AUSTIN, Texas – A massive stretch of Texas Hill Country is officially becoming a new state park, and it’s set to be one of the biggest outdoor destinations in the entire state.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced Wednesday that nearly 54,000 acres in Edwards and Kinney counties have been acquired to create Silver Lake State Park, which will become the second largest state park in Texas behind only Big Bend Ranch State Park.

The future park is located about 150 miles west of San Antonio between Rocksprings and Uvalde and features rugged canyons, rolling hills, river frontage along the West Nueces River, and a rare 30-acre spring-fed lake known as Silver Lake.

Why this is a big deal for Texans

Texas has seen growing demand for outdoor recreation and state park access in recent years, with many parks regularly reaching capacity during weekends and holidays. Officials say this acquisition will dramatically expand public access to protected land in the Hill Country.

Governor Greg Abbott called the project another example of how “the opportunities to explore nature’s wonders are truly bigger in Texas.”

The land was largely donated through the Moody Foundation, which gifted 87.5% ownership of the property to the state. Texas Parks and Wildlife purchased the remaining portion for $11.85 million using money from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and Sporting Goods Sales Tax revenue.

What visitors can expect

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the property includes:

• Steep limestone cliffs and deep canyons

• Miles of river frontage

• Creeks and natural swimming holes

• Oak-covered hillsides

• Caves and ancient pictographs

• Wildlife including deer, turkey, dove and javelina

• Habitat for endangered species like the golden-cheeked warbler

The park will be developed in phases. Early access may include guided tours and limited day-use opportunities before larger recreational amenities are added. Future plans could include camping, hiking trails, paddling access and visitor facilities.

When will it open?

There is currently no official opening date for Silver Lake State Park. Texas Parks and Wildlife says planners will first conduct environmental and cultural surveys before finalizing recreational plans and infrastructure improvements. Public input will also help shape the park’s future.

Officials say the process could take months, but once complete, the park is expected to become a major outdoor attraction for Texans and visitors alike.

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued a directive reinforcing a freeze on undergraduate tuition and fees at all public institutions of higher education in Texas for the upcoming academic year.

Tuition freeze extended

In a letter sent to college and university presidents, Abbott made clear that his November 2024 directive remains fully in effect and that no undergraduate tuition or fees should be increased for the 2026–2027 academic school year. The freeze applies to all public two-year and four-year institutions, including both general academic and health-related schools.

What they’re saying:

“Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families,” Abbott said in a statement. “Access to affordable, high-quality higher education is essential to ensure Texans learn the skills needed to secure family-sustaining jobs and meet the demands of a growing workforce.”

Undergraduate tuition and fees at Texas public institutions have remained frozen since 2023. While the state legislature previously codified the freeze for general academic four-year universities, Abbott emphasized that his executive directive encompasses all public higher education systems.

State officials noted that the tuition freeze has been paired with significant state investments intended to offset institutional costs and support affordability. In 2023, the state invested more than $680 million to reform community college funding and expand degree pathways. Additionally, during the 2025 budget cycle, Texas increased student financial aid funding by $328 million to expand access to state financial aid programs for eligible students.

What’s next:

Abbott indicated he plans to work with the legislature during its next session to extend the tuition freeze into future academic years.