New state park coming to the Highland Lakes area
Post Oak Ridge State Park. Photo Courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
A new, 3,000-plus acre state park is in the works for the rugged country just north of Lake Buchanan, and it could be fully accessible by 2027.
Post Oak Ridge State Park will lie along the eastern bank of the Colorado River, in between Burnet and Lampasas counties, directly across the water from Colorado Bend State Park. Purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in January 2025, it could be partially open by 2026 and fully opened by 2027.
“In accordance with TPWD policy, newly acquired parklands must open for limited public use within 18 months and full public use within 48 months,” reads a TPWD media release. “That means planning is underway.”
Post Oak Ridge is characterized by the steep bluffs of the Colorado River, spring-fed creeks, and rolling hills covered in Post Oaks.
The park was bought using money from the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which was approved by state voters in 2023.
The TPWD is gathering public feedback as the park is developed.
Attend public engagement meetings in person:
- Austin public meeting, Jan. 14, 2026. 6-8 p.m. at LCRA Redbud Center, 3601 Lake Austin Boulevard, in Austin
- Lampasas public meeting, Jan. 15, 2026. 6-8 p.m. at the Lampasas County Annex, 409 S. Pecan Street in Lampasas
More public meetings will be held in summer 2026 on a public use plan.