Pedernales Falls State Park opened in 1971. It is known for the the Pedernales river that runs through it. Pedernales is the Spanish word for flint, which is common in the area.
Location
2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, Texas 78636
Cost
The entry fee for Pedernales 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 Pedernales 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 Pedernales State Park
Campsites
Hike-in primitive campsites are $10 per night. The hike is at least two miles. Fires are prohibited. There are chemical toilets in the area. Pets are not allowed.
Campsites with electricity are $20 per night. These campsites have a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a lantern post. There are hookups for water and and electricity. There are bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Group Facilities
Equestrian group camp site is $40 per night. It has room for up to 12 people and 6 horses. There is a picnic table, a fire ring, a toilet, and horse pens. The water is well water for horses. The toilet is a portable toilet. Room for up to six horses.
Group youth campsite is $75 per night. There is room for up to 75 people. The site has picnic tables, grills, a lantern post, and chemical toilets.
Restrooms in Daingerfield 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 the lake.
Hiking Trails
There are many trails in this park, and several are very long. The trails are open to hiking and biking, and some are suitable for horseback riding as well.
Juniper Ridge Trail is 9.7 miles long and a challenging hike. It is popular for mountain bikers.
The South Horse Trail is 11.4 miles long and the longest trail in the park. This equestrian trail can be hiked on foot as well.
Wolf Mountain Loop is 5.5 miles long.
What is there to do at Pedernales Falls State Park?
You can fish in the Pedernales River. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park.
Swimming is allowed in the swimming area. The swimming area is accessed by hiking. Swimming is not allowed in the area by the falls. Dogs are not allowed in the swimming area.
Kayaking, canoeing, and tubing are allowed in the river.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding. There is a bird blind and a butterfly garden.
Have a picnic in the park.
Dogs at Pedernales State Park
Pedernales 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 bathrooms.
Dogs are not allowed overnight at the primitive campsites.
Dogs are not allowed in the swimming area.
What to do near Pedernales State Park
Johnson City, Texas
Johnson City, Texas is 13 miles from the park. Johnson City is the county seat of Blanco County, Texas and has a population of 1,600 people. It was the childhood home of former president Lyndon B. Johnson which is now a National Historic Park that is open to the public. You can see the Blanco County Courthouse and explore the area around it. Stop by Pecan Street Brewing. Children will enjoy the Science Mill, which is a children’s science museum.
Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is 42 miles from the park. Austin is the county seat of Travis County and the capitol of Texas. It has a population of about 1 million people. You can see the Texas Capitol Building or visit the University of Texas. Go swimming at Barton Springs Pool which is a spring fed swimming pool. See a live show, or walk around the Drag. At night you can see the bats at Congress Bridge.