Mckinney Roughs Nature Park
00 review1884 State Highway 71 West, Cedar Creek, Texas, 78612, United States
Mckinney Roughs Nature Park
$2.00 - $5.00 / 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
Day use admission is $5 per adult; seniors over 65 pay $2.
About this campground
Where adventure meets the Colorado River, McKinney Roughs Nature Park beckons thrill-seekers with heart-pumping UTV expeditions through rugged terrain, exhilarating zip line courses soaring above the canopy, and white-knuckle rafting adventures on the mighty Colorado. After a day of adrenaline, retreat to the park's rustic bunkhouse or dormitory-style lodging, gather for evening programs in the amphitheater, or host your group beneath the stars at the outdoor pavilion. Modern meeting rooms blend seamlessly with wild Texas landscapes, creating the perfect basecamp for corporate retreats and nature enthusiasts alike.
The park does not offer traditional camping. Instead, lodging options focus on group accommodations and event hosting facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time with McKinney Roughs' captivating guided historical tours, where passionate guides like the beloved Eli bring centuries of Texas heritage to life. The park serves as both a natural classroom and living museum, hosting immersive nature camps that connect visitors with the land's rich cultural tapestry and the stories etched into every trail and riverbank.
Weather and SeasonsLate spring and early fall unveil McKinney Roughs at its finest, with perfect 60-85°F days that invite endless exploration. Winter brings refreshing rains that awaken the landscape in vibrant greens, while summer's signature Texas warmth creates those languid, muggy afternoons perfect for river adventures and shaded trail discoveries. Each season paints the park in different hues, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe Colorado River winds through McKinney Roughs like a liquid ribbon, creating what visitors describe as breathtaking vistas at every turn. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in frequent encounters with graceful deer, playful rabbits, and a symphony of grasshoppers, while more adventurous souls might spot native snakes basking on sun-warmed rocks. The landscape shifts dramatically from challenging rocky outcrops to soft sandy paths and steep trails that test your mettle, all adorned with Texas's stunning native flora that transforms with each passing season.
Geological RegionNestled in the diverse East Texas region, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a playground of natural wonders waiting to be explored.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features have not been explicitly detailed in the provided information.
Sites SizeThere are no designated campsites; the park focuses on lodging facilities and group event spaces.
Sites PrivacyNo camping sites are available, so privacy levels are not applicable.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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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 Availability"Open without ridiculous reservation system" per user review by Tracy Swanson dated 2021-05-16.
Cancellation Policynull
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Lodging and accommodations
Activities you can enjoy
McKinney Roughs Nature Park offers a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can explore miles of multiuse trails for hiking and biking, enjoy UTV tours and horseback riding, or engage in water activities such as rafting on the Colorado River. Thrill-seekers can experience Texas' only dual zip line, and the park also provides opportunities for wildlife observation and picnicking. The venue hosts special events and educational programs.
Hiking
The park features around 13 miles of well-marked and maintained hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging single black diamond ratings. "The hike was long but we did stop ever so often to regain stamina and strength," one user detailed, adding that the trails include diverse terrain such as rocky, sandy, and steep sections.Biking
McKinney Roughs Nature Park is described as a "secret spot to mountain bike," offering trails with elevation changes and diverse terrains. Reviewers suggest that some trails are shared with horses, which can impact biking conditions.Boating
The park provides rafting trips along the lower Colorado River, although specific details about boat rentals or docking facilities are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly observed includes deer, rabbits, grasshoppers, insects, and occasional snakes. Visitors have praised the abundance of scenic views and the opportunity to connect with nature.Cultural and Educational Programs
The park offers children's nature camps, wedding/reception venues, and educational programs. These activities aim to engage visitors in learning and community events.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not detailed for this park.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to rafting on the Colorado River, with no further details provided about other non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Burn bans may restrict all campfires and wood or charcoal grilling.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention "rocky," "sandy," and "steep" terrains as well as encounters with snakes. Users recommend bringing water shoes when entering the river due to the rocky riverbed.
Active alertsBurn bans may be active without notice; check alerts for updates.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingUser reviews highlight that there are no trash bins along the trails. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own trash bags and take waste out of the park.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the Colorado River. User reviews highlight river trails and accessibility for pets.
Common complaints"No trash bins around," notes user Aracely Estrada. Another user mentions limited lighting at night for events. Miscommunication about trail maps noted by Lorna Lyon.
Host"Campground host" is listed as available.
Campground Map
1884 State Highway 71 West, Cedar Creek, Texas, 78612, United States
Driving directions-
nullNearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Mckinney Roughs Nature Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews overwhelmingly highlight the park's scenic beauty, diverse activities, and well-maintained trails. Positive mentions include the friendly staff, opportunities to observe wildlife, and unique experiences like zip lining and rafting. Some reviewers expressed concerns about the lack of trash bins and accurate trail guidance.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviewers praised the park for its "beautiful 4-hour adventure," "well-marked and maintained trails," and a variety of activities including "zip lining," "UTV tours," and "rafting trips." The visitor...
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Common Concerns
Complaints include the absence of trash bins along trails, misleading trail maps provided by staff, and insufficient benches on longer hiking paths. Some users noted the need for additional...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing lots of water, especially during hot weather, and carrying trash bags to dispose of litter responsibly. Proper footwear for varied terrain and water shoes for the Colorado...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the need for hydration and the popularity of shaded activities like zip lining. Winter reviews focus on peaceful hikes with fewer crowds, though some trails can become muddy....
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Camper Quotes
"What a beautiful 4-hour adventure this was!! The hike was long but we did stop ever so often to regain stamina and strength," one user wrote. Another reviewer noted, "Such a great place to get away...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not applicable as the park does not have traditional campsites.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility details for visitors with disabilities are not covered in available reviews.
Pet-Friendly Features
The park is described as "dog-friendly (on leash)" and offers areas where pets can access the Colorado River, as noted in user reviews.
Last updated August 10, 2025