Texas Opens First New State Park in Nearly 20 Years

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park offers over 4,800 acres for outdoor recreation and nature exploration.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:54am

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting the sweeping, rugged landscapes of the new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park in Texas through a series of sleek, streamlined forms and forced perspectives, capturing the park's grand scale and natural beauty.The grand opening of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park celebrates Texas' commitment to preserving its natural wonders and supporting the state's thriving tourism industry.Palo Pinto Today

Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the grand opening of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, the first new state park to open in Texas in nearly two decades. Located between Abilene and Dallas-Fort Worth, the new park offers over 4,800 acres for Texans to explore and enjoy through activities like camping, fishing, and hiking.

Why it matters

The opening of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park builds on Texas' historic investment in outdoor recreation and preserving the state's natural landscapes and wildlife for future generations. State parks not only protect the land and wildlife that define Texas, but also serve as powerful economic engines that support a thriving tourism industry in local communities.

The details

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Governor Abbott reflected on his childhood experiences exploring the outdoors and traveling to state parks with his Boy Scout Troop. He noted the importance of preserving Texas' natural landscapes and beautiful wildlife. The new park offers Texans expanded opportunities for camping, fishing, and exploring the natural beauty of Texas.

  • Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opened on April 11, 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony and emphasized the importance of preserving Texas' natural landscapes and wildlife.

Jane Nelson

The Texas Secretary of State who joined Governor Abbott at the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Lee Bass

The Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Commission Chairman-Emeritus who attended the event.

Michael Greene

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Chairman who attended the event.

David Yoskowitz

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director who attended the event.

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What they’re saying

“The Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is one of the most majestic of them all. Preserving our lands is crucial. It allows communities to reconnect with the land that made Texas, Texas. We are going to live up to our commitment to preserve our state parks so that future generations have access to the beauty of Texas that was originally seen by Sam Houston and Davy Crockett.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

What’s next

The new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is expected to draw visitors from across the state and nation to one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

The takeaway

The grand opening of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park underscores Texas' commitment to protecting its natural wonders and supporting the state's thriving tourism industry, which will benefit local communities and allow future generations to explore the state's iconic landscapes.