Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced the official acquisition of the 54,000-acre Silver Lake Ranch on May 27. The future Silver Lake State Park will rank as the second largest state park in Texas after Big Bend Ranch State Park.
The property transfer was made possible after the Moody Foundation gifted its 87.5% ownership interest in the ranch directly to TPWD. The state agency purchased the remaining fractional interest for $11.85 million, utilizing funds made available by Texas voters through the Sporting Goods Sales Tax and the landmark Centennial Parks Conservation Fund — a $1 billion endowment approved in 2023 to secure dedicated land-acquisition streams.
According to Governor Greg Abbott, the new Hill Country park ensures future generations will have access to unique outdoor activities.
Located 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.
Its primary namesake is a 30-acre, spring-fed body of water known as Silver Lake. According to TPWD researchers, the land contains sensitive natural and cultural resources, including oak motts, caves, ancient pictographs, and habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
Native wildlife on the ranch include white-tailed deer, javelina, turkey, dove, and a rare aquatic species known as the greenthroat darter fish.
TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said that because Silver Lake sits close to some of the most heavily visited state parks in Texas, it is poised to become a premiere destination for outdoor recreation. Agency planners will develop the park in deliberate phases.
While private contractors and department staff begin extensive biological and archaeological resource surveys to craft a long-term management plan, initial public access will likely be restricted to scheduled guided tours and limited day-use. TPWD officials said they will host a public input campaign to gather community feedback before finalizing the park’s permanent infrastructure.