McKinney Falls State Park sits just 15 miles northeast of Buda, Texas, making it one of the most accessible camping destinations near the city. The park encompasses volcanic rock formations from the extinct Pilot Knob volcano, creating distinctive flat rock areas near the main falls. Water levels can fluctuate seasonally, with swimming areas that range from shallow wading pools to deeper sections requiring caution.
What to do
Explore geological features: The park features unique volcanic rock formations that create natural swimming areas. "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," notes Steph C. about McKinney Falls State Park.
Golf on-site: Lockhart State Park offers an affordable 9-hole course alongside camping. "We golfed 18 one of the days, fun layout, not in the best shape right now but the price was right. With the Texas pass you also get a discount on golf and anything else you buy," shares Cathy J. about Lockhart State Park Campground.
Cliff jumping: For thrill-seekers, some parks offer safe places for cliff jumping. "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," writes Aaron S. about Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis.
What campers like
Proximity to Austin: Many campsites offer quick access to city amenities while maintaining natural settings. "This is such a wonderful state park! Great hiking trails, two swimming holes, well spaced out camping sites with electricity and water. We stayed here because it was close to the airport and had a flight to catch. It was only a 9 min drive," explains Eat · See · RV L. about their stay at McKinney Falls State Park.
Spacious, private sites: Sites often provide more space than expected. "The sites are far apart with trees and shrubs surrounding them," according to Kingrex49 M. who stayed at McKinney Falls.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in reviews. "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. about Austin Lone Star RV Community.
What you should know
Weather warnings: Flash flooding can occur rapidly in central Texas parks. "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" advises Faith S. about Pedernales Falls State Park.
Advance bookings: Popular glamping sites near Buda fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Make reservations months in advance," recommends Chris C. about Jellystone Park.
Highway noise: Some parks are convenient but come with traffic sounds. "This RV park is in an ideal location for exploring Austin. It's located along the freeway, so there is some road noise. However, at night it was pretty quiet," shares Marnie G. about Austin Lone Star RV Community.
Tips for camping with families
Water-based activities: Look for parks with swimming areas suitable for different ages. "Great family-friendly camping for sure. The mini waterfalls here are really neat along with the rock formations," says Michael C. about his family trip to McKinney Falls State Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer special features just for children. "Amazing place for kids because they have so many activities such as paintball, laser tag and a pond and much more. The pond is stocked full with bass and bluegill and you can catch 10 fish in 10 minutes," shares Tripler S. about Jellystone Park Hill Country.
Safety considerations: Some park features require supervision. "Please be careful swimming. If you can't swim, please refrain or wear a life jacket. There have been several drownings here," warns Emily M. about McKinney Falls.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Some campgrounds allow you to choose specific sites for a fee. "When booking, there is an option to choose your specific site for a $15 fee. My advice is to pay the $15 and choose a site close to the Hill Country Hall and the waterpark," suggests Ashley C. about Jellystone Park.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some parks. "The sites are not super level and our site #2 sloped back," warns Karl W. about Lockhart State Park.
Weather preparation: Texas weather can be unpredictable. "We experienced the Austin winter storm 2021 and although we were without water hookup for 1 week we never lost power," shares Tammee P. about their extended stay at Oak Forest RV Park.
