McKinney Falls State Park sits just 15 minutes from downtown Austin and 5 minutes from the airport, making it one of the closest natural getaways to West Lake Hills, Texas. The park features volcanic rock formations from an extinct volcano called Pilot Knob, creating distinctive flat rock areas near the main falls. Winter months see moderate visitor traffic compared to extremely busy summer periods when temperatures regularly exceed 95°F.
What to do
Swimming in natural springs: Krause Springs offers unique swimming opportunities in spring-fed pools. The natural swimming area features a rope swing that lets adventurous visitors jump into the water. "This place was wonderful. Spent hours just floating in the springs and natural spring pool. Kids can jump off the small Cliffside or fly on the rope swing," notes one visitor to Krause Springs.
Hiking on limestone trails: The Good Water Loop trail at Cedar Breaks Park circles Lake Georgetown with rugged terrain suitable for both hiking and mountain biking. "Decent little park close to Georgetown, TX. Georgetown is full of fun activities and great food. Georgetown is home to 'The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,'" explains a camper at Cedar Breaks Park.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple waterfall features can be found within a short drive from West Lake Hills. The volcanic rock formations create distinctive swimming holes and falls. "There are two waterfalls. The main falls starts by flowing into a topside traditional pool down to a natural pool below. There's a small cave behind it. I recommend using a headlamp to check it out," shares a Krause Springs visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer good separation between camping spots. "The sites are large which means you aren't right on top of your neighbors. Lots of shade. Each site has its own shelter with picnic table, grill and fire pit," reports a camper at Cedar Breaks Park.
Proximity to Austin: The ability to escape into nature while remaining close to city amenities ranks high with visitors. "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 a visitor at McKinney Falls State Park.
Dog-friendly options: Many glamping sites near West Lake Hills welcome pets with dedicated amenities. "This RV park plays up the RESORT aspect. It's near perfect. Right off the highway, safe (gated entry), well kept, pretty. The spots are gravel (a little unlevel due to the slight hills) but perfectly spaced with full hook up," notes a camper at Austin Lone Star RV Community.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites close to West Lake Hills require advance planning. "Please note that they are currently under a boil water notice. No one mentioned this when we checked in and we did not realize until we were looking for the bathroom code. Also on importance that their is no code for the bathroom, it's just locked from 9:00 pm to 9:00 am," warns a visitor to Leander-NW Austin KOA.
Seasonal crowds: Summer months bring heavy visitor traffic to swimming areas. "Pay to enter and for camping sites. You can backpack in to some of the primitive sites or stay in the HUGE camping spots. The sites are mostly private and have tent areas as well as pads for campers," explains a camper at Pedernales Falls State Park.
Flash flood awareness: Several parks post warnings about sudden water level changes. "Respect weather warnings!" advises a Pedernales Falls visitor who notes, "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety precautions: Natural swimming areas may have slippery surfaces and deep sections. "The ladder down is super wonky and the beach area extremely slippery. Definitely swim at your own risk," warns a Krause Springs visitor.
Spacious group sites: Several parks offer extra-large sites suitable for family gatherings. "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. Really nice group campgrounds if that's your vibe," shares a McKinney Falls visitor.
Educational opportunities: Many parks include historical structures and nature programs. "The ruins of the homestead are definitely worth checking out if the creek is passable," suggests a McKinney Falls visitor referring to the historic homestead on property.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "The sites along the inside are scary unlevel! Some of the big rigs were backed in and jacked up 4 feet or so in front. Saw a lady break her ankle stepping out of her camper," cautions a Cedar Breaks visitor.
Low-clearance challenges: Tree branches can create hazards for larger vehicles at some locations. "My only warning is low hanging trees everywhere. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate the campground in a 5th wheel or class A. You could do some rooftop damage," notes a Krause Springs visitor.
Facilities access: Bathroom and shower availability differs widely between parks, with some offering 24-hour access while others have restricted hours. "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," mentions an Austin Lone Star RV Community camper.
