Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Opens in North Texas

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is the first state park to open in North Texas in nearly two decades. Located west of Fort Worth, between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, near the town of Strawn, the park is about a two-hour drive from Irving. It opened to the public on March 1.

Trails, Wildlife and Outdoor Activities

The park features rolling hills, a scenic creek and a quiet lake that is home to a wide range of wildlife, including mountain lions, wild turkeys and red-eared turtles. The park’s 16 miles of trails welcome hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers, offering a variety of ways to explore the park. Along the paths, visitors may notice animal tracks pressed into the dirt, alongside an abundance of native wildflowers.

“Right down the Texas and Pacific trail is Rocky Bottom. It’s my favorite spot in the park,” said Kate Fisher, a full-time park ranger. “It’s an area where Palo Pinto Creek goes over a low-water dam, so it’s really wide.”

Fisher said the creek serves as a key water source that winds through the trails and feeds into the 90-acre Tucker Lake, which is open for swimming, boating, fishing (no license needed) and birdwatching.

Camping and Visitor Center

There are about 60 campsites throughout the park, including water and electric sites, walk-in tent sites and hike-in primitive options. Most sites include picnic tables, bear-proof lockers and nearby parking for accessibility.

The visitor center features a museum that guides guests through the history of Palo Pinto Mountains and the nearby railroad, along with a gift shop where visitors can browse and purchase souvenirs. The visitor center also serves as a hub for educational programs led by park staff.

Educational Programs and Community Events

“Last week we had our first field trip since the park opened,” Fisher said. “A home-schooled group from Eastland came out. We did a hike, we did some watercolors and a program called ‘Skins and Skulls,’ where we talked about native wildlife in the park.”

Fisher explained that park staff continue to host new programs throughout the grand opening, welcoming guests of all ages. These activities are designed for visitors interested in exploring nature or learning more about wildlife and outdoor education.

The opportunities for learning and exploring at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park continue to expand. “I’ve got a group from Springtown coming up and we’ll be talking about fossil fuels, our native resources and birds, as well as the importance of regulations when it comes to fishing and hunting,” she said.

Planning Your Visit

As visitation continues to grow following the opening of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, guests are encouraged to plan ahead.

Campsites and day passes can be reserved in advance through the Texas Parks & Wildlife official website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/reservations/, to avoid long wait times and ensure access during peak periods.