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. Take the Rock Shelter Trail (only for hikers) to see where early visitors camped. Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map.

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

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.

Ask at headquarters.

Visit our Volunteer page.

Join or donate to the Friends of McKinney Falls State Park.

Ranger Programs

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

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters. 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.