On the heels of the opening of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, Texas’ first new state park in 25 years, officials have announced Silver Lake State Park.
Earlier this week, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced the acquisition of 54,000 acres in the Texas Hill Country between Edwards and Kinney counties. Of which, officials will turn into Silver Lake State Park, the second largest state park in Texas following Big Bend.
“This is an exciting addition to our state park system, and we are grateful to our partners at the Moody Foundation for their philanthropy and for bringing this slice of the hill country to the people of Texas,” said Executive Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, David Yoskowitz, in a press release.
“Near one of the most popular state parks in Texas, Silver Lake is sure to become a destination for park visitors and be the backdrop of memories made for generations to come.”
Under the ownership of the Moody Foundation and Libbie Shearn Moody Trust, the land had previously been used for sheep and cattle ranching. The Moody Foundation gifted 87.5 percent of the Silver Lake Ranch property to TPWD, securing the vast majority of the site for future public use and conservation.
The property, located between Uvalde and Rocksprings, around 150 miles west of San Antonio, showcases rugged Texas Hill Country topography, defined by steep canyons, limestone cliffs, and rolling hills dense with live oak and juniper.
Miles of river frontage along the West Nueces River cross the land, anchored by the 30-acre spring-fed Silver Lake.
Furthermore, the coming Texas state park is home to caves, sprawling oak motts, and historical pictographs. Wildlife-wise, the property is populated by the likes of white-tailed deer, turkey, dove, and javelina.
“The opportunities to explore nature’s wonders are truly bigger in Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott in a press release.
“With this new land acquisition across the Hill Country, Texans will have access to more than 50,000 acres of unique outdoor activities. This future state park will grant generations of Texans with a deeper understanding of the land that helps make our state the natural envy of the world.”
Officials have not yet announced when the new Texas state park will open. TPWD is planning a phased rollout; while planners finalize the site’s layout and construct its primary infrastructure, TWPD will initially open the grounds for guided tours and restricted day activities.
Subsequent development phases will see a comprehensive trail network and essential visitor facilities. The final buildout will expand the site’s recreational footprint, adding dedicated campsites and direct water access for paddlers.
