New state park taking shape between Burnet and Lampasas counties
A new Texas State Park is taking shape across the Colorado River from Colorado Bend State Park (pictured) on the Lampasas-Burnet county line. File photo
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently purchased 1,100 acres in Lampasas County, the latest addition to a yet-to-be-named state park in the making.
The 1,100 acres lies on the east side of the Colorado River, along Yancey Creek, in southern Lampasas County. The land will be added to 2,020 acres the TPWD purchased earlier this year in northern Burnet County.
“It’s great to see phase two of the acquisition process come to fruition with the purchase of this 1,100-acre property,” said Jeff Hildebrand, chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, in an April 21 media release.
The new property is across the river from Colorado Bend State Park and contains towering limestone cliffs and several natural springs in the wild country north of Lake Buchanan.
“I’m excited for the addition of the second piece of this property in what will become a new 3,000-plus acre Texas State Park,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “This acquisition will give visitors access to the Colorado River, a beautiful creek and the diverse landscapes that are featured across the property. We look forward to generations of Texans enjoying the scenic views of the unique post oak woodland and outdoor adventures awaiting on this property.”
No firm date is set for the park’s formation and opening, which could take many months, according to TPWD officials. However, the recent land acquisitions are major steps forward in the process.
The TPWD is on a statewide mission for public land access, using $1 billion provided by the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund by the Texas Legislature in 2023.