Beautiful Vistas, Sheltered Canyons

Drive about 75 miles west of the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex and you’ll enter the Palo Pinto Mountains. Just north of the freeway lies 4,871 acres of former ranch land that is now Palo Pinto Mountains State Park.

Once developed, this rugged, beautiful park will offer hiking, camping, fishing, stargazing, train watching, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

The park's future

Plans for the park include an extensive network of multiuse trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Trails will lead to remote areas of the park with expansive vistas.

On Tucker Lake, you’ll be able to fish, boat, swim and look for birds. Motorboats will not be allowed, to protect the park’s tranquility.

Campsites will include RV sites, as well as walk-in tent sites and primitive camping areas. Picnic areas and playgrounds will provide gathering places for small and large groups.

Creating a park

Opening a park requires multiple steps and takes several years. Many factors impact the length of this process, including funding. TPWD has not set an opening date for this park.

Baseline surveys are the first step. These surveys determine sensitive areas as well as areas to be developed. The surveys also identify scenic and interesting places at the site.

Guided by the surveys and public input, the design/development phase is followed by construction, which has begun.

Though this park will be "light on the land," it is still a large undertaking requiring several phases.

Check back here for updates on the development of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park.

Get involved

• Join or donate to our friends’ group, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Partners. All donations benefit our park.
• Check online for volunteer opportunities.
• Donate to the nonprofit Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

Can’t wait for the park to open to talk with a ranger? We can come to you! Give us a call or email us to learn more.