Post Oak Ridge State Park Set to Open Near Lampasas

LAMPASAS, TX – Post Oak Ridge State Park is preparing to open for day use on September 24, meaning visitors can come and explore the park at their own pace. Visitors can make reservations for day use in advance, beginning Sept. 17 on the reservation site. An online reservation is required to enter the park.

Hours of operation for the park are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The entrance to Post Oak Ridge is through the town of Naruna, traveling four miles down County Road 105 to the gate. Patrons will receive a gate code in their reservation confirmation email to access the property. A QR code linking to the reservation system is posted at the gate to allow patrons to secure a day pass if they are still available.

The timeline for developing all Centennial Parks includes facilitated public day use such as guided hikes at the 12-month mark and expanded public day use at 18 months where visitors can explore on their own.

The park, which sits cattycorner to Colorado Bend State Park and is west of the city of Lampasas, will continue to be under development even with the gates open. Visitors should be vigilant in construction areas at the park. Parkgoers should bring plenty of water for their visit, as there is no access to drinking water on site. There is limited cell coverage in the park at this time, allowing patrons the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in nature.

After entering the gate, there is 2.5-miles of gravel road leading to a parking area with a restroom. From there, visitors can move into the accessible picnic area surrounded by post oaks before heading out on 3.5-miles of rolling hill country trails with several scenic overlooks. Trail maps can be found online on the park webpage or in-person at the trailhead.

“We are excited to have visitors start traveling to Post Oak Ridge State Park and seeing what makes this area so special,” said park superintendent Kacey Sloan. “The park is rugged and primitive, with a unique sound environment. There aren’t human made sounds. It is one of those rare places where you can escape urban noise and relax.”

“The trails lead out and back,” added Sloan. “Visitors should be prepared to hike about five miles total to catch the view from the overlook, and a little over three miles to complete the shorter trail with challenging terrain.”

In addition to ongoing natural and cultural research and restoration, further development for Post Oak Ridge is coming soon following current planning and public feedback periods. The park is positioned as a complement to the neighboring Colorado Bend State Park, with built amenities designed intentionally to protect the sensitive ecosystems that exist on the park such as the Post Oak Woodlands and the canyons and creeks of the Colorado River bluffs.

More information on Texas State Parks can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.