November is one of the best months to walk the Lost Pines, and this year it starts with a free day at the park. Lost Pines Wildlife Habitat Day is Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bastrop State Park, and Texas Parks and Wildlife says no park entrance fee is required for it.
What happens at Wildlife Habitat Day?
Expect hands-on nature activities, educational booths, live wildlife and short talks about Lost Pines wildlife and habitat. Booths set up in front of and behind the historic Refectory, and the speakers present inside it. Partners include the Houston Zoo, the Lost Pines Master Naturalists, the Texas Forest Service and others.
Are there guided hikes this month?
Yes. Texas Parks and Wildlife lists these on its events page:
| Date | Hike | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sat., Nov. 7, 10 a.m. | Wild Calm, a 1-mile guided walk through the Lost Pines with a Lost Pines Master Naturalist | Bastrop State Park |
| Sat., Nov. 14, 10 a.m. | The Forest You Almost Missed, a 1-mile family-friendly guided hike | Buescher State Park, near Smithville |
Check the events page for any cost or sign-up details before you go.
What should I know before I visit?
- Address: 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602.
- Entrance: $5 per adult per day. Kids 12 and under are free.
- Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Interpretive Center is open Friday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary.
- Reservations: The park highly recommends reservations for day use as well as camping. Book online or call (512) 389-8900.
Why is the park special?
The park protects a stretch of the Lost Pines, a pine forest unique to this part of Texas. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the dining hall, cabins and many other buildings in the 1930s, and they are still part of the visit today. There are seven miles of trail, plus Lake Mina and Little Alum Creek Lake, where you can fish from the shore without a fishing license.
Living close to a state park is one of the things people love most about Bastrop. Find more outdoor ideas in our Things to Do guide, or browse our Neighborhoods guide to see how the areas around town lay out.
Event details come from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Please confirm with the park before you go.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to get into Bastrop State Park?
- The daily entrance fee is $5 for adults, and children 12 and under are free, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Lost Pines Wildlife Habitat Day on Nov. 7, 2026, is free and no entrance fee is required.
- What are the hours at Bastrop State Park?
- The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Interpretive Center is open Friday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary.
- When is Lost Pines Wildlife Habitat Day 2026?
- It is Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bastrop State Park, with booths around the historic Refectory and speakers inside.
- Do I need a reservation for Bastrop State Park?
- Texas Parks and Wildlife highly recommends reservations for both camping and day use. You can reserve online or by phone at (512) 389-8900.
- How many miles of trails are in Bastrop State Park?
- Bastrop State Park has seven miles of trail through the Lost Pines.
Sources
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Bastrop State Park
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Lost Pines Wildlife Habitat Day
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Bastrop State Park events
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