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Austin, Texas / Parks and outdoors

McKinney Falls State Park

Discover McKinney Falls State Park, the only state park within Austin's city limits. Enjoy scenic hiking trails, historic ruins, and swimming in Onion Creek, all set along the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas.

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McKinney Falls State Park
tpwd.texas.gov, og_image_tpwd.texas.gov

What is McKinney Falls State Park and where is it located?

McKinney Falls State Park is a nearly 750-acre state park located in Austin, Texas, at the confluence of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek. It is the only state park within Austin city limits and is situated about six to 13 miles southeast of downtown.

How much does it cost to visit?

Day-use admission is $6 per day for adults and visitors age 13 and older. Children 12 years and under can enter for free.

What are the hours of operation?

The park is open daily, with the gates open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., while the visitor center hours vary by day.

What activities can you do at the park?

Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, mountain or road biking, geocaching, bouldering, and picnicking. Swimming and fishing are also permitted in Onion Creek.

Do I need a reservation to visit?

Reservations are highly recommended for both camping and day use because the park often reaches maximum capacity. If the park is full, day-use visitors without a reservation may be turned away.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

McKinney Falls State Park is a beautiful 744.4-acre public park located in Austin, Texas, positioned at the scenic confluence of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek. Holding the distinction of being the only state park situated within Austin's city limits, it is located roughly six to thirteen miles southeast of the downtown area. This makes it an incredibly convenient and popular natural escape for both residents and visitors seeking outdoor adventures. The park is steeped in history, lying directly on the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. It preserves a diverse range of ecosystems that early travelers would have encountered along this historic route. The park is named after Thomas F. McKinney, a prominent 19th-century businessman, rancher, and racehorse breeder who owned and lived on this land. Visitors can explore the historic remnants of his former property, including the Onion Creek Crossings—natural limestone fords with a centuries-long history of travel. Officially dedicated by Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe on April 14, 1976, the park opened to the public the very next day. Today, the park boasts nearly nine miles of trails, 81 campsites, and six cabins. It offers a wide array of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain or road biking, bouldering, geocaching, picnicking, fishing, and swimming in the refreshing waters of Onion Creek. While exploring the trails, visitors can spot diverse local wildlife, including armadillos, colorful painted buntings, and various native Texas snake species. The park is also highly accessible, offering specialized all-terrain wheelchairs for visitors to use on the paved Onion Creek Trail, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beautiful Texas landscape.

Visitor tips

  • The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with office hours ending at 4:15 p.m.
  • Day-use admission is $6 for adults (ages 13 and older) and free for children 12 and under.
  • Reserve your day pass online in advance, as the park frequently reaches capacity and may turn away visitors without reservations.
  • Borrow one of the park's all-terrain wheelchairs if you plan to explore the Onion Creek Trail.

Nearby context

Located just southeast of downtown Austin along McKinney Falls Parkway, this expansive park serves as a vital green lung for the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. While it feels worlds away from the urban bustle, its proximity to the city makes it a favorite local getaway for Austinites looking to swap concrete for limestone ledges and rushing creek waters without embarking on a long road trip.

Sources

Evidence and links