Pedernales Falls State Park Campground offers over 20 miles of hiking trails through Texas hill country terrain at elevations between 800-1,100 feet. The park centers around the Pedernales River with its distinctive limestone formations and water features. Summer temperatures regularly reach 95-100°F with frequent thunderstorms creating flash flood conditions along water areas.
What to do
Rock formations exploration: At Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, visitors can explore the unique volcanic rock formations along the river. "They are working on restoring the visitor center from after the floods. Bluebonnets are amazing here in Spring. Please be careful swimming. If you can't swim, please refrain or wear a life jacket," advises Emily M.
River activities: During summer months, the swimming areas provide relief from heat. "The sites are far apart with trees and shrubs surrounding them," notes Kingrex49 M. about McKinney Falls State Park Campground, which features both upper and lower falls areas for water recreation.
Hiking and trail systems: The trails at many parks connect to larger systems. "We loved the water falls and the sites are far apart with trees and shrubs surrounding them," says Kingrex49 M. Many trails accommodate mountain biking with varying difficulty levels.
Cliff jumping: For adventure seekers, some parks offer cliff jumping opportunities. "My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake. I love the water and this campsite was perfect for me," shares Aaron S. about the limestone cliff areas.
What campers like
Proximity to urban amenities: Many campers appreciate the balance of nature with urban access. "This Texas State Park is just a short 15 minute drive from downtown Austin. It is only a 5 minute drive from the Austin airport," notes Troy W. about McKinney Falls State Park.
Spacious camping areas: The camping spots throughout Austin-area parks tend to be generously sized. "There are full-timers but also plenty of travelers passing through. Sites are fairly close together. The amenities were great--nice pool, fitness center, and sparkling clean bathrooms," reports Marnie G.
Natural shade coverage: Most campgrounds feature mature tree coverage providing natural cooling. "The park has lots of forest trails to hike as well as some interesting rock formations around the creek and water holes," explains Troy W.
Private bathroom facilities: Several Austin Lone Star RV Community visitors mention the bathroom amenities. "The showers and bathrooms are private and very clean. There are plenty, so there always seems to be at least one available no matter what time of day," notes Carlyne F.
What you should know
Flash flood awareness: Due to the region's geography, flash flooding presents a serious risk. "Respect weather warnings!" emphasizes Faith S. about Pedernales Falls State Park Campground. River areas can rise rapidly during storms.
Summer heat precautions: Summer camping requires heat management strategies. "In July is hot. The trails to the back country camping are just service roads, a big disappointment. No fires, but this should be expected," advises R W.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife requires appropriate precautions. "You might see deer, raccoons, armadillos and occasionally snakes. All of the wildlife should be left undisturbed. Except for the fish," explains Troy W.
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites require advance booking. "Pay to enter and for camping sites. You can backpack in to some of the primitive sites or stay in the HUGE camping spots," notes Shelly S.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety measures: When camping near water features with children, safety comes first. "There have been several drownings here. The ruins of the homestead are definitely worth checking out if the creek is passable," cautions Emily M.
Kid-friendly swimming spots: Several locations feature swimming areas suitable for various ages. "The water was warm, and it was perfect for new swimmers with floaties and advanced swimmers. There's a place where you can jump off the rocks into the water," shares Steph C. about Emma Long Metropolitan Park.
Family hiking trails: Many trails accommodate younger hikers. "My family and I took a camping trip out here when I was in grad school back in 2016 around the time of Thanksgiving. We took our dogs and camped in a group campsite," recounts Michael C.
Group campsites: For larger family gatherings, dedicated group areas provide ideal setups. "Really nice group campgrounds if that's your vibe. We made a mini-Thanksgiving meal here at our campsite and got to hike the trails with our dogs," continues Michael C.
Tips for RVers
RV site specifics: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Austin offer dedicated RV amenities. "Getting in and out of the park was smooth for the most part just watch some overhanging limbs. Plenty of space between sites. Park, sites, and road all well maintained," advises Dan H.
Hookup variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "The RV spots do have water and electric. Be aware that some are 30 amp and some are 20 amp," notes Kenneth H. about Pace Bend Park.
Pet exercise areas: Many Austin-area campgrounds feature dedicated pet spaces. "Oak Forest RV Park features multiple dog park areas with separate enclosures for small and large breeds," reports Troy W., making it a standout among dog-friendly camping options near Austin.
Weather considerations: RV campers should prepare for Texas weather patterns. "We experienced the Austin winter storm 2021 and although we were without water hookup for 1 week we never lost power," shares Tammee P.
