PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas – For the first time in 18 years, a brand new state park is set to open in Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located near the town of Strawn between Abilene and Dallas-Fort Worth in North Texas, is set to open its gates on March 1. It is the first state park to open in 18 years and the first in North Texas in 24 years.
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The park is made up of 4,871 acres of former ranch land, and offers visitors the opportunity to hike, bike, fish, and explore.
“The opening of the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park marks an exciting new landscape for Texans to explore,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This state park will expand outdoor opportunities for families across our state and showcase the natural beauty that makes Texas, Texas. With the addition of this state park, generations of Texans will be able to enjoy over 4,000 acres of natural landscape for years to come.”
The park is located about 75 miles west of the DFW-metroplex, just north of Interstate 20.
The terrain of vistas and rugged canyons offers visitors 16 miles of multiuse trails to explore on foot, bike or horseback. Visitors can also fish, boat, or swim on 68-acre Tucker Lake. And, of course, there is also camping in the park.
“This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas,” said director of Texas State Parks Rodney Franklin. “Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park.”
Gov. Abbott also highlighted several other future state parks that will be available for Texans to enjoy:
- Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area - estimated 2026
- Post Oak Ridge State Park – estimated 2029
- Bear Creek State Park – estimated 2029
- Honey Creek State Natural Area - estimated 2029
- Powderhorn State Parks and Wildlife Management Area - estimated 2029
- Chinati Mountains State Natural Area – estimated 2032
- Davis Hill State Park – estimated 2034
TPWD strongly encourages anyone planning a trip to reserve a day pass in advance since some parks are expected to reach their capacity limit. Reserve day passes online through the TPWD reservation website or by calling the Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900.