Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens as Texas’ first new state park in decades

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas officials celebrated the grand opening of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park on Friday, marking the first new state park to open in North Texas in more than 25 years.

The park, located between Abilene and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, includes 4,871 acres of former ranch land in the Cross Timbers region.

The park opened to visitors March 1 and welcomed more than 15,000 people in its first month, state officials said.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park features more than 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, a 90‑acre lake for fishing and non‑motorized boating, and multiple camping options, including RV sites and primitive campsites.

The land was purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 2011. Construction was funded through legislative appropriations, sporting goods sales tax revenue, federal funds and private donations raised by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Officials encourage visitors to reserve day passes in advance, noting the park often reaches capacity.

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