lake as well as the chance to engage in a little exercise. Of course, if the weather’s nice, getting out on the water is a must. You can conveniently rent a variety of watercrafts onsite, from kayaks and canoes to stand-up paddleboards.
With so much to do, you’ll have trouble fitting it all into one day. Luckily, the South Shore offers some cozy ways to spend the night right there in the Texas wilderness. Choose from classic tent campsites, fully outfitted RV hookups, cabins with heat and A/C capabilities and more.
Meanwhile, Lake Bastrop’s North Shore offers just as much adventure, right across the lake. Enjoy beautiful hiking trails, secluded swimming spots, onshore places to play and so much more. Forget something at home? The camp store has you covered — and we guarantee you won’t be able to resist the temptation of a cute souvenir to remember the trip by. The North Shore offers a wide variety of unique places to crash at the end of a busy day. You can opt for classic tent or cabin camping, but if you’re not the type to want to rough it, you can book a stay in one of their five refurbished Airstreams, which feature showers, kitchens, A/C and more, all within a vintage ambiance. Or you can go for a full glamping experience at one of GLAT USA’s cabins or safari-style tents, which offer all the modern amenities you could want only steps away from the lakeshore.
McKinney Roughs Nature Park
Connect with your wild side at McKinney Roughs, a 1,100-acre park offering adventure suited to every type of explorer. For a more structured experience, bring your group and leave the rest to the experts. With several guided activities available throughout the park, you’ll be able to find an activity your whole group will love, and you might even learn a few things along the way. From challenge obstacle courses to guided river rafting trips, you’re sure to experience adventure like never before.
The best way to explore Bastrop’s famous loblolly pine forests — which are so old, some date all the way back to the Ice Age! — is up close and personal. With 18 miles of trails winding throughout these sweeping vistas, it’s easy to get lost among the beautiful Texas wilderness. You can tackle the trails on foot, take them by bike or even try them on horseback.
For those after more adventure than you can fit into a single afternoon, McKinney Roughs also offers overnight accommodations. If you’re traveling with a larger group, the onsite hostel sleeps up to ten; or, you can opt to spend the night in their cozy dormitories, which sleep up to 122 guests.
Zip Lost Pines
Perhaps the most exciting activity you’ll find at McKinney Roughs is the longest dual zipline in Texas. At Zip Lost Pines, you can explore Bastrop from high above the treetops as you zip through the skyline on a thrilling, heart-pounding adventure you’ll never forget. Zip Lost Pines offers a range of different zipline experiences, each carefully crafted to connect you to nature in a completely unique way. If you’re short on time, you can opt for a single, hair-raising ride down their longest zipline, which only takes around 30 minutes from the base camp to the end of the experience. Or try one of their more involved tours, such as the full zip tour including five individual ziplines, or their nighttime zip tour.
This is a great stop if you’re traveling with little ones. For ages 2-15, they offer Little Zipper experiences, so your child can enjoy all the fun of an afternoon spent ziplining without diving right into the adult-sized ziplines. In the span of an hour, kids will be able to experience a dual zipline at safe speeds (around 10-15 MPH), snacks, post-zip activities and a craft to take home. The best part? Parents are welcome to relax at the base camp, where they’ll find a bar, yard games and more to keep them occupied while their kids take to the sky.
It’s All Right Here
There’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be found right here in Bastrop. No matter what time of year you escape to our little town, you’ll find a wealth of activities, all offered with a side of that small-town charm we do so well here. Plan your stay today and discover what adventures are waiting for you — from unforgettable sights to gourmet Southern cooking and so much more, it’s all right here in Bastrop. Don’t forget to sign up for our email list so you never miss a moment of Bastrop happenings.
