Notable Campgrounds
- Best for those who need more power: All nine sites at the Little Oak Camping Area offer 50 amps.
- Best to escape the crowds: The Moss Loop Camping Area, at the southern edge of the campground, has just five campsites.
- Best for comfort: Six cabins offer bunk beds for four, with air conditioning, a mini fridge, and microwave, though no bathroom or linens.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- During peak season, plan to reserve a site as soon as you know your dates. Campsites and cabins can be reserved up to five months in advance.
- If you don’t have a reservation, arrive at the park first thing in the morning to try for an unreserved site.
- If your plans are flexible, try to visit during the week, during non-holiday periods, or over winter.
When to Go
Peak season runs from March through November. Temperatures soar in summer, making it an ideal time to cool off with a dip in the river and pools. To see the waterfalls at their fullest, visit during the wet season of May through September, as the river can be really low otherwise. On holidays and special event weekends, a three-night minimum stay is required for the cabins, instead of the regular two-night weekend minimum.
Know Before You Go
- Onion Creek is prone to flooding after rainfall.
- Water shoes are a good idea; some trails require a creek crossing.
- Food, alcohol, glass, coolers, speakers, Frisbees, and balls are prohibited in the Upper Falls and Lower Falls areas.
- Fishing licenses are not required to fish from shore inside the park.
- Pets are not allowed in the water, inside buildings, or around the cabins.
- Bring or purchase firewood from vending near camping loops. Gathering firewood is prohibited in the park.
McKinney Falls State Park
Escape to nature, see waterfalls, and explore a historic homestead—all within Austin city limits.
The park may be only 13 miles from the Texas state capitol, but it feels like a world away. The main draws are the two waterfalls, both the result of Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges. Cool off with a swim in the swimming holes below or fish from the shores. In between the falls, large boulders are perfect for bouldering. Elsewhere at McKinney, nearly nine miles of hiking trails and biking trails wind their way through Hill Country woods, past an ancient rock shelter and Old Baldy, one of the oldest cypress trees in Texas. Many visit just for the day, but with five loops housing 81 camping spots (with all electricity, water hookups, a picnic table, and fire ring), it’s easy to stay overnight.
The park may be only 13 miles from the Texas state capitol, but it feels like a world away. The main draws are the two waterfalls, both the result of Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges. Cool off with a swim in the swimming holes below or fish from the shores. In between the falls, large boulders are perfect for bouldering. Elsewhere at McKinney, nearly nine miles of hiking trails and biking trails wind their way through Hill Country woods, past an ancient rock shelter and Old Baldy, one of the oldest cypress trees in Texas. Many visit just for the day, but with five loops housing 81 camping spots (with all electricity, water hookups, a picnic table, and fire ring), it’s easy to stay overnight.
Activities in the park
6 campgrounds in McKinney Falls State Park
Little Oak Campground is like Big Oak’s younger, more reserved sibling. They share similar qualities: water and electric hook-ups, a picnic table, nearby restroom and shower facilities. And also similar nearby interests from historic ruins to a 3-mile hike/bike trail and gift shop with Wifi access. As one of the smallest loops in the park, what Li Read more...
Within the Grapevine Loop you’ll find nine sites entwined. There’s never a need to be shook-up, each site has a water and electric hook-up. Feeling a little sour? Head over to the nearby restrooms or indulge in a shower. Activities abound, just make your rounds. About to lose your mind? You heard it through the Grapevine. Read more...
Start ‘em off right! The Youth Group Campground holds up to fifty young’ns, fifteen vehicles, and is for non-profit sponsored youth groups. Nearby amenities to this primitive camping area include water and restrooms. After a long day of adventuring, plan to gather ‘round the large rock fire pit to sing Kumbayah, tell scary stories, and best of all Read more...
If you want to be at the center of the party, this is your campground! Big Oak is spatial, sites have water and electric hook-ups, a picnic table, and are close to multiple restroom facilities. Start your stay by exploring nearby historic ruins (always cool), loop-de-loop on the 3-mile hike/bike trail, or hit up the gift shop which also offers--da Read more...
Similar to Big Oak camping area, Big Cedar offers centrality, water and electricity, and is close to multiple restroom and shower facilities. Start your stay by exploring nearby historic ruins (always cool), loop-de-loop on the 3-mile hike/bike trail, or hit up the gift shop which also offers--dare we say--free Wifi access? We know you came here t Read more...
Get away from all the mumbo jumbo, and stay in Moss Loop at the southernmost edge of McKinney State Park. These five sites off of Big Cedar Camping Area have the basics: water, picnic table, 30-amp electric and nearby restrooms. Spend your time nestled in this cozy corner of the park or hop on the Onion Creek hike/bike trail and adventure away!Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Peak season runs from March through November. Temperatures soar in summer, making it an ideal time to cool off with a dip in the river and pools. To see the waterfalls at their fullest, visit during the wet season of May through September, as the river can be really low otherwise. On holidays and special event weekends, a three-night minimum stay is required for the cabins, instead of the regular two-night weekend minimum.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —