Mckinney Falls State Park
00 review5808 MCKINNEY FALLS PARKWAY, AUSTIN, Texas, 78744, United States
Mckinney Falls State Park
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The day-use fee is $6 per day, per person aged 13 and older.
About this campground
Where crystal-clear waters cascade over limestone ledges and ancient cypress trees stand sentinel along Onion Creek, McKinney Falls State Park beckons adventurers to explore its rugged beauty. This beloved Texas treasure invites you to cast a line into peaceful pools, splash in natural swimming holes, and traverse winding trails on foot or mountain bike. After a day of discovery, refresh with a hot shower before settling in at the well-equipped park store, where modern amenities meet timeless natural splendor.
McKinney Falls State Park's detailed information on camping types is limited. However, the park offers basic camping amenities and supports activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.
Historical SignificanceWhispers of the past echo through McKinney Falls, where historic structures stand as monuments to the generations who called this land home. These carefully preserved features offer glimpses into Texas heritage, inviting visitors to step back in time while exploring the park's storied grounds.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal personality, from the gentle embrace of early spring when wildflowers carpet the hillsides under comfortable, dry skies, to the intense Texas summer that transforms the landscape into a lush, humid oasis. Each week brings its own character to this dynamic ecosystem, where morning mists give way to golden afternoons and the weather tells the story of Central Texas in all its varied moods.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry unfolds at every turn, from dramatic scenic overlooks that reveal the park's rolling topography to intimate wildlife viewing areas where deer graze at dawn and birds fill the canopy with song. The crown jewel remains Onion Creek itself, where limestone formations create a series of picturesque waterfalls and tranquil swimming holes, while patient anglers find success in the creek's deeper pools teeming with native fish.
Geological RegionRegion 3
Campsite details
Sites PrivacySome user reviews, such as one by Jack Jass, describe the campsite as 'very private and quiet,' suggesting that privacy levels are commendable.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest choosing sites away from park hosts for better maintenance.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyIf your plans change, you are encouraged to modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.
Amenities available
Showers
Dump station
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
McKinney Falls State Park provides a wide range of recreational activities, suitable for visitors of all ages. Key attractions include hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, bird watching, and swimming in Onion Creek. The park's natural and historic features, such as scenic overlooks and trails, are additional highlights.
Hiking
The park offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its natural beauty. User reviews describe these trails as expansive, with Jack Jass stating, 'So many trails to wander on.'Fishing
Fishing is available within the park, but specific details about the types of fish or the quality of fishing experiences are not provided.Swimming
Swimming is allowed in Onion Creek, but it is important to note that swimming is 'at your own risk' as there are no lifeguards on duty. Pets are not allowed to swim, and coolers are not permitted at the falls.Biking
The park features mountain biking and surfaced biking trails, providing options for both casual cyclists and more adventurous riders.Wildlife viewing
The park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching, creating a natural haven for enthusiasts.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviews and weather data suggest snakes may be present in the area.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be reached through the park's direct line at 512-243-1643 or the Ranger Station at the same number.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is available regarding trash and recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe park is known for swimming in Onion Creek.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight issues with maintenance such as tall grass and trash around some campsites.
HostUser reviews mention that the park host maintains their site immaculately.
Campground Map
5808 MCKINNEY FALLS PARKWAY, AUSTIN, Texas, 78744, United States
Driving directionsIn Austin, from the intersection of Hwy 71 & 183, take Hwy 183 south approximately 1.7 miles to McKinney Falls Parkway, turn right, go approximately 3 miles to the park entrance on the right. From San Antonio: Take IH35 North to Austin, take the WM Cannon Dr exit. Turn right on WM Cannon Dr to McKinney Falls Parkway, at McKinney Falls Pkwy turn left, park is 1 mile on the left.
The park is easily accessible from major highways, with paved roads leading directly to the park entrance. There are no seasonal closures or challenging terrain mentioned.Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Mckinney Falls State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for McKinney Falls State Park vary. While some visitors appreciate the park's serene environment, extensive trails, and well-maintained facilities, others have expressed concerns about poor site maintenance, including unmowed grass and trash.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the park's 'very private and quiet sites,' extensive trails, and 'nice bathrooms and showers.' The natural environment and recreational opportunities are also appreciated.
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes issues such as lack of maintenance at some campsites, with one user mentioning 'our site wasn’t mowed and [had] trash all around.' Another reviewer noted the prevalence of...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for snakes on trails and to be mindful of the park's rules, such as the prohibition of pets swimming in the water and the ban on coolers at the falls.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not explicitly addressed in user reviews. However, the weather data suggests that spring and fall may offer milder conditions, making them ideal for camping.
Camper Quotes
1. 'Absolutely wonderful park! I highly recommend.' - Jack Jass. 2. 'First time to stay here and quite frankly disappointed.' - D Garet.
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are limited, but one user mentioned their campsite being poorly maintained, in contrast to a well-kept park host site nearby.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the park but must remain on a leash at all times. They are not permitted to swim in the water, which may limit their involvement in some activities.
Last updated August 10, 2025