McKinney Falls State Park, Austin, Texis - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Turn Key · 12-30-2003, 09:27 AM

McKinney Falls State Park, Texas
December, 2003

On our most recent trip to San Antonio, Texas we took an opportunity to have a fast look at McKinney Falls State Park, just outside of Austin, Texas. I truly wish we had had more time to look at this park but we were hard pressed for time and some traffic problems cut into what time we did have for this inspection. That being said, I’m hoping I will be forgiven for a less then thorough review of what seems to be a very fine park.

McKinney Falls State is located 13 miles south of Austin, just west of US 183. The park is accessed by way of McKinney Falls Parkway. The park encompasses 640 acres at the confluence of the Onion and Williamson Creeks. These creeks form the Upper and Lower McKinney Falls. I regret that due to time restraints, I did not get to view the falls. It’s hoped that I can rectify this short coming in the near future!

The main camping facilities are comprised of two loops. The northern loop is made up of Big and Little Oak Camping Areas for a total of 40 sites. The southern loop consists of Grapevine, Moss and Big Cedar Camping Areas with 44 sites. All of these 84 sites are “power & water” with about 20% “pull-thru” and the balance “back-in”. I understand that 10 of these sites are equipped with 50 amp service with the balance being 30 amp. All sites appear to be well laid out with pretty good shade and adequate spacing. We did not have the time to choose any “favorites”. The park is also equipped with 8 “primitive” camp sites situated along Onion Creek. Further, there are 6 screen shelters to rent and a Sponsored Youth Group Area.

All equipment and facilities in the park appear to be fairly new and in good repair. Bathhouses were very clean with a good supply of hot water. Park roads are in very good shape and easy to maneuver.

The park has a fair amount of hike/bike trails for those who like to move around. There a number of places on these trails designated for bird watching, scenic overlooks and historic ruins.

As said earlier, I do not feel this review is very thorough nor do I feel that I have done this park the justice it deserves. I truly wish we had had more time to explore this park. I find it a bit surprising that this park seems so far removed from the urban area that it is so close to. I am hoping to spend more time at this park in the very near future. I hope you have been able to extract some useful information from my ramblings. If I can help in any way, feel free to post, e-mail or PM.
Happy Camping!

Turn Key · 01-08-2004, 10:14 PM

Got some updated info on this park from some members at another camping message board that I frequent. It seems that the water flow on the Onion and Williamson Creeks can drop during the summer to the point that the water in the swimming areas become stagnant. This will cause an unsafe condition. I understand that the park staff monitor this on a daily basis and close the swimming areas when conditions warrant. Just though this was information that some could use as they plan their trips.

Happy Camping!

copuswalker · 01-09-2004, 07:16 AM

We often camp there when we visit our sons at U.T. We have been there when swimming is allowed (and when it wasn't). It is really quite pretty. Almost feel the park is doomed with the urban sprawl at it's borders

02-02-2005, 06:09 PM

Does anyone have any info about the screened shelters in McKinney Falls? We plan to tent camp there over Easter with my sister-in-law and her family. She's not a big camper, so I thought she might prefer the cabins. I know they have cots w/out mattresses and water but no bathroom. Are they open or private -like a screened "glass house" or like a typical cabin? If everyone can see us inside, I think she would prefer sleeping on the ground in the privacy of a tent. I tried to find a picture on the net, but was not successful. Thanks for any info.

vnguyen · 10-02-2006, 04:14 PM

Did you finally get the information that you were asking for? I'm interested in the same info. thanks.

Turn Key · 10-02-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vnguyen

Did you finally get the information that you were asking for? I'm interested in the same info. thanks.

Welcome aboard "vnguyen"! Hope we can help your enjoy your time out of doors.

I wrote the review that this thread is based on but it is almost three years old and I haven't been to McKinney Falls SP since. As said in the original report, it is not very thorough but the best I could do based on the short time we were there. I re-read my report and based on that I can say that the park is equiped with "screen shelters". These are wooden structures about 12X12 feet with the top 4' of each wall sreened in and the bottom 4' of the walls solid. Roofs are shingled and they stay dry in the rain unless the wind is blowiing really hard. The park may have added or up-dated the shelters since we were last there but I usually hear about these sorts of updates. Haven't concerning this park but you may want to check with McKinney Falls SP to be sure.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f...ckinney_falls/

Hope this helps and let me know if you need more info. Again, welcome aboard and,

Happy Camping!

BigBendHiker · 10-30-2006, 04:37 PM

It is a very nice park. Hard to believe it is there, nestled with Austin expanding all around it. We stayed in one of the cabins back in 2002. It was in early August...so a bit warm, but we still had a great time. The water was flowing good...my son really loved playing in the pool just downstream of the one set of falls...

BBH

Shannon · 10-30-2006, 05:57 PM

We always try to visit the park in the spring. Even when the wildflowers aren't amazing there, we're not very far at all from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin.