Bastrop TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bastrop, Texas.
1. Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
CAMPER'S PARADISE RETREAT
Lake Bastrop North Shore Park offers a clean, friendly environment perfect for singles, couples, or families seeking water recreation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and other water activities in this attractive setting popular with campers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts. The park allows guests to rent pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards from Float On Boat Rentals, or use the boat ramp for personal watercraft to access the refreshing lake waters.
2. Lake Bastrop South Shore Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE FUN
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park provides an ideal swimming area particularly appealing to campers with its many amenities and playground for kids. The park offers numerous water activities including boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for visitors seeking to cool off in the Texas heat. Beyond swimming, guests can enjoy the 9-hole public golf course, organize lakeside picnics, or gather for soccer, frisbee, and other outdoor games.
3. Bastrop County Nature Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
Bastrop County Nature Park is a 24-acre wooded area along the Colorado River that serves as part of the Texas Paddling Trail system. The nature park features a dedicated swimming area and beach where visitors can relax and soak in the sun after a refreshing dip. Additional amenities include barbecue pits, picnic areas, and nature trails excellent for hiking and birding enthusiasts.
4. Fisherman's Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HUB
Fisherman's Park provides a convenient public access point to the Colorado River in Bastrop where visitors can enjoy cooling off in the water. The park features a splash pad, making it particularly appealing for families with young children seeking relief from summer heat. Its riverside location offers beautiful scenery and opportunities for water recreation in a convenient setting near downtown Bastrop.
5. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
LUXURY WATERFRONT RETREAT
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa offers a comprehensive water recreation experience with its refreshing lazy river ideal for leisurely floating during hot Texas summers. This upscale resort provides a one-stop destination where guests can stay, swim, play, cruise, and ride in a memorable setting. The property combines luxury accommodations with extensive water features, creating an all-inclusive experience visitors won't soon forget.
6. Bastrop State Park Pool
HISTORIC PARK SWIMMING
Bastrop State Park offers a seasonal swimming pool perfect for families looking to cool off while enjoying the park's natural surroundings. The pool operates during summer months only and requires reservations, making advance planning essential for visitors. Beyond swimming, guests can enjoy the park's other recreational opportunities including camping, picnicking, biking, hiking, fishing, and geocaching.
7. Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park
SCENIC RIVER ACCESS
Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park provides another excellent access point to the Colorado River near Bastrop. The park offers scenic riverside areas where visitors can swim, fish, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the waterway. Its proximity to Bastrop makes it a convenient option for locals and tourists seeking water recreation in the area.
8. Smithville Boat Ramp
RIVER ACCESS POINT
The Smithville boat ramp offers convenient access to the Colorado River for water enthusiasts in the greater Bastrop area. Visitors can use this access point for swimming, fishing, and launching small watercraft to explore the river. The site provides a more rustic alternative to developed parks while still delivering access to refreshing river waters during hot Texas summers.
9. McKinney Falls State Park
NATURAL SWIMMING HOLES
McKinney Falls State Park, located near Bastrop in Austin, features beautiful natural swimming holes formed by Onion Creek as it flows over limestone ledges. Visitors can enjoy swimming in both the Upper and Lower Falls areas, with the Lower Falls typically offering more family-friendly swimming conditions. Beyond water recreation, the park offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and historical sites within its 745 acres of Hill Country landscape.
10. Barton Springs Pool
ICONIC NATURAL SPRING
Barton Springs Pool, located within Austin's Zilker Park and a short drive from Bastrop, is a three-acre natural limestone pool fed by underground springs maintaining a refreshing 68-70 degree temperature year-round. This iconic swimming destination attracts visitors seeking relief from Texas heat with its crystal-clear waters spanning more than 1,000 feet in length. The historic swimming hole offers a unique urban oasis experience with lifeguards on duty, grassy areas for sunbathing, and a distinctive atmosphere that has made it a beloved Austin landmark since the 1930s.
Bastrop Things To Do
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