Texas bought a 1,700-acre Hill Country ranch for a new state park; unlike nearby Garner, planners want it rugged, with Frio River access only after miles of backcountry hiking
Texas park authorities have acquired a 1,720-acre ranch in Uvalde County to create Bear Creek State Park, offering outdoor visitors a more natural and rugged alternative to the heavily developed recreation areas nearby. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the property was purchased for $33.5 million using a one-time state appropriation. It sits less than a mile from Garner State Park, the most visited park in the state system. However, officials plan to develop Bear Creek in a very different way. Unlike Garner, where visitors can park close to the river and use paved areas, reaching the spring-fed Frio River at Bear Creek will require visitors to travel for miles through steep canyons, limestone ridges, and backcountry trails.
A deliberate shift toward backcountry conservation
According to TPWD, limiting vehicle access near the river is part of an effort to expand public recreation while protecting the environment. Garner State Park often reaches capacity by noon on summer weekends, with large numbers of visitors using its developed lawns, roads, and river access areas. Bear Creek, by comparison, is planned around quieter and lower-impact outdoor activities. Initial surveys found dense forests, steep ravines, and oak grasslands across the property. According to state officials, these areas contain sensitive habitats and support the endangered golden-cheeked warbler as well as several rare plant species found in the deeper canyons.Texas Governor Greg Abbott also highlighted the recreational value of the purchase when announcing the acquisition. “The acquisition of Bear Creek State Park will provide Texans access to the Frio River along with streams, canyons, and hiking trails for visitors to explore,” Abbott said. “I encourage all Texans and out-of-state visitors to witness our beautiful Texas parks up close.”
Immersive trails instead of paved parking lots
According to preliminary plans from TPWD, Bear Creek State Park will focus on exploring the landscape rather than driving directly to recreation areas. Park planners are developing a network of natural-surface trails through the Balcones Canyonlands. The trails are expected to connect visitors with scenic viewpoints overlooking Old Baldy, the well-known landmark within nearby Garner State Park. Visitors heading toward the Frio River and its tributaries, including Spring Creek and Bear Creek, will use backcountry trails designed to reduce damage to sensitive areas along the waterways.According to early public-use plans, the park will also offer walk-in campsites, primitive backpacking areas, and dark-sky viewing locations. These options will take priority over large recreational vehicle areas and paved parking lots. David Yoskowitz, executive director of TPWD, said the new park would give people another way to experience the Texas Hill Country. “The department is excited to add Bear Creek to the Texas State Park system and provide Texans with another picturesque slice of the Texas Hill Country to enjoy,” Yoskowitz said. “The rolling grasslands and unnamed creeks stretching across the landscape will one day provide visitors with a new place to explore the peaks and valleys that make up Uvalde County.”
Funding the next generation of public lands
According to TPWD, development of Bear Creek will be supported by the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. Texas voters approved the dedicated fund in 2023 to help speed up land purchases and park development across the state. Under agency policy, newly acquired state park property must provide some form of public access within 18 months of purchase, while full park operations are expected within four years. According to preliminary plans, limited public access, including guided hikes and special events, is expected to begin in late 2026 while natural and cultural resource surveys are completed.Paul Foster, chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, said the purchase reflects the state’s wider effort to create more public outdoor spaces as Texas continues to grow. “This latest land purchase is another feather in the cap of the department for their efforts to provide more public spaces for Texans to recreate in the outdoors,” Foster said. “Combined with the previous additions, Texas has added more than 6,800 acres of new parkland.”
Preserving cultural heritage and dark skies
The Bear Creek property also has an important human history. According to early archaeological surveys, researchers have found evidence of Native American campsites on the land, including old cooking areas and places where tools were made along the creek beds. The property later became part of the region’s ranching history. Historical records indicate that in the late 1800s, rancher Abraham B. “Abe” Kelly established a homestead where Bear Creek and Spring Creek meet. According to park planning information, officials also want to protect the area’s natural night sky. By limiting artificial light and avoiding large amounts of overnight infrastructure, planners hope to preserve the darkness of the Hill Country while highlighting the property’s cultural history. As public meetings and feedback sessions continue, officials are working on the park’s final master plan. According to TPWD, Bear Creek State Park is expected to become a destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and backpackers looking for a quieter and more natural experience of the Frio River valley.
