Pedernales Falls State Park offers 21 miles of trails through hill country terrain with elevation changes of 300-500 feet. Located 10 miles east of Johnson City at an elevation of 1,100 feet, the park experiences summer temperatures reaching 100°F while winter nights can drop to the 30s. Flash flooding can occur rapidly during storms, requiring campers to monitor weather forecasts and heed all warnings.
What to do
Swimming and wading: Pedernales Falls State Park provides designated swimming areas below the falls where visitors can cool off during hot Texas summers. "The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way. Classic hill country terrain," notes Emily M. about the Pedernales Falls State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The Blanco River at Blanco State Park offers fishing spots without requiring long hikes. "My husband hasn't had any luck catching fish but he still enjoys trying. I love that we can just reserve a site and be there in less than an hour," explains Kingrex49 M. about Blanco State Park Campground.
Dark sky observation: Grelle Recreation Area provides excellent stargazing conditions away from city lights. "Great view of the sunrise/sunset," says Melissa P. about her experience at Grelle - Lake Travis, where campers can observe constellations and occasional meteor showers from lakeside sites.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds near Johnson City feature natural spacing between campsites. "The campsites are okay. There is a small Nature Trail. The sites are mostly private and have tent areas as well as pads for campers," notes Jennifer J. about McKinney Falls State Park Campground.
Convenient hiking access: Trails with varying difficulty levels provide exercise options without driving. "Lots of hiking trails here. Good swimming. Primitive camping along the wolf trail, with a bigger car camping area near the swimming spot," explains Emily M. about Pedernales Falls State Park.
Community amenities: Ranch 3232 offers shared facilities that enhance basic camping. "You have the choice of camping at a tent site, park your RV, to glamp in a yurt or cabin, or even walk out to a more secluded 'TentRR' site. There's a community kitchen with small appliances/dishes and the bathhouse with showers, toilets, and vanities," explains Rachel B. about Ranch 3232.
What you should know
Flash flood danger: Hill country waterways can rise rapidly during storms. "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" advises Faith S. about Pedernales Falls State Park.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Stayed for a week in December. Plenty of space between sites. Park, sites, and road all well maintained," shares Dan H. about McKinney Falls State Park.
Swimming conditions: Water depth and current vary by location and recent rainfall. "Let me start by saying avoid July if possible. A beautiful small river near the back country camping. Short hike to primitive camping," warns R W. about Pedernales Falls during summer heat.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water areas: Blanco State Park offers kid-friendly swimming spots with gradual entry points. "Great swimming. Shaded campsites. Walking distance into Blanco," recommends Mylie A. about Blanco State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks have resident deer and other animals visible from campsites. "There were lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," shares Melissa P. about her experience at Grelle Recreation Area.
Tent site selection: Request shaded sites during summer months for more comfortable camping. "Sites are level; most are pull through. And many have great shade," notes Rebecca about Bending Oaks Ranch RV Resort, which offers glamping near Johnson City with tent and RV options.
Tips for RVers
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer partial or full hookups with varying amperage. "Full hookups throughout the park and looked very well kept. Extremely quiet and serene," shares Lori B. about Bending Oaks Ranch RV Resort.
Site leveling needs: Most campgrounds have reasonably level sites but some preparation may be needed. "The site was good and required no leveling. Easy access with full hook ups and a pass through," reports Michael about Bending Oaks Ranch.
Road conditions: Access roads may present challenges for larger rigs. "Getting in and out of the park was smooth for the most part just watch some overhanging limbs," advises Dan H. about navigating McKinney Falls State Park with a 40-foot Class A RV.
