This public park, just minutes away from the city, offers a variety of activities from fishing to swimming, as well as stunning scenery.
Just a 20-minute drive outside of Austin, adventure awaits. McKinney Falls State Park is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, and has an abundance of activities for campers and visitors alike.
There is a small entry fee to the park, but children 12 and under are free. Campsites are available for those who are interested in really getting back to nature. Pick an area to pitch a tent or plug into a spot with electricity and running water. Whether visitors set up camp or just plan a day visit, the scenery will captivate all of the senses.
Simply stroll through the park and take it all in. The beautiful limestone rocks are great for adventurous kids, and the soothing rush of moving water can be heard before the waterfalls even come into sight. The lush, green surroundings are postcard-perfect, filled with cypress trees, sycamores, several varieties of oak and cedar, as well as cacti, which everyone likes to see on a trip to Texas! One tree in particular—Old Baldy—is quite famous. This 32-metre cypress tree is bald and is estimated to be more than 500 years old.
Visitors don’t need a fishing license to cast out at Onion Creek however, check the park’s website for fishing limits and safety instructions before you rent a fishing rod, reels, and tackle. Fishing is one of the most popular activities at McKinney Falls State Park, and the sunfish, catfish, and largemouth bass are out in great numbers.
The summer months can be particularly hot, and swimmers are more than welcome to take a dip in Onion Creek, but water activities aren’t the only things that McKinney Falls Park has to offer. Visitors also enjoy hiking, mountain and road biking, as well as relaxing activities like picnicking. Texas bluebonnet flowers dot the scenery in the spring, and several animals can be found meandering across the landscape. Keep your eyes open for the native raccoons, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and the Texas favourite: armadillos.
