Market Overview for Camp Swift
There are 21 active listings in Camp Swift with a median list price of $319K and a median sold price of $320K.
Homes average 53 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 1 homes have sold, with 28 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $220.
About Camp Swift
Camp Swift is a census-designated place (CDP) in north-central Bastrop County, Texas, approximately 5 miles north of the city of Bastrop and 35 miles east of Austin. The community is situated along State Highway 95 and is adjacent to Lake Bastrop, a 900-acre reservoir managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). The CDP had a population of 7,943 according to the 2020 U.S. Census, up from 6,383 in 2010, and covers approximately 12.1 square miles.
The community takes its name from Camp Swift, a Texas Army National Guard training facility activated on May 4, 1942, on 55,906 acres of Bastrop County land. The base was named for Eben Swift, a commander during World War I. During World War II, Camp Swift was one of the largest Army training camps in Texas, reaching a maximum strength of 90,000 troops and holding 3,865 German prisoners of war. After the war, the federal government released most of the land, and approximately 11,500 acres were retained as a military reservation. The CDP was first recognized in the 1990 U.S. Census as the residential community that developed around the base.
Today the installation remains an active training center operated by the Texas Military Department. Approximately 90 percent of Texas Military Forces personnel train at Camp Swift before deployment. The Federal Correctional Institution, Bastrop (FCI Bastrop) also occupies a portion of former Camp Swift land within the CDP. Residential development has grown steadily, particularly around Lake Bastrop, with the population more than doubling since the 2000 Census count of 4,671.
Bastrop County sits within the Lost Pines ecosystem, an isolated stand of loblolly pines separated from East Texas pine forests by roughly 100 miles of post oak savanna. Bastrop State Park, a National Historic Landmark, preserves over 6,500 acres of this habitat immediately adjacent to the Camp Swift CDP. The park's facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1939 and include stone cabins, a swimming pool, and trail structures.
SH 95 runs along the western edge of the CDP and connects south to the city of Bastrop and north toward Elgin and Taylor. US 290 passes to the north, providing access to Austin and the broader Central Texas corridor. The community is not an incorporated city and has no municipal government; county services are provided by Bastrop County.
Living in Camp Swift
Camp Swift residents commute via SH 95 south to Bastrop or via US 290 and SH 71 west toward Austin, a drive of approximately 35 miles (40 to 50 minutes). SH 130 toll road offers a bypass route to north Austin and Round Rock. Daily errands center on the city of Bastrop, which provides grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail along SH 71 and SH 95.
Students in the Camp Swift CDP attend Bastrop Independent School District schools. Lost Pines Elementary serves approximately 744 students, feeding into Bastrop Intermediate and Bastrop Middle School (approximately 642 students). Bastrop High School enrolls approximately 1,743 students and competes in UIL 5A. The district serves approximately 13,400 students across its campuses.
Healthcare is provided by Ascension Seton Bastrop at 630 Highway 71 West in Bastrop, approximately 5 miles south. The facility offers emergency and outpatient services. Specialty care and Level I trauma services are available in Austin.
Lake Bastrop offers year-round recreation, with LCRA-managed parks on both the north and south shores providing boat ramps, fishing, swimming, camping, and cabins. The community's proximity to Bastrop State Park and McKinney Roughs Nature Park (1,140 acres of trails, zip lining, and river rafting along the Colorado River) provides extensive outdoor access.
Things to Do in Camp Swift
- Bastrop State Park: Over 6,500 acres preserving the Lost Pines loblolly pine ecosystem. CCC-built facilities (1933-1939), designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing.
- Lake Bastrop South Shore Park: LCRA park on the 900-acre reservoir with boating, fishing, kayaking, cabins, and a swimming area. Located at 375 South Shore Road.
- Lake Bastrop North Shore Park: LCRA park on the north side of the reservoir with camping, cabins, and shoreline access for swimming and fishing.
- McKinney Roughs Nature Park: 1,140-acre LCRA park along the Colorado River at 1884 SH 71 West in Cedar Creek with 17.6 miles of trails, zip lining, horseback riding, and river rafting.
- Historic Downtown Bastrop: Main Street district along the Colorado River with locally owned restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and live music venues. Bastrop was incorporated in 1837.
Major Employers in Camp Swift
- Texas Army National Guard — Camp Swift (Military / Government): Active training center operated by the Texas Military Department on approximately 11,500 acres. Approximately 90 percent of Texas Military Forces personnel train here before deployment.
- Bastrop Independent School District (Education): Public school district serving approximately 13,400 students across Bastrop County.
- Federal Correctional Institution, Bastrop (Federal Government): Federal Bureau of Prisons facility located on former Camp Swift land within the CDP.
- Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa (Hospitality): 405-acre resort along the Colorado River in the Lost Pines area, offering lodging, dining, golf, and spa services.
- Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) (Utilities / Conservation): Regional utility and conservation agency managing Lake Bastrop, McKinney Roughs, and other parks and water resources in the area.
Camp Swift Schools
Camp Swift is served by Bastrop Independent School District, which operates schools across Bastrop County. The district enrolls approximately 13,400 students.
School District: Bastrop ISD
Public Schools
Higher Education
- Austin Community College — Elgin Campus - ACC campus in nearby Elgin, approximately 15 miles north, offering associate degrees and workforce training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camp Swift, Texas?
Camp Swift is a census-designated place (CDP) in Bastrop County, approximately 5 miles north of Bastrop and 35 miles east of Austin. It is named for the adjacent Texas Army National Guard training facility, which has been active since 1942. The CDP had a population of 7,943 in the 2020 Census.
What school district serves Camp Swift?
Camp Swift is served by Bastrop Independent School District. Students attend Lost Pines Elementary, Bastrop Intermediate, Bastrop Middle School, and Bastrop High School (UIL 5A).
How far is Camp Swift from Austin?
Camp Swift is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Austin via US 290 and SH 71, a drive of roughly 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
Is Lake Bastrop near Camp Swift?
Yes. Lake Bastrop, a 900-acre reservoir managed by LCRA, is adjacent to the Camp Swift CDP. LCRA operates parks on both the north and south shores with boat ramps, swimming, camping, and cabins.
What is the history of Camp Swift?
The military installation was activated on May 4, 1942, on 55,906 acres and named for WWI commander Eben Swift. During WWII it was one of Texas's largest training camps, reaching 90,000 troops. After the war, most land was returned; approximately 11,500 acres remain as an active Texas Army National Guard training center.
