DALEoutside

Hi everyone...

Just wanted your thoughts. We'd like to stay somewhat close to home (Austin). Have never been to either one of these park. We like trees, somewhat private sites (I don't mind neighbors, I just don't like to be completely exposed to them). We have a 2 yo and 6 yo. I know it's too early to swim probably. Thought Pedernales might be dangerous to have a 2yo on the rocks? Would McKinney be better for that reason?

Any help is appreciated!

Turn Key

Have camped at Pedernales but only looked at McKinney Falls. As far as "privacy" goes, I'd say the're both fair on that issue. Some sites are a bit more private then others. Both parks have very nice sites.

If your going soon, chances are that it will be a bit cool for swimming but you never know. Mid-April should yield better temps for swimming. Didn't check the swimming area at Mickinney Falls so I won't comment. The swimming area at Pedernales is down stream from the falls and very nice. Sand/gravel bottom and beach with a fair bit of shade as I recall. It takes a bit of walking to get there but its worth it.

Be careful with the kiddos around the falls at Perdernales. Its not necessary to go down onto the large rocks to see the falls but with care and a bit of carrying, you should be able to take a 2 YO into the area.

In my opinion, both parks are very nice but I think Perdernales has the "edge" for me. Your really back a long way from any highways or towns and the nights are very quite. Nice place!

Hope you have a great trip and happy camping!

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4everfrio

Two good choices. Both parks are great. McKinney is a nice , close to home, state park. Perdernales is more remote and quiet.
Get a state park pass and go look at McKinney. It's right off 183 by Berstrom. I think you would like it. Go there first and wait a couple of weeks or more and go to Perdernales. Perdernales would be more enjoyable in the late spring with the flowers in full bloom and the water temperature a little more bearable. Have a good one. ~~~~4everfrio~~~~

rockhill

I have stayed at both parks. Wanting to be close to Austin and with a two year old, my vote would have to go McKinney Falls. Perdernales is more remote and rustic. At McKinney you would have nice paths to take the little one on. In addition it would be hard to beat the proximity of Austin for a nice day trip to museum's etc. Either place should be fun, but cast my vote for McKinney.

SunshineSnuz

We really enjoyed Pedernales Falls when we stayed there last year with our 7 year old (she was 6 then). There were some easier paths and lots of areas for her to explore. The site that we had was very secluded/private and we hardly saw anyone when we were in our campsite and the noise level was extremely subdued.

That being said, as mentioned in an earlier post, it is a little bit of a hike to get to the falls. Once down at the falls, being the over-protective mother that I am, I'd probably be too concerned to let the little one run around very much.

We haven't camped at McKinney yet but we've had plenty of day trips there and while in my personal opinion PF has nicer tent spots, McKinney Falls is still a very nice park. In fact even though it might be too cold to actually go swimming as long as the sun is shining the kids enjoyed just sitting/sliding on the rocks. The water in places is less than a foot deep so is even fun for the little ones (just check with the park about the water quality, sometimes during the summer they put up the 'no swimming' signs due to bacteria in the water if it hasn't rained in a while.).

Also at MF's I think there are more 'open' areas to let the little one run around with out having to worry that every step he takes he's going to fall in the water or off a rock.

I really don't think you can go wrong with either park, just McKinney might be ther 'safer' choice. (and believe me I really like PF so it is hard for me to suggest otherwise)

Whichever choice you make, best of luck!!
sunshinesnuz :cool: