Newly Acquired Silver Lake Ranch Becomes Texas’ Second Largest State Park

AUSTIN—Texans will soon have a new place to explore the beauty of the Hill Country thanks to the acquisition of almost 54,000-acres in Edwards and Kinney counties. The property, which will become Silver Lake State Park, is Texas’ second largest state park behind Big Bend Ranch.

“The opportunities to explore nature’s wonders are truly bigger in Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “With this new land acquisition across the Hill Country, Texans will have access to more than 50,000 acres of unique outdoor activities. This future state park will grant generations of Texans with a deeper understanding of the land that helps make our state the natural envy of the world.”

The Moody Foundation gifted its ownership interest of Silver Lake Ranch, totaling 87.5 percent, to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). TPWD purchased the remainder of the property interest for $11.85 million with funds from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and Sporting Goods Sales Tax, both overwhelmingly approved and made available thanks to Texas voters.

“This is an exciting addition to our state park system, and we are grateful to  our partners at the Moody Foundation for their philanthropy and for bringing this slice of the hill country to the people of Texas,” said David Yoskowitz, Executive Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Near one of the most popular state parks in Texas, Silver Lake is sure to become a destination for park visitors and be the backdrop of memories made for generations to come.”

The property, historically used for sheep and cattle ranching, was previously owned by the Moody Foundation and the Libbie Shearn Moody Trust.

“The Moody Foundation is proud to help preserve this remarkable stretch of Texas Hill Country and make it accessible for generations to come,” said Ross Moody. “Silver Lake Ranch represents the natural beauty, history and spirit of our state, and we are honored to make this gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife to ensure it remains protected and enjoyed by all Texans for years ahead.”

Founded in Galveston in 1942, the Moody Foundation has played a significant philanthropic role across Texas for more than 80 years, supporting initiatives in education, community development, health and the arts. The family’s legacy of stewardship and giving has helped shape communities statewide and reflects a long-standing commitment to preserving Texas’ natural and cultural resources.

Located about 150 miles west of San Antonio between Rocksprings and Uvalde, the property features steep canyons, rolling hills and miles of river frontage along the West Nueces River. Additionally, it is home to 30-acre spring-fed Silver Lake, the property namesake.

Steep canyons and limestone cliffs rise above rolling hills covered in native vegetation including live oak, juniper and other Hill Country plant communities. Several creeks and natural water features can also be found throughout the property including Sycamore Creek, Lost Creek, North Spring Creek, Blue Waterhole and Dutch Waterhole.

A variety of different natural and cultural resources can be found throughout the property including sprawling oak motts, caves and pictographs. Additionally, many native wildlife can be found throughout the area, including white-tailed deer, turkey, javelina and dove. Some aquatic species, including the greenthroat darter fish can be found in Silver Lake, and portions of the property have been identified as potential habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

The new state park will be developed with the available interest in the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion endowment fund approved by voters in 2023 aimed at creating a dedicated funding stream for acquiring and developing state parks. The interest from the fund can only be accessed through an approval process with the Legislative Budget Board.

When notified of available properties, TPWD conducts a due diligence review to determine the property’s feasibility as a state park. In this case, TPWD determined the property’s outstanding natural and recreational features made it an excellent candidate.

TPWD plans to develop the park in phases. Initial access could include guided tours and limited day-use opportunities while planning and infrastructure improvements are underway. Later phases will add trails, basic visitor facilities and eventually expanded recreational amenities such as camping and paddling access.

Now that the acquisition is complete, department staff and private contractors will work together to conduct natural and cultural resource surveys to help guide park planners with management plans and future visitor interpretive exhibits.

This latest acquisition furthers TPWD’s goal of expanding public access to Texas’ natural spaces and protecting important wildlife habitat while providing new outdoor recreation opportunities for Texans.

TPWD will develop a plan with input from the public to determine recreational opportunities for the property. This plan may take many months to complete, but TPWD will communicate upcoming milestones, including a potential opening date.

More information about the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund can be found on the TPWD website or at TexasStateParks.org