McKinney Falls State Park Camping in Austin

Camping at McKinney Falls State Park offers a unique experience, combining the beauty of nature with easy access to the vibrant culture of Austin. This park, located just a short drive from downtown, provides campers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and refreshing waters of Onion Creek. It's a perfect getaway for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Adventure Guide To McKinney Falls State Park Camping

Campgrounds: The park features two main campgrounds, the Primitive Campgrounds and the Designated Tent Camping Area. The primitive sites offer a more rustic experience, surrounded by nature, while the designated area provides amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings.
Water Activities: Camping at McKinney Falls allows access to Onion Creek, where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The two picturesque waterfalls offer serene spots for cooling off on hot Texas days. The park's commitment to conservation helps maintain its natural beauty, ensuring a refreshing experience.
Hiking Trails: There are several miles of hiking trails, including the popular Homestead Trail and Cypress Creek Trail, perfect for exploring the park's diverse ecosystems. These trails range from easy to moderate, making them accessible for hikers of all levels.

Local Insights

McKinney Falls has a rich history as it was once home to early settlers in 1830. The park was named after the McKinney family, who played a pivotal role in the region's development. Today, visitors can still see remnants of historic structures along the trails.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: The ideal seasons for camping are spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and nature is at its most vibrant.
What to Bring:
- Camping gear (tent, sleeping bags)
- Swimwear and towels
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
Driving Directions: From downtown Austin, the park is approximately 15 miles east, typically taking 30 minutes by car via US-290 E.

This comprehensive camping experience makes McKinney Falls State Park a must-visit location for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors just outside Austin.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Nelida Safrita month ago

The park is nice but the river in fall is Dry. I was pretty disappointed. We stayed in the campground. Electric and water only. Dump station by entrance. There wasn’t too much to do but hike. It was too hot for that. I would definitely visit in spring.

Raquel Yzaguirrein the last week

First the pros This state park is absolutely beautiful as you can see by the pictures. The Upper and Lower Falls trails are amazing. The campground is nice and clean. The only downfall to this area is the noise. If you would like to sit outside and enjoy the sounds of nature, you won’t be able to because of all the city traffic noise. The campground is located by an airport so you can hear all the planes flying by. As we slept in our tent at night we can hear all the speeding cars. It almost feels like we are camping in our backyard.

Risto Andonovski2 months ago

McKinney Falls State Park is a gem! The trails are well-maintained, perfect for hike or bicycle, and the nature here is simply breathtaking—especially at sunset. With its abundance of mature trees, it’s perfect for some solid tree-hugging action (yeah, I’m one of those immigrants who love trees, but no worries, I don’t eat pets liken those ‘aliens’ in Springfield, Ohio). For just $6 per person, you get exceptional views, and it’s ideal for wedding pics, family celebrations, or just some quality nature time. Definitely planning to come back—might even kayak and swim next time, who knows!

Monica Taylor3 weeks ago

My family and I had fun camping and exploring the park. River was dry, and kids didn't have any luck catching fish, but water was nice to take a dip in. Our camp site was perfect. We were right across the restrooms. The restrooms were clean and nice and had hot water for a nice shower. My 4 star rating is only because I had a hard time sleeping at night. The camp site is close to a heavy traffic road and I can just hear the cars all night long. The rest of our time was great. My kids loved it

Wayne Hood2 weeks ago

Beautiful surroundings but there was no fall. It was dried up nothing but a creek bed and a few drop offs. Lots of turtles and Indian sauer cottonmouth. From a distance. Lol. It must have really had a hot summer for the falls to be dried up.

Camping

McKinney Falls State Park Camping in Austin