AskTheCity
Ask
Skip to content
Ask Austin

McKinney Falls State Park

8.4Locals Score / 10

#6 of 8 Parks & Outdoors in Austin

$
Known forstate parkwaterfallscampingswimming
Directions

A genuine state park within Austin city limits, McKinney Falls offers two stunning waterfall formations on Onion Creek, excellent hiking and biking trails, and camping — all just 13 miles from downtown. The upper and lower falls are swimmable when water levels allow and are among the most photogenic natural spots in the metro area. Reservations are required for camping and strongly recommended for day use on weekends. An underrated gem that feels far more remote than it is.

Key facts

Hours
Hours not verified
Price$
Phone—
Website—
Nearest transit—
Time needed—
Best time to go—
Last verifiedJuly 16, 2026

Locals Score

8.4/10
  • Value9.0
  • Iconic8.0
  • Excellence9.0
  • Crowd level6.0
  • Authenticity8.5
  • Accessibility7.0
How the Locals Score works →

Nearby in Ask Austin

Where to stay near McKinney Falls State Park

Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Locals Score

Find hotels →

Last reviewed July 16, 2026 by AskTheCity Editorial.