Texas has added a sparkling new gem to its crown of natural wonders—Bear Creek State Park, a breathtaking 1,720-acre expanse nestled less than a mile from the beloved Garner State Park in Uvalde County.

Governor Greg Abbott shared the excitement, saying, “The acquisition of Bear Creek State Park will provide Texans access to the Frio River along with streams, canyons and hiking trails for visitors to explore.” This Hill Country haven offers not only the Frio River, but also Spring Creek and its namesake Bear Creek, winding through rolling grasslands, shaded by towering cypress and live oak trees.

Visitors will be treated to panoramic views of Old Baldy at Garner, with scenic ridges and quiet canyons that invite hikers, campers, and nature lovers to slow down and soak in the beauty. The park also promises dark skies for stargazing and a rich habitat for wildlife, including endangered golden-cheeked warblers and rare floral species tucked into its ravines.

This acquisition was made possible through the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion endowment approved by voters in 2023 to expand and protect Texas’ natural spaces. Bear Creek joins a growing list of new parklands, including Post Oak Ridge and the expanded Enchanted Rock area, marking over 6,800 acres added to the Texas State Parks system this year alone.

While the official opening date is still on the horizon, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is already working with biologists and planners to shape the future of Bear Creek. Public input will help guide recreational opportunities and interpretive exhibits that celebrate the land’s natural and cultural heritage.