Six Minutes From a Brand-New State Park: What's Coming to Kronkosky

By Gordon Cook · June 22, 2026 · ← All posts

Folks, it's not every day that Texas opens a brand-new state park. And it's really not every day that they open one six minutes from your front gate. But that's exactly what's happening just down Highway 46 from us, and I want to tell you about it.

The Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area is under construction right now here in Pipe Creek — the buildings are going up as we speak — and Texas Parks & Wildlife is working toward a fall 2026 opening. When the gates open, Al's Hideaway will be the closest campground to it, period. Not "one of the closest." The closest.

A Family Ranch, Left to All of Us

I love the story behind this land. Albert and Bessie Kronkosky started buying property out here back in 1946, and for decades their ranch was where they hunted, took photographs, and entertained friends. Rather than see it carved up and developed, they willed the whole thing to the state of Texas. Texas Parks & Wildlife accepted the gift in 2011, and after years of surveys, planning, and public input, the bulldozers and builders are finally at work.

That kind of gift doesn't happen much anymore. Nearly 3,852 acres of genuine Hill Country — springs, canyons, big-toothed maples, and some of the darkest skies in this part of the state — protected forever. If you've read our story, you know Jennifer and I have a soft spot for folks who love a piece of land enough to protect it.

What's Coming

Here's what the plans call for, based on what Texas Parks & Wildlife and local reporting have shared so far:

• Hiking and backpacking trails through hills, springs, and maple groves — with accessible trails in the mix
• 25 campsites plus cabins for overnight stays
• Limited mountain biking trails
• A headquarters office and an environmental classroom for programs and school groups

And the wildlife — this property protects some genuinely rare Hill Country species: the golden-cheeked warbler, the Texas spring salamander, the sycamore-leaf snowbell. You'll be able to see wild country the way it looked before any of us got here.

One honest note: TPWD hasn't put an official date on the calendar yet — fall 2026 is the target they're working toward. We'll keep you posted right here as it firms up.

Why This Matters for Your Next Trip

Here's the simple math. The new state natural area sits on Highway 46 in Pipe Creek — about six minutes from Al's Hideaway. When it opens, you'll be able to have your coffee on the cabin porch, be on a brand-new trail before the day heats up, and be back at the pool by mid-afternoon.

And when the park's campsites fill up — and take my word for it, a brand-new park's campsites fill up fast — we'll be right here with 13 handcrafted log cabins, 10 full-hookup RV sites, and 9 cowboy campsites. Real beds, real air conditioning, hot showers, and no cleaning fees. Bring the dog too — no pet fees, ever.

We've been watching this park take shape since the day we cleared our first cedar out here, and we couldn't be more excited to be its neighbor. If a first-season visit to a brand-new Texas state park sounds like your kind of trip, keep an eye on this blog — and when you're ready, book your stay online or call us at 830-510-3331.

Happy Trails.
Be Safe & God Bless.
— Al