First New North Texas State Park in 25 Years Debuts Near DFW

For the first time in more than 25 years, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has opened a new state park in North Texas. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located between Abilene and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, offers nearly 4,900 acres of former ranch land for hiking, biking, fishing, and outdoor exploration.

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Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, said in a press release,

This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas. Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors.

The park includes more than 16 miles of trails ranging from short, family-friendly walks to longer, moderate routes. There is also the 90-acre Tucker Lake for fishing, paddling, and swimming. Motorboats are not allowed. There are also RV sites, walk-in tent camping, primitive campsites, picnic areas, and a playground.

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Opening just in time for warmer weather. The park officials expect strong attendance through spring, especially around Spring Break, and encourage visitors to reserve day passes and overnight passes in advance through the TPWD reservation system or by calling the agency’s customer service center at (512) 389-8900.

The park is still in the process of some final touches, and officials ask guests to follow posted signs while improvements continue. A formal grand opening celebration is planned for later this spring.

This project is a long time coming. It traces back to 2008, when The Nature Conservancy helped identify and assemble the land. Purchased in 2011, construction was supported through legislative funding, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, federal dollars, and $10 million in private donations raised by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

If you are planning several park trips in 2026 you might want to consider the Texas State Parks Pass, which waives entrance fees for a full year. You can find out more at  (512) 389-8900.