Pedernales Falls State Park Camping
in May

Booking Pedernales Falls State Park in May

Texas state parks open reservations exactly 5 months in advance at 8 a.m. Central — so for a May trip, the booking window opens in December. Popular weekends can disappear within minutes of the window opening. If your dates are already full, check the booking system directly for cancellations, or book a cabin or vacation rental nearby.

What to Expect in May

Swimming season at the Pedernales begins; Memorial Day weekend goes fast.

Park Highlights

• ✓Pedernales Falls — dramatic tiered limestone waterfall
• ✓Swimming hole below the falls (when water levels allow)
• ✓19.8 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking
• ✓Excellent bird watching — golden-cheeked warblers nest here in spring
• ✓Tubing the Pedernales River
• ✓Under an hour from downtown Austin

Tips

• →Check water conditions before going — 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 immediately
• →The trail from the campground to the falls is about 1 mile — wear decent shoes on the rocky limestone
• →Golden-cheeked warbler season is March through June — bring binoculars
• →The park entrance is off a winding Hill Country road — it's pretty, but give yourself time