Texas to open second-largest state park west of San Antonio

Texans will soon be able to explore a sprawling new state park spanning nearly 54,000 acres — making it the second-largest state park in Texas after Big Bend Ranch State Park, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Texas Parks and Wildlife officials on Wednesday said the agency acquired the property in Edwards and Kinney counties, where Silver Lake State Park will eventually open. Located about 150 miles west of San Antonio between Rocksprings and Uvalde, the planned park sits near the West Nueces River and features steep canyons, rugged terrain and rolling hills.

The agency said the park will open in phases, beginning with guided tours and limited day-use access while development continues. Future phases are expected to add trails, visitor facilities and expanded recreational amenities.

“The opportunities to explore nature’s wonders are truly bigger in Texas,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “This future state park will grant generations of Texans a deeper understanding of the land that helps make our state the natural envy of the world.”

The land was previously owned by the Moody Foundation and the Libbie Shearn Moody Trust, which donated an 87.5% ownership interest to Texas Parks and Wildlife. The agency purchased the remaining share for $11.85 million using money from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and from sporting goods sales tax revenue.

Texas Parks and Wildlife said it will conduct natural and cultural resource surveys as part of the months-long planning process and will seek public input on recreational opportunities at the site.

“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,” Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director David Yoskowitz said in a statement. “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.”