Coastal Mosaic

On the shores of Matagorda Bay lie acres of coastal prairie and wetlands, dotted with live oak mottes, freshwater wetlands and tidal marshes. At Powderhorn State Park, you’ll be able to fish, kayak, hike, camp and bird watch in a very special place.

Conservation mecca

Conservation groups had been eyeing this large and pristine tract on the rapidly developing Gulf Coast for years. Originally home to the Karankawa Indians, in recent years it was a working ranch.

In 2014, conservation became possible when Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation purchased Powderhorn Ranch using funding from a variety of sources. During its tenure as owner, the Foundation worked to reverse the effects of cattle grazing, restore the land to its natural state, and prepare it for transfer to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

In 2018, TPWF donated about 15,000 acres to TPWD for the Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area. It donated the rest of the land to TPWD in 2021 for a state park.

Unique features

The park’s diverse habitats support myriad wildlife. Endangered whooping cranes have been sighted here, as well as more than 200 other species of birds. 

The 2,253-acre state park has over 3 miles of bay shoreline and an additional 2.5  miles of shore on Powderhorn Lake.

Recreation

Visitors will be able to fish the bay or lake, kayak, hike 8 to 12 miles of trails, camp, and bird watch.

Initial plans call for campsites, cabins, screened shelters and a group site. A paddling launch, fishing pier and wildlife viewing blinds are also planned.

Creating a park

Opening a park requires multiple steps and takes several years. Many factors impact the length of this process, including funding. 

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

With that information in hand, TPWD creates a Public Use Plan to guide the park’s development. We held public hearings in April 2024 to gather input on the draft of this plan for Powderhorn.

Once we finalize the plan, the design phase begins. Park planners design the look of the buildings, placement of parking, and other types of park infrastructure.

Finally, construction can begin.

Check back here for updates on the development of this state park.