Fifteen minutes from downtown Austin, this state park campground sits along Onion Creek where limestone formations create the signature Upper and Lower Falls. The 82-site facility operates year-round with full hookups available for RVs up to 60 feet, though access roads can present challenges for larger rigs.
Campers find themselves in a well-maintained facility that balances urban proximity with natural surroundings. The sites spread across multiple loops including Big Oak and Big Cedar, with varying degrees of privacy depending on seasonal foliage. "You can see the neighbors on either side through the trees," notes Denise V., though most reviewers appreciate the spacing between sites. Carolina Wrens frequent the area, and wildlife sightings include deer, raccoons, and armadillos, with occasional snake encounters along creek banks.
The park's main draws center on water activities and hiking. Swimming holes at both waterfall locations provide relief during Texas heat, while fishing is permitted without a state license within park boundaries. Multiple trails wind through the property, connecting campsites to the falls and exploring limestone rock formations. A 500-year-old bald cypress and bouldering areas add variety for outdoor enthusiasts. Day-use areas near the falls include picnic tables and grills.
Reservations prove essential during spring and fall when wildflowers bloom and temperatures moderate. Summer brings heavy day-use crowds, while winter offers quieter camping conditions. The facility provides restrooms throughout the loops, though shower houses have limited locations and reviewers report hard water with lower pressure. Gates close at 10 PM with access codes provided to registered campers. Firewood costs $15 per bundle from vending machines, as ground collection is prohibited.
This campground works best for RV campers wanting Austin access with state park amenities, families seeking swimming and hiking opportunities, and those comfortable with moderate crowd levels during peak seasons.
Description
Listen to Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges and splashing into pools. Follow trails winding through the Hill Country woods. Explore the remains of an early Texas homestead and a very old rock shelter. All of this lies within Austin’s city limits at McKinney Falls State Park - what are you waiting for?
Think of the park as Austin’s backyard; we’re just 13 miles from the state capitol. Here you can camp, hike, mountain or road bike, geocache, go bouldering, and picnic. You can also fish and swim in Onion Creek.
Onion Creek can flood after rainfall. Beware of the creek’s flow; contact the park for current creek conditions. Read through our swimming safety tips before you visit.
Stay at one of 81 campsites (all with water and electric hookups). Or rent one of our six newly remodeled cabins. We also have a primitive youth camping area, for use by nonprofit-sponsored youth groups
Reservation Info
For campers arriving after 4:30pm you must call the park at 512-243-1643 before 4:30pm to receive the entrance gate code. The gate code is only given out to registered customers and customers calling the day of their confirmed reservation. Complete instructions for customers arriving late are located at the Late Arrival Station at the park headquarters. Late arrivals must contact the park on the first day of the reservation or the following morning no later than noon. Any reservation holders who have not contacted the park by this deadline will forfeit the rest of their reservation. .
Walk-up reservations may be available but must be confirmed with park staff by 4:30pm. There are usually no campsites available without reservations on most weekends and around major holidays. If the 'NO VACANCY' sign is posted then no campsites are available without a confirmed reservation..
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMcKinney Falls State Park Campground is located in Texas near Sunset Valley
Directions
In Austin, from the intersection of Hwy 71 & 183, take Hwy 183 south approximately 1.7 miles to McKinney Falls Parkway, turn right, go approximately 3 miles to the park entrance on the right. From San Antonio: Take IH35 North to Austin, take the WM Cannon Dr exit. turn right on WM Cannon Dr to McKinney Falls Parkway, at McKinney Falls Pkwy turn left, park is 1 mile on the left.
Address
5808 MCKINNEY FALLS PARKWAY
Austin, TX 78744
Coordinates
30.18610130960408 N
97.71992401783585 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 2/2/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 5/30/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/30/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 2/2/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 5/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/30/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 10 min from Austin, TX
- 1 hr 3 min from Killeen, TX
- 1 hr 8 min from San Antonio, TX
- 1 hr 38 min from College Station, TX
