Are you looking for a scenic getaway near Austin, TX? McKinney Falls State Park offers an incredible mix of outdoor activities including adventure, history, and relaxation. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a fishing enthusiast, or just looking for a place to unwind by the water, this Texas state park has something for everyone. From camping under the stars to swimming in the mini waterfalls, here’s everything you need to know about making the most of your visit to McKinney Falls State Park.

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Park Hours & Visitor Information

Location: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX
Park Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM
Headquarters Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: $6 per adult; free for children 12 and under
*Free for you and anyone in your vehicle with your Texas State Parks Pass

Read More: Making the Most of Your Texas State Parks Pass

1. Hiking & Biking Trails

McKinney Falls is home to over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, perfect for all skill levels. Each trail has its own features and most trails in the park are well-shaded for those hot Texas days. Some of the popular trails in the park include:

• Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail (2.8 miles): A paved and easygoing trail great for biking or walking.
• Homestead Trail (3.1 miles): A scenic dirt path with historic ruins and creekside views.
• Picnic Trail (0.5 miles): An easy stroll with plenty of places to stop and rest. Oh, and Old Baldy! A tree that is said to be over 500 years old!

Read More: Hiking Trails at McKinney Falls State Park: A Guide to Every Trail

2. Swimming at Onion Creek

One of the most popular McKinney Falls State Park activities is cooling off in the natural swimming holes at Onion Creek. The Lower Falls offers a wide, shallow pool ideal for wading, while the Upper Falls has deeper waters perfect for a refreshing swim. The cascading limestone ledges make for a picturesque backdrop and a fun place to relax during the hotter months.

The water levels vary depending on rainfall and on hot days, you can expect the swimming holes to be crowded with children, adults, and even dogs. As always, get there early if you want a more private experience.

3. Camping at McKinney Falls

If you want to extend your stay, McKinney Falls has 81 campsites with water and electric hookups, plus six primitive hike-in sites. Camping here allows you to experience the park’s beauty after dark, with incredible stargazing opportunities.

• Reservations: Book in advance, especially for weekend stays. This is a popular park.
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits are available.

4. Fishing in Onion Creek

Fishing is a relaxing way to spend your time at McKinney Falls. Onion Creek is home to various fish species, including bass, catfish, and sunfish. Since it’s a Texas state park, no fishing license is required for visitors fishing from the shore.

When I was hiking the Onion Creek Trail first thing in the morning (around 8:30 am) each little nook and cranny along the trail had someone fishing! It was a beautiful spot to stand and fish because the sounds of the birds in the trees and nature waking up were truly beautiful.

You’ll want to bring your own bait and fishing gear if that’s your plan. There are no rentals available in the park.

5. Geocaching Adventures

Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt using GPS devices or smartphone apps to locate hidden containers throughout the park. It’s a fun and unique way to explore the park with a purpose. While visiting, I didn’t experience any issues with losing cell service so you should be able to use your phone for navigation anywhere in the park.

If you want to leave a geocache, check in at the park headquarters and receive permission to do so. Although geocaching is fun, it does guide visitors off trails and this can impact the environment in major ways. The park rangers will be sure to help decide locations that are safe and won’t harm the park.

You can read more about geocaching at geocaching.com. There’s also a geocaching app!

6. Wildlife Watching & Birding

McKinney Falls is home to diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, armadillos, and even the occasional bobcat. Birdwatchers will love spotting species such as the great blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, and various songbirds.

One of the first things I noticed while hiking Onion Creek Trail was how loud and varied the sounds of the birds were! They seemed to be everywhere, talking constantly. It was so lively and uplifting!

• Best time for birdwatching: Early mornings and late afternoons.
• Bring binoculars: For a closer look at birds and wildlife.

7. Explore the Historic Homestead & Other Historic Sites

There are multiple points of interest throughout the park for those who enjoy history.

The McKinney Homestead is one of the most visited points of interest in the park and was built back in the 1850s. It was the home of Thomas McKinney, one of Austin’s original colonists. The remains of the home are preserved in the park and you can read more about the slaves that built the home and the importance of this piece of land on an information post near the site.

You can also visit the prehistoric rock shelter which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Gristmill, which is one of the first flour mills established by Thomas McKinney in the 1850s.

All the park’s points of interest are listed on the trails map if you want to check them out.

8. Picnicking & Relaxing

McKinney Falls has plenty of shaded picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a great spot for a family outing or a quiet lunch in nature. In each picnic area, there is a water bowl attached to the water spigot to get your pups some water too if they’re joining you on your day in the park!

• Best picnic spots: Near the Lower Falls and Onion Creek.
• What to bring: A tablecloth, your food, and drinks, and trash bags. You may also want to bring a ground blanket or camp chairs for extra seating. The tables are secured to the ground so you cannot drag multiple tables together.

Remember to picnic only in designated areas and pack out everything you bring in. There are a few trash cans around the park where you can place your waste, but be sure to leave no trace!

9. Rock Climbing & Bouldering

The limestone formations around the park offer some great spots for light bouldering and rock climbing. While not an official climbing destination, many visitors enjoy scrambling over the rock faces near the falls.

10. Photography & Sunset Viewing

If you love capturing nature’s beauty, McKinney Falls provides plenty of stunning photography opportunities. The golden hour around sunset creates magical lighting over the waterfalls and trails.

Final Thoughts

With so many McKinney Falls State Park activities to enjoy you’re sure to have a memorable experience whether visiting for a day or a weekend. Don’t forget your camera to capture the moments. 📷

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