SH 302 was originally created on January 26, 1939, from Odessa northwest 12.7 miles in the direction of Kermit.

[2] On February 20, 1939, SH 302 was extended to Kermit, but with the route's designation being contingent upon completion of work then being done in Winkler County.

[1] On September 7, 1938, SH 276 was designated over the current western terminus at US 285 to Mentone,[4][5] although a portion of that route existed as early as 1936 as an earth road from US 285 to the former town of Arno.

[1][4] On July 14, 1949, Farm to Market Road 1211 (FM 1211) was designated over a 2.0-mile (3.2 km) section of the present route from Mentone to the northeast.

The route proceeds to the northeast crossing the Pecos River before passing through Mentone in Loving County.

The route continues eastward crossing into Winkler County and intersecting SH 115 just outside Kermit.

After crossing SH 18, the route continues eastward losing the left turn lane as it leaves town.