As beautiful as the Texas Hill Country is, it’s also extremely dry. Couple that with the scorching temperatures we get down here in the summer, and it can be a recipe for disaster. Bastrop State Park has experienced not one, but TWO, fires in the past seven years that all but destroyed the vegetation. That didn’t stop Mother Nature from working her magic, however – just two years after the most recent blaze, and the park is almost fully restored. Keep scrolling to see the amazing transformation.

In 2011, the Bastrop Complex fire destroyed 96% of the park. 2015 brought a tragic Memorial Day flood, and yet another fire took place in 2016. Thanks to Mother Nature and conservationists, it has been almost fully restored to its original beauty. Just wait until you see it...
tpwd.texas.gov
Take a look at all this lush greenery! You'll see these ferns and more gorgeous flora on the seven miles of trails running through the park. It's truly amazing to see just how determined nature is to rise after such a terrible disaster. Check out this interactive trails map for a preview of what you'll see.
tpwd.texas.gov
The park is located in the "Lost Pines" forest, spanning 75,000 acres and five counties. These trees have been growing in the area for over 18,000 years! That's pretty impressive - and the hill country area of the forest is especially unique because the pines have adapted to 30% less rainfall due to the dry climate.
TripAdvisor/apriltx

Related Stories

These Unique Caverns In Texas Look Like Something From Another Planet

These Unique Caverns In Texas Look Like Something From Another Planet

 The Overlooked State Park In Texas That Belongs On Your Summer Bucket List

The Overlooked State Park In Texas That Belongs On Your Summer Bucket List

 This Remote Little Town In Texas Is One Of The Darkest Places In The Nation

This Remote Little Town In Texas Is One Of The Darkest Places In The Nation
Lodging options at the park include campsites and historic cabins that sleep anywhere from two to eight people. Click here to check availability and read more about the different options and pricing.
tpwd.texas.gov
Some of the campsites have full hookups for RVs, so feel free to bring the trailer. Few feelings compare to that of a cool, breezy night with a bonfire, s'mores, ghost stories, and the people you love most.
tpwd.texas.gov
So if you want to hike, fish, picnic, bike, camp, and above all, marvel at beautiful trees that (literally) rose from the ashes, pay a visit to Bastrop State Park. You'll be blown away at how different it looks today.
TripAdvisor/stubljumpr

The park is located at 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602. For more awesome state parks to visit in Texas, click here.

Have you ever been to Bastrop State Park? If so, was it before or after the fires? Can you believe how much life has been restored in such a short amount of time?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Texas