Texas will soon have a new place to explore along the Frio River: a 1,720-acre state park in Uvalde County. The future Bear Creek State Park — just a mile from the busy Garner State Park — marks the latest win from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which is fueling an unprecedented wave of new park development across the state.

The $1 billion fund, approved by Texas voters in 2023, is driving the biggest boom in new state park development since the ‘70s and ‘80s. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) purchased the land in a one-time, $33.5 million deal.

“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,” said Paul Foster, Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, in a release. “Combined with the previous additions, Texas has added more than 6,800 acres of new parkland since January.”

The land includes access to the Frio River and several streams and creeks.Photo by Sonja Sommerfeld, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

In addition to providing another point of access for tubing, the parcel includes several creeks and streams, canyons for hiking, and breathtaking views of Garner State Park’s Old Baldy mountain. A canopy of cypress and live oak trees provides plenty of shade for visitors, and campers will be able to enjoy dark skies far away from light pollution.

Nature lovers will also find a variety of wildlife. Bear Creek is a habitat for endangered species like the golden-cheeked warbler. Initial TPWD surveys suspect many rare floral species might also be found in the ravines.

The purchase of Bear Creek will allow Wildlife and Inland Fisheries biologists and state staff to conduct land surveys to draft management plans and brainstorm exhibits. TPWD will also seek public input to identify recreational opportunities. The work is expected to take several months before the state can announce an opening date.

The park's rolling hills provide spectacular views.Photo by Sonja Sommerfeld, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

The formation of Bear Creek State Park adds to one of the most stunning tourist destinations in the Hill Country. In early August, vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo ranked Garner State Park the eighth best state park nationwide.

“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,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz, in a statement. “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.”