Real estate advisory firm Avison Young The Big Bear Travel Center is the first phase of Big Bear Crossing in Strawn (TX), a mixed-use project of 80 acres that will include two hotel. The project will be completed early in 2026.
Big Bear Partners LP is developing the center in Eastland County. It’s located midway between Fort Worth & Abilene on the southeast corner I-20 & Highway 16 at the Southeast Corner. The site will include a full-service fueling facility for cars and trucks measuring 12,000 sq. ft., an EV charging station, a restaurant, and retail amenities.
The $9-million project is expected create around 35 new local jobs and to increase traffic in downtown Strawn.
Big Bear Travel Center will be the anchor project of Big Bear Crossing. This is a planned hotel, RV park and retail expansion near Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. The park—11 minutes from the site—is anticipated to open in summer 2026 and is forecasted to draw more than 125,000 annual visitors in its first year. It’s the first new state park in Texas for nearly 25 years.
Jeff Cark said, “Big Bear Crossing has been designed to take into account the future of this corridor,” a partner with Big Bear Partners LP. With the new state-run park and the untapped demand for RV, retail, and industrial services along the I-20 stretch, we believe that this area will become a hub for travelers and long term commercial growth.
Avison Young, acting on behalf of Big Bear Partners LP, is marketing the remaining parcels in Big Bear Crossing to hotel, RV and restaurant buyers, as well as retail, light industrial, and build-to suit users. The entire site is within the Texas Opportunity Zone. This provides significant tax advantages to qualified investors. Avison Young Principal Mike B. Kennedy & SVP Sullivan Johnston will represent property owners on any future parcel sales.
Johnston stated, “We look forward in finding a hotel, RV park or restaurant that will complement the new Travel Center at this busy corner.”
Kennedy said, “This location offers a great opportunity to take advantage of the proximity to the state park as well as the steadily growing commercial activity in Strawn.”
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