Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) flipped the switch on independent day visits at Post Oak Ridge State Park on September 24, 2026. The 3,118-acre property sits in Burnet and Lampasas counties, directly across the Colorado River from Colorado Bend State Park. It’s the first major addition to the state system built with interest generated by the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund.
The land carries 137 years of history. John Fletcher and Mattie Lou Vann settled there in 1889, raising seven children and running a ranch that later operated a fishing camp. TPWD began acquiring the property from Vann descendants in January 2025. Superintendent Kacey Sloan told 25 News KXXV the location was critical because it falls within the viewshed of the neighboring park, allowing the state to protect a larger continuous landscape.
Visitors can currently hike four miles of trails, including an accessible path, and view limestone cliffs and spring-fed creeks. But it’s not yet a full campsite. There is no drinking water, no electricity, and phone coverage is spotty. You must reserve a day pass in advance. Overnight camping and direct river access are off-limits until development concludes.
The money came from a $1 billion fund approved by voters in 2023. Constitutionally, only the interest on that principal can spend on park creation. Post Oak Ridge is the marquee example. TPWD plans to build RV sites, a headquarters, and utilities by 2029. Until then, the park remains a rugged, early-stage destination for hikers willing to pack their own water.