This Secret Lazy River in Texas Floats Through a Forest

The first time I stayed at a resort with a lazy river, I wasn’t expecting much: a chlorinated loop around the pool, surrounded by lounge chairs, maybe. But when I grabbed a tube and became immersed in the peaceful, tropical ambiance, I was hooked.

The lazy river at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines is another such immersive experience. It’s a 1,000-foot-long winding waterway that meanders through the Lost Pines forest, with towering trees overhead, and the Lower Colorado River flowing just beyond the resort grounds.

Grab a tube (they’re included with your stay or day pass), pick up a drink at the float-up bar, and let the gentle current carry you through what feels less like a resort amenity and more like a peaceful drift through the wilderness.

An Oasis in the Pines

When you leave nearby Austin and pass through the stone and wooden fences at the property’s entrance, you’ll feel like you’re leaving civilization behind. Along the winding road, past horse crossing signs and shy white-tailed deer, you’re suddenly surrounded by the distinctive loblolly pines that give the region its name.

The loblollies of Lost Pines are botanically isolated, separated from the main body of the East Texas pine forests by about 100 miles of post oak savanna. They are thought to be the surviving remnants of a larger Ice Age forest that adapted to a drier climate on sandy, water-retaining clay soil. They are genetically distinct and create a unique ecological community.

The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is hidden away on 405 acres along the Lower Colorado River. Established in 2006, special care was taken to carefully preserve the surrounding forest and the natural character of the land.

At its heart is the Lost Pines Water Park, built around the 1,000-foot lazy river that winds through carefully cultivated beds of native, drought-tolerant plants. The vegetation, along with wooden footbridges and rocky waterfalls, makes the lazy river feel more like a natural creek than a man-made pool.

Grab a double or single-rider float and enjoy as you drift in and out of sun and shade. Stop for a margarita or a beer at the float-up bar without even leaving your tube.

Beyond the lazy river, the water park extends into the main activity pool. There, you’ll find volleyball nets and a sandy beach area where you can build real sandcastles or other sand sculptures. A heated kiddie pool and splash pad fountains accommodate the youngest guests.

If you’re at least 42 inches tall, you can climb to the top of the two-story waterslides for a fast-paced adrenaline rush. If you’re looking for solitude, there is an adults-only pool with whirlpools and multiple hot tubs scattered throughout. Private cabanas are also available.

More to Do at Lost Pines

At Lost Pines, the fun doesn’t stop at the edge of the waterpark. 

Lost Pines Resort adjoins the 1,100 McKinney Roughs Nature Park, where you can venture through 18 miles of wooded trails. Take a hike or a utility task vehicle (UTV), which seats four. 

Your resort fee includes bike rentals from the bike corral just outside the water park, so don’t hesitate to explore. They come in sizes for the whole family, some even with baby seats. Helmets are included.

From the resort grounds, you have direct access to the Colorado River. Guest age 5 and above can kayak or canoe the river with Bastrop River Company.

Families can follow a trail of self-guided mystery box stations in the GPS Family Nature Quest.

For the ultimate family adventure, book a Wildlife Explorer Nature Day. You’ll spend the day outdoors practicing survival skills such as building shelters, starting a fire, throwing spears, and identifying edible plants. You will also cast an animal track to take home.

Seasonally, kids aged 3 to 12 can enjoy Camp Hyatt, featuring arts and crafts, nature walks, outdoor play, movies, and more.

There are also plenty of guided activities. Learn to ride a horse, shoot a bow and arrow, throw a tomahawk, rope a steer, or shotgun trap shoot with the help of expert instructors. The Renegade Trail Ride is approximately one hour long and winds through the golf course and McKinney Roughs Nature Park.

Stop by the Lost Pines Corral to meet longhorn cattle, ponies, pigs, donkeys, goats, and alpacas. Pony rides are available for young children.

You can fish from the banks of the pond. Poles and bait are available, as well as guided assistance if it’s your first time fishing.

If golf is your game, enjoy the 18-hole, par 72 Lost Pines Golf Club. Or check out the 13-acre driving range with an elevated hitting area, eight target greens, and two practice putting greens.

Near the resort, you can enjoy yard games like giant Connect Four, giant Jenga, cornhole, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. You can also play tennis, pickleball, soccer, basketball, dodgeball, billiards, or bingo.

Finally, find time to unwind in the full-service spa with facials, massages, or a break in the sauna.

Eats to Enjoy

Old Buck’s Place is a signature poolside restaurant and bar. It specializes in casual fare like Texas barbecue, jerk chicken, fresh fruit, and frozen drinks—the kinds of food that pair well with wet swimsuits and warm sunshine.

For an upscale breakfast experience, visit the Heartwood House, named for the core of a tree’s trunk located at the center of the property. From mimosas to avocado toast, Heartwood will fuel you for the day ahead.

Maude’s Bar & Terrace is named for a famous pecan tree. This restaurant has indoor and outdoor vibes with live music and fire pits.

Maverick’s Roadhouse is “a modern take on the classic Texas Roadhouse.” It pairs refinement with rougish, rough-around-the-edges offerings like pork belly sandwiches and bourbon flights.

Stories Ranch Kitchen offers an elegant experience inspired by “the big cattle ranches and plentiful game” of Central Texas. It leans heavily into local, farm-fresh ingredients paired with wine from their private cellar.

For a taste of the exotic, head to Sushi by Scratch Restaurant. It’s an intimate counter-side experience that seats only ten guests at a time. You’ll be able to watch the chef craft every morsel by hand.

For a sweet treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, head to McDade’s Coffee Emporium & Ice Cream Saloon. It’s set up like an old-fashioned general store, complete with oversized jars of hard candies, to transport you back in time.

You can also order in-room amenities, from a simple meal to a special celebration package or poker night set.

Enjoy the Resort Even in Cold Weather

The resort operates year-round, but cooler temperatures during December, January, and February may preclude a dip in the lazy river. 

Don’t worry, though—you can enjoy Lost Pines Resort even in the colder months. 

Two bonfire-sized fire pits dot the grounds, and your resort fee covers s’mores kits. Bundle up and roast some marshmallows for an unforgettable evening. The fire pits are lit each day at sunset.

And of course, cooler temperatures give you added incentive to snuggle up in your room. Lost Pines resort has 490 guest rooms. Every window offers a view of the surrounding countryside, and some ground-floor rooms open onto patios, and upper-story rooms onto balconies.

You can also request a water view overlooking a serene pond.

The room decor could be described as modern meets rustic. Crisp white sheets are accented by leather headboards and woodgrain furniture. 

Make it a family affair by booking a multi-room suite. The Lone Star and Lost Pines Suites are decked with homespun textiles and vintage rodeo posters. The Family Suite has huge barn doors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and regional artwork, including a life-sized fleecy sheep.

Antler chandeliers adorn the Patio Suite. The Crooked River Suite has an old-fashioned garden tub, similar to a claw-foot tub. The Litton House has views of the golf course and a living room fireplace.

The Governor’s Suite features 20-foot vaulted ceilings, elegant hanging chandeliers, a library, a private dining room, and a living room.

As you can see, there’s something special for groups of all sizes.

If the water park is calling to you, the activity pool, kiddie pool, and hot tubs are heated year-round (the lazy river and waterslides are not). However, they may not maintain a comfortable temperature when outdoor temperatures are below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for a Perfect Stay

Rooms can fill up fast, so book your stay well in advance, especially if you require specific dates. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends and holidays. Reservations are recommended for horseback riding and other activities at Renegade Trailhead.

If you’re short on time, you can also reserve a day pass to access the waterpark and other amenities. 

How to Get There

The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a 20-minute drive from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and roughly 30 minutes east of downtown Austin, TX.

You can use the map below to navigate to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort.

Where: 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Cedar Creek, TX 78612

This family-friendly resort has everything you need for a refreshing getaway, from the waterpark with its float-up bar to days on the green or even on horseback.