History: McKinney Falls State Park in Travis County, in south Austin, is a 744.4-acre park acquired in 1970 from private donation and opened to the public in 1976. The headquarters of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are near this location.

The park is named for Thomas F. McKinney, who came to Texas in the early 1820s as one of Stephen F. Austin's first 300 colonists. Sometime between 1850 and 1852, McKinney moved to Travis County and his property on Onion Creek, where he became a prominent breeder of race horses with his own stable and private track. He built his large two-story home, stone fences, and the first flour mill in the area with slave labor.

Camping and Important information: Park facilities include screened shelters with bunk beds (no mattresses); 84 campsites with water and electricity; walk-in water sites (200 yards in with a picnic table, a fire ring, a grill, and water in area); picnic sites; an interpretive hiking trail, approximately 3/4 mile long; 3.5 miles of paved trails; 4 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking; an interpretive center with an exhibit room and audiovisual room; a sponsored youth group camping area; a dining hall (capacity 75) may be rented for day use. There is also an amphitheater that seats 50 people.

Hours: Open: 7 days a week year-round. Gate open from 8am to 10pm. Busy Season: March through November.

Reservations: Check Availability/Make Reservations for McKinney Falls S.P.
You can also make e-mail reservations, fax Reservations or phone reservations.

Special notes: There are various types of interpretive tours with a fee charged per person; contact the park for specific information/reservations.

Admission fees: do apply, see park website for details.