McKinney Falls State Park is known for being within Austin, Texas. The park opened in 1976.
The land was formerly the location of a ranch owned by Thomas McKinney who was one of the settlers who moved to Texas with Stephen F. Austin and later helped finance the Texas Revolution.
Location
5808 Mc Kinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744
Cost
The entry fee for McKinney Falls State Park is $6 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting McKinney Falls State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at McKinney Falls State Park
Campsites
Campsites with 30 amp electricity are $20 per night. They have a picnic table, a tent pad, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There are hookups for water and electricity. There are bathrooms with showers available in the vicinity.
Campsites with 50 amp electricity are $24 per night. They have a picnic table, a tent pad, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There are hookups for water and electricity. There are bathrooms with showers available in the vicinity.
Cabins
Cabins are $86 per night. Friday and Saturday nights have two night minimums. The cabin has electricity, air conditioning and ceiling fans. There is a kitchen with a microwave, mini fridge, and sink with a prep area. There is a desk with a chair, a dresser, and two twin bunk beds. Pets are not allowed in the cabin, or in the area around the cabin.
Group Facilities
There is a group campsite for youth. It has space for up to 50 people. There are picnic tables, grills, tent pads, and lantern posts. There is water and a bathroom in the vicinity.
The group hall with kitchen has water and electricity. There is a kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, and a stove with oven. There are tables and chairs and a restroom.
The amphitheater seats up to 50 people.
Restrooms in McKinney Falls State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. Restrooms in the camping loops have showers. There are also restrooms near the picnic area by Onion Creek.
Hiking Trails
There are several hiking trails in the park. Many of them are also suitable for biking.
Homestead Trail is 3.1 miles long and is the longest trail in the park.
Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail is 2.8 miles long and has good opportunities for seeing wildlife.
What is there to do at McKinney Falls State Park?
You can fish in Onion Creek or Williamson Creek. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park.
Swimming is allowed in the falls area. Dogs are not allowed in the water. Speakers, frisbees, glass containers, coolers, and alcohol are prohibited.
See Old Baldy, a bald cypress tree that is over 500 years old.
Dogs at McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms.
Dogs are not allowed in the water by the falls.
What to do near McKinney Falls State Park
The park is located in Austin, Texas. You can visit the University of Texas or the Texas Capitol. See the Congress Bridge Bats. Go swimming in Barton Springs Pool. Walk around the drag, or go see some live music.