Help Shape the Future of Bear Creek State Park  

[Versión en Español] 

TPWD invites you to help us plan the development of  Bear Creek State Park - a new 1,700-plus-acre park located along the Frio River in Uvalde County. On this rugged, ecologically diverse landscape, we will provide outdoor access, protect sensitive habitats, and celebrate the area’s culture and heritage. 

Why your voice matters 

Bear Creek is one of the first new state parks to be developed using interest generated by the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. 

In accordance with TPWD policy, newly acquired parklands must open for limited public use within 18 months and full public use within 48 months. That means planning is underway. 

We want your input to help shape what the park becomes! 

Public Use Plan 

Bear Creek State Park is currently in the early planning phase. We are creating a Public Use Plan which will guide the park’s development while balancing resource conservation with public access. Topics in the plan will include: 

• Day-use recreation and overnight stays 

• Trails and scenic areas 

• Protection of native wildlife and habitats 

• Cultural and historical interpretation 

• Park operations and infrastructure design 

• Visitation levels and road access 

• Potential economic benefits for nearby communities 

Planning timeline 

• Fall 2025 – Fall 2026: Community outreach and information gathering 

• Spring 2026: Public meetings on vision and priorities, launch of community survey 

• Fall 2026: Public meetings on Public Use Plan, launch of questionnaire 

How you can help 

In this information gathering phase, TPWD wants to know: 

• How you want to use and experience the new park 

• What values, cultural stories and natural features we should protect and highlight 

• How we can best balance access, recreation and environmental stewardship 

• How we can co-create a vision that reflects both state priorities and local aspirations 

This is your chance to share your vision for how visitors will connect with nature, recreation and each other at Bear Creek State Park. Tell us what’s important to you! 

March public meetings 

We held two in-person public meetings in March. Watch the narrated slide show of the presentation:

• Presentation | English
• Presentation | Spanish (coming soon)

At the meeting, we shared this concept map | PDF.

Take the online survey 

A public survey launched on March 24 which will remain open for 30 days. You can offer feedback on park uses and design priorities, and submit ideas for trails, programs, and more. The survey is mobile-friendly and available in both English and Spanish. 

• Survey: English 
• Survey: Spanish 

Stay informed 

• Sign up to receive notices of upcoming meetings.  

• Want to learn more? Visit the Bear Creek State Park website 

Project contacts 

• Maria Malone, centennial planner, TPWD Austin Headquarters 

• Nathan Reynolds, park superintendent 

Together, let’s create a park for generations to enjoy! 

TPWD is committed to creating a park that honors the land, provides outdoor recreation and reflects the needs and values of the region. Your input will help shape a park that serves Texans now and in the future.