A new Texas state park is coming to Lake Palestine. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation announced it has secured 650 acres in Henderson County, about 18 miles west of Tyler, with roughly 2,000 feet of shoreline along the lake. The property also includes pine forests, ponds, and pecan orchards.

Those orchards carry some history. The Pollard family owned the land since 1940, and it was once part of their Texas Pecan Nursery operation. The foundation paid more than $10 million for the property and will hold it until the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department can acquire it, which is expected in late 2027 once more funding from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund is available.

Once the transfer happens, the park will open in phases, starting with guided access. Long-term plans include hiking and biking trails, camping, day-use areas, and lake access. For North Texas families who already fish and boat on Lake Palestine, this is a big addition to the map, even if it takes a few years to arrive.

Would you make the drive from Waxahachie to camp at a new state park on Lake Palestine? Let us know.