McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls is the park that Austin locals are quietly protective of. Sitting just 13 miles from the state capitol, it feels like you've driven an hour into the countryside. Onion Creek cuts through exposed limestone here, creating two beautiful waterfalls — Upper and Lower McKinney Falls — where you can swim, wade, or just sit on the rocks and forget you're inside city limits. The camping is solid, the trails connect to the city's greenway network, and you can grab tacos on the way home.

81 campsites|Central Texas|15 min from Austin|$6/person entrance fee

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Campsite Types

Full Hookup

$25/night

Sage Hill Loop · Sites 66-81 · 16 sites

Water, Sewer, 30/50-amp ElectricRV OK

Water + Electric

$20/night

Flint Rock Loop · Sites 20-40 · 21 sites

Water, 20/30-amp ElectricRV OKTent OK

Water + Electric

$20/night

Onion Creek Loop · Sites 41-65 · 25 sites

Water, 20/30-amp ElectricRV OKTent OK

Water Only

$15/night

Turkey Bend Loop · Sites 13-19 · 7 sites

WaterTent OK

Walk-in Tent

$15/night

Homestead Loop · Sites 1-12 · 12 sites

Water nearbyTent OK

Guide to McKinney Falls State Park

Best Campsites

For Families:Sites 41-65 (Onion Creek) — water + electric, closest to the Lower Falls and playground

For Privacy:Sites 1-12 (Homestead) — walk-in tent sites tucked into the trees, most secluded area

For RVs:Sites 66-81 (Sage Hill) — full hookups, pull-through pads, easy maneuvering

For Couples:Sites 20-40 (Flint Rock) — water + electric, shaded, short walk to Upper Falls

When to Go

Year-round thanks to Austin's mild winters. Spring and fall weekends book up 3-5 months out. Summer is hot but swimming in the creek makes up for it.

Tips

→This park fills up fast because it's so close to Austin — book as early as the window allows
→Onion Creek floods after heavy rains and the falls area will close — check conditions first
→The Homestead Trail is an easy 2.8-mile loop perfect for a morning jog or casual hike
→You can bike from the park into downtown Austin via the Violet Crown Trail
→Mosquitoes can be fierce near the creek in summer — bring repellent

Highlights

Upper and Lower McKinney Falls on Onion Creek13 miles from downtown Austin — closest state park to the citySwimming and wading in natural limestone poolsConnects to Austin's Violet Crown Trail networkRuins of Thomas McKinney's 1850s homesteadGreat for a quick weekend escape without a long drive

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