The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) purchased the Llano County property to vastly increase the amount of public land at Enchanted Rock, a beloved camping and hiking destination north of Fredericksburg.
Money from the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, approved by Texas voters in 2023, will help fund development of the additional acreage. The fund dedicated a portion of the state’s budget surplus to acquiring and developing new state parks.
“Enchanted Rock is cherished by Texans across the state, and we are thrilled to add a property of this size and scope to this beloved park,” TPWC Chairman Jeff Hildebrand said in a statement. “I look forward to families experiencing this new addition to Enchanted Rock [State Natural Area] and creating lasting memories for generations to come.”
Previously used primarily for hunting, the purchased land features a rock formation TPWD officials said could provide a new scenic vantage point from which visitors can view the state park’s namesake pink granite dome.
TPWD will seek pubic input as it puts together plan to develop new recreational facilities at the expanded park. Department officials said they’ll keep the public updated on the project, including an eventual opening date.
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This article appears in Jan 8-21, 2025.