Oh boy, McKinney Falls State Park in Texas. Let me tell you, it’s a park that will have you falling head over heels in love with nature (and maybe even some rocks). You are located 30 downtown Austin.
First things first, the park is home to not one, but two waterfalls. Two! If that doesn’t impress you, I don’t know what will. These waterfalls are so gorgeous that you’ll want to snap a hundred photos of them to make all your Instagram followers jealous.
And don’t forget about the swimming holes. The clear blue water will make you feel like you’re in paradise, especially when you’re taking a dip on a hot summer day. Just don’t forget your sunscreen, or you’ll end up looking like a cooked lobster.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, you’ll love the hiking and biking trails. They range from easy to challenging, so even if you’re not in the best shape, you can still enjoy the scenic beauty of the park. But fair warning, there are some steep inclines that will have you huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf.
If you’re into history, the park has plenty of that too. You can learn about the human habitation in the area that dates back over 8,000 years. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good history lesson?
Great hiking ? around the park….
We hiked the homestead trail. This moderate, 4.8-mile trail takes you through some of the park’s historic areas, including the remains of a 19th-century homestead. Along the way, you’ll also pass by the park’s Upper Falls and Lower Falls. We recommend hiking clockwise.
Camping ⛺️
First things first, if you’re planning on tent camping, make sure you have a good tent. And by good, I mean one that won’t collapse on you in the middle of the night. Trust me, there’s nothing more terrifying than waking up to find yourself trapped in a collapsed tent like a human burrito.
But once you’ve got your tent set up, it’s time to enjoy all the park has to offer. And by all, I mean the occasional critter that might wander into your campsite. Don’t be surprised if you wake up to find a raccoon stealing your breakfast or a skunk making itself at home under your picnic table.
Camping at McKinney Falls State Park is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of nature while still enjoying modern amenities. The park has over 80 campsites to choose from, including options for tent camping and RV camping. It can be a long walk to the bathrooms.
Keep Austin weird???
Tour the Largest Capital in the US.
Rent a bike ? and ride Lady Bird lake
Eat BBQ- we loved Black’s BBQ- NOT Terry Blacks
Watch the ? bats leave the Congress Ave bridge
Camping is not a hobby. It’s a way of life
The wilderness holds answers to more questions than we have yet learned to ask.
The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience
Money Saving Tip
If you are visiting a Texas State Park and camping more than 5 days within a year buy the annual state pass. Texas charges a per person fee of up to $8 for everyone in the car ever day one visits. We took advantage of the pass and saved hundreds of dollars. Other discounts allow your second night camping half off ?
- Unlimited Entry: With a Texas State Park Pass, you have unlimited entry to more than 90 state parks and historic sites in Texas. This means you can visit your favorite parks as often as you want without having to pay the daily entrance fee each time. These fees can add up quickly.
- Savings: A Texas State Park Pass can save you money if you plan on visiting multiple state parks throughout the year. The pass pays for itself after just a few visits, and you can save even more if you take advantage of discounts on camping and other park amenities.
- Convenience: With a Texas State Park Pass, you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or credit cards to pay the daily entrance fee. You can simply present your pass at the entrance station and be on your way to enjoying the park.
- Supporting State Parks: By purchasing a Texas State Park Pass, you are supporting the preservation and maintenance of Texas State Parks. The funds from the pass go directly to park improvements, trail maintenance, and conservation efforts.
- Discounts: In addition to unlimited entry to state parks, a Texas State Park Pass also provides discounts on camping, equipment rentals, and other park amenities. Pass holders can also receive discounts at some local businesses.
- Access to Special Events: Texas State Park Pass holders can enjoy special events and programs offered exclusively to pass holders, such as guided hikes and birdwatching tours.
Why we recommend the Berkey?
Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books ?
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Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The National Park Pass will also allow access to all the national monuments. If you plan on being in any of the National Parks more than three times within a year then you will save money. The pass will sometimes allow discounts to camping in the National Forest ?. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility which can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. “I googled my symptoms… turned out I just need to go camping”
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Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market.
Our thoughts ? Mckinney Falls State Park
There are so many reasons to visit McKinney Falls State Park in Texas, and they all boil down to one simple fact: it’s a place where you can let go of your worries and embrace the joy of being alive.
Whether you’re hiking along the park’s trails, swimming in its natural pools, or simply sitting in awe of the park’s stunning vistas, McKinney Falls has something to offer everyone.
And let’s not forget about the campgrounds, where you can roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
So if you’re looking for a place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature, McKinney Falls State Park is the place to be. Just be prepared for a few raccoons, some questionable showers, and a whole lot of laughter along the way.
“Life is better by the camp fire”
Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide
Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.
Products we love ❤️
After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking ? throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.
Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery ? pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.
Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil
Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights
Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.
We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.
Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy ? so this easy locking ? system was our solution.
Our teardrop does not come with a refrigerator so coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.
Grand daughter had her first birthday so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you Bridget.
Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.
12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses ?. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.