McKinney Falls State Park

Park Alert...

McKinney Falls State Park

  • Woman fishing from the bank of the creek.
    Spend quality time by the side of Onion Creek under tall bald cypress trees.
  • Limestone ledges surrounding pool
    The upper and lower falls on Onion Creek are scenic and rugged attractions.
  • Kids in life jackets jump off rocks into water
    C'mon in - the water is fine!
  • couple hiking
    Explore nearly nine miles of trails, some with hard surfaces for easy traveling.
  • hikers in the rock shelter
    Join a ranger on a walk to explore historical features here, like the rock shelter.
  • Bluebonnets
    Central Texas wildflowers are renowned - and we have our share year-round.
  • buck deer
    Humans aren't the only ones who love this refuge from the city.
  • lower falls in McKinney Falls State Park
    After a good rain upstream, water pours over the limestone ledges of the lower falls.

Rugged Beauty

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?

Things to Do

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 overnight

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.

Hiking and biking

Hike or bike nearly nine miles of trails. The 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail has a hard surface, good for strollers and road bikes. We have an all-terrain wheelchair for use in the park; email us to reserve the chair for your visit. 

Take the Rock Shelter Trail (only for hikers) to see where early visitors camped. 

Be safe on the trails, no matter how you access them. Bring plenty of water and travel with a partner.

Fishing and swimming

Go fishing in Onion or Williamson creeks. You do not need a license to fish from shore in a Texas state park. Download McKinney Falls State Park Fishing Tip Sheet.

Keep Onion Creek clean! The following items are not allowed in the Upper and Lower Falls areas:

  • Food or snacks
  • Alcohol or glass
  • Coolers, ice chests, or thermal bags
  • Pets in the water
  • Speakers or music
  • Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, or other hard balls

Visitor Center

Learn more about the park’s natural history and heritage! Check out the observation deck for a great view of the Upper Falls. Explore the bat cave and learn how you can help protect our night skies.

Ask about borrowing Junior Ranger Explorer Packs or fishing rods and tackle. 

Group gatherings

Rent the group hall for your next get-together. The hall has a full kitchen and an outdoor grill and seating area.

Get involved!

We need your help in the park.

Ranger Programs

We lead programs on birding, geocaching, atlatls and more. Check the Events page for upcoming programs.

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters or the visitor center. Complete tasks to earn a badge.

Teachers

Bring your students out for field trips using TEKS-aligned curriculum!

McKinney Falls is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.

Area Attractions

Austin has restaurants, museums, music and more, all just a short drive away.

Burn Ban in Effect

5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744

Latitude: 30.180752

Longitude: -97.722007

(512) 243-1643

Entrance Fees
  • Adult: $6 Daily
  • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Hours

Open daily,
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Visitor Center

Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

We often reach capacity, and highly recommend reservations for both camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.

 

Check our Twitter feed, Facebook posts, or call us for updates.


Busy Season

March through November

Climate

January average low is 37 degrees. July average high is 95 degrees. Wettest month is May, with moderate humidity year-round. First freeze occurs late November. Last freeze occurs early March.

National Weather Service forecast for this area
Elevation

550 feet