Pedernales Falls Camping & Reservations
Tiered limestone falls, a natural swimming hole, and 20 miles of trails — 50 minutes from Austin. Spring weekends sell out months in advance. Here’s how to get a site.
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How to Get a Reservation at Pedernales Falls
Only 69 developed (water + electric) sites and 50 minutes from Austin means this park moves fast — especially in spring and summer.
Know the 5-month rule
Texas state parks open reservations exactly 5 months in advance at 8 a.m. Central Time. For spring wildflower weekends (March–April), that window opens in October and November. Popular weekends sell out within hours. Set a phone alarm for 7:55 a.m. and be ready to book the moment the window opens.
Wildflower season is the hardest time to book
March through April is peak demand — the park sits in prime bluebonnet and Indian paintbrush country. Spring break weekends in March are essentially impossible without a cancellation. If you're targeting spring, book the exact day the 5-month window opens, or set a cancellation alert and check daily.
Pick your site based on your priorities
Most people book one of the 69 sites with water and 30-amp electric — they suit tents and RVs alike and sell out first, so grab one the moment your window opens. If you want true solitude, the primitive sites are in the backcountry Wolf Ridge area: a roughly 4-mile round-trip hike with chemical toilets and no water, so pack everything in. The park also has equestrian and group sites if that fits your trip.
Check the river before you go
The Pedernales River can close the swimming area with little notice — either too high after rain (flash flood danger) or too low in drought. Check the park's current conditions before your trip if you're counting on the swimming hole. The flash flood risk is real: heavy rain upstream can cause rapid rise even on a sunny day.
Spring weekends already booked?
Set an alert and we’ll notify you the moment a cancellation opens. Pedernales Falls sees frequent last-minute cancellations.
Set a Cancellation Alert →Campsite Types & Pricing
Sites with Water & Electricity
$20/nightMain campground · 69 sites · Water + 30-amp · shower · fire ring
What almost everyone books — tents and RVs. These sell out first
Primitive Backcountry — Wolf Ridge
$10/night~4-mile round-trip hike · Chemical toilet · no water
True backpacking — pack everything in for real solitude
Equestrian & Group Sites
VariesSeparate areas · Horse sites + a group site
For riders and larger parties
+ $6/person entrance fee. Texas State Parks Pass ($70/yr) waives entrance fees.
Can’t wait for a cancellation?
Grab a cabin or vacation rental near Pedernales Falls State Park — privately-owned places around Johnson City on Vrbo, ready to book tonight.
See cabins & rentals near Pedernales Falls State Park →We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
The Falls & Flash Flood Safety
The namesake falls are a series of stepped limestone ledges where the Pedernales River tumbles over tilted rock layers, creating natural pools that are excellent for wading and swimming when conditions allow. The falls area is about a 1-mile walk from the campground on rocky limestone trail.
Flash floods are a genuine danger here. The Pedernales River drains a large watershed — heavy rain miles upstream can cause the river to rise feet in minutes, even on a sunny day at the park. TPWD monitors conditions and will close the falls and swimming area without warning. If you hear thunder, move away from the river immediately.
Swimming
Open when river levels allow — check conditions before visit
Trail to falls
1 mile round trip on rocky limestone — wear shoes with grip
Flash flood risk
Real and serious — leave river immediately if you hear thunder
Best Time to Camp at Pedernales Falls
Crowd levels, temperatures, and booking difficulty by month.
40–60°F
Quiet winter. Falls can run full after rain. Easy to book.
45–65°F
Easy reservations. Good birding. Wildflowers starting late month.
55–80°F
Spring break + wildflower season. Books 4–5 months out.
65–85°F
Golden-cheeked warblers nesting. Beautiful park. Getting busy.
70–90°F
Memorial Day rush. Book early or set cancellation alert.
78–95°F
Hot. Swimming hole popular. Flash flood risk with afternoon storms.
82–98°F
Hot but river is the draw. Falls may be low in drought.
80–97°F
Hot. Mountain biking is surprisingly good. River can be low.
72–90°F
Crowds thin out. Excellent hiking weather returns.
60–82°F
Fall returns. Good for everything. Not as packed as spring.
48–70°F
Peaceful camping. Falls often run well after fall rains.
40–62°F
Quiet winter. Falls impressive after rain. Easy reservations.
What to Know Before You Go
- →Check river conditions before your trip — the swimming area closes when the river is too high or too low
- →Flash floods are a real danger here. If you hear thunder, get away from the river and low areas immediately
- →Spring wildflower weekends (March–April) sell out faster than any other time — book 5 months out or set an alert
- →The trail to the falls is about 1 mile each way on rocky limestone — sandals are not appropriate footwear
- →Golden-cheeked warbler season runs March through June — bring binoculars, the bird watching is excellent
- →The park is 50 minutes from Austin, making it a viable day trip — but camping lets you see it without the crowds
- →Mountain biking is a great option when the swimming area is closed or low — nearly 20 miles of rocky trails
- →A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) pays for itself in two family visits (waives $6/person entrance fee)
Pedernales Falls Camping FAQ
Can you swim at Pedernales Falls?+
Yes, there is a designated swimming area below the main falls with natural rock pools. However, it closes when the river is too high (flash flood risk) or too low. Always check conditions before your trip. When water levels are good, it is one of the best swimming spots in Central Texas.
Does Pedernales Falls State Park have a day pass?+
Yes — day-use entry is $6 per person per day (free for kids 12 and under), and a $70 Texas State Parks Pass covers everyone in your vehicle for a year. No reservation is needed for day use most of the year, but the park fills on summer weekends and closes the gate at capacity, so arrive early or reserve a day-use permit ahead on the Texas Parks & Wildlife site.
How close is Pedernales Falls to Austin?+
Pedernales Falls is about 50 minutes from downtown Austin — one of the closest state parks. This proximity makes it popular for weekend trips and even day visits, which means campsite competition is fierce. If you want a site, book as soon as the 5-month window opens.
Is Pedernales Falls good for mountain biking?+
Yes — it has nearly 20 miles of trails open to mountain biking, with the rocky Hill Country limestone creating technical, interesting riding. The bike trails are less crowded than the falls area, especially on summer weekdays.
What is the flash flood risk at Pedernales Falls?+
Real and serious. The Pedernales River drains a large watershed and can rise several feet in minutes after upstream rain, even when it is sunny at the park. TPWD monitors conditions and closes the river area when necessary. If you hear thunder, leave the river immediately and do not return until TPWD gives the all-clear.
Are there wildlife viewing opportunities at Pedernales Falls?+
Excellent birding — over 150 species recorded including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (March–June). White-tailed deer are common in camp. The park is also known for its wildflowers in spring and excellent butterfly diversity in fall.
Planning Pedernales Falls by month
What each month is like, when reservations open, and how hard it is to book.
Other Hill Country Parks to Consider
Spring weekends already sold out?
Set a cancellation alert and we’ll email you the moment a site opens. Pedernales Falls sees frequent cancellations as plans change.
Set Alert for Pedernales Falls →