The great state of Texas is home to untold natural beauty. High to low – from Big Bend to the Caverns of Sonora – top to bottom – from Palo Duro Canyon in the panhandle to the Lower Rio Grand Valley on the Mexican border – the state has much to offer for wanderlust folk.
For the first time in over 25 years, Texans will have a new domain to explore. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is now open in North Texas, featuring nearly 5,000 acres of undulating juniper hills, scenic vistas a 90-acre lake, and more.
Beginning with 3,000 acres of private ranch land in North Central Texas, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park has been a project in the works for over 10 years. Since then, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department steadily secured more land while raising the necessary funds to build headquarter facilities, campsites, and trails.
Following numerous delays, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park officially opened on March 1, 2026. Entrance to the park is nestled in the hills of Strawn, a small Texas town 75 miles west of Fort Worth.
In total, the state park spans 4,871 acres of mixed terrain. The state park’s centerpiece is the 90-acre Tucker Lake. Here, visitors can partake in various water-based recreation that include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating (without motors), and swimming. The parks offers fishing gear available for loan; a fishing license is not required at Tucker Lake according to TPWD.
Winding through oak and Ashe juniper trees in remote areas of the state park are 16 miles of multi-use trails accessible on foot, bike, or horseback. The park loans all-terrain wheelchairs for 14 miles or so of non-accessible trails.
The Palo Pinto Mountains State Park campsites range from primitive, to walk-in tent sites, as well as water and electric sites. For horseback riders, the park offers equestrian camping sites. Pavilions are also available for reservation for group gatherings.
As the park is in its grand opening phase, officials strongly encourage visitors to reserve day-passes in advance. Entrance fees at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park are priced at $7 for adults (13 years or older); the park is free for children (12 and under). The park is open from 8 am to 10 pm daily. Entrance to Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is 100 Park Road 77, Strawn, TX 76475.
