Texas is getting a massive new state park in the Hill Country
Posted: Tue, 2 Jun 2026 12:16 PM - 67 Readers
By: Mia Valdez - Boerne Reporter
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced the purchase of Silver Lake Ranch, a nearly 54,000-acre property that will become Silver Lake State Park — the state’s second-largest state park after Big Bend Ranch. Located about 150 miles west of San Antonio between Rocksprings and Uvalde, the park will feature dramatic scenery including caves, steep canyons, towering limestone cliffs, rolling hills, and abundant water features.
The property includes several miles of the West Nueces River, the 30-acre spring-fed Silver Lake, and multiple creeks with natural swimming holes such as Sycamore Creek, Lost Creek, Blue Waterhole, and Dutch Waterhole. It is covered in live oak and juniper trees and supports wildlife like white-tailed deer, turkey, javelina, dove, and native fish species. The land was largely gifted by The Moody Foundation, with TPWD purchasing the remaining portion for $11.85 million using funds from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and Sporting Goods Sales Tax. The park will open in phases, starting with guided tours and limited day-use access.
