Texas' second-largest state park is coming soon. Here's what we know

Texans will soon have a new 54,000-acre state park in the Hill Country — the second-largest in the state, behind only Big Bend Ranch State Park.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced that Texas would soon open the new Silver Lake State Park, which spans Edwards and Kinney counties — 150 miles west of San Antonio.

“The opportunities to explore nature’s wonders are truly bigger in Texas,” said Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement. “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.”

The park — which doesn't have an opening date just yet — features steep canyons, rolling hills, miles of river frontage along the West Nueces River, and the park's namesake — the 30-acre spring-fed Silver Lake.

The property was historically used for sheep and cattle ranching and was previously owned by the Moody Foundation and the Libbie Shearn Moody Trust.

However, the Moody Foundation gifted its ownership interest of Silver Lake Ranch — totaling 87.5% — to TPWD. The department purchased the remaining property interest for $11.85 million with funds from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and the Sporting Goods Sales Tax.

“The Moody Foundation is proud to help preserve this remarkable stretch of Texas Hill Country and make it accessible for generations to come,” said Ross Moody, a trustee of the Moody Foundation, in a statement. “Silver Lake Ranch represents the natural beauty, history and spirit of our state, and we are honored to make this gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife to ensure it remains protected and enjoyed by all Texans for years ahead.”

What does the park feature?

In addition to the park's namesake — the 30-acre spring-fed Silver Lake — TPWD also states that it has a variety of wildlife and native vegetation, including:

• Live oak.
• Juniper and other Hill Country plant communities.
• White-tailed deer.
• Turkey.
• Javelina.
• Dove.
• Greenthroat darter fish can be found in Silver Lake.

According to TPWD, portions of the property have been identified as potential habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

There are also a variety of natural and cultural resources throughout the property, including sprawling oak motts, caves and pictographs.

Finally, several creeks and natural water features are also found throughout the property, including Sycamore Creek, Lost Creek, North Spring Creek, Blue Waterhole and Dutch Waterhole.

What's next for the park?

According to TPWD, the new state park will be developed using available interest in the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund — a $1 billion endowment fund approved by voters in 2023 aimed at creating a dedicated funding stream for acquiring and developing state parks.

TPWD plans to develop the park in phases, with public input to determine recreational opportunities for the property.

Initial access could include guided tours and limited day-use opportunities while planning and infrastructure improvements are underway. Later phases will add trails, basic visitor facilities and eventually expanded recreational amenities such as camping and paddling access.

Now that the acquisition is complete, department staff and private contractors will work together to conduct natural and cultural resource surveys to help guide park planners with management plans and future visitor interpretive exhibits.

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at [email protected].