We spent our second week in Austin at McKinney Falls State Park. This was our first visit to a Texas State Park, so I have no idea if this campground is typical of all Texas state parks. But if it is, then we really like Texas State Parks.
Our giant site at McKinney Falls
The sites here are large and generously spaced. We were able to choose our own site when we arrived, and I think we scored one of the best in the park with an enormous, private yard and tons of trees for shade. The best part? No road noise like last week. Yay!
Our massive back yard
In addition to really nice sites, McKinney Falls also has a variety of walking and biking paths. The primary path makes a wide loop around the outside of the campground, providing nearly 3 miles of paved, wooded trail. There are also several additional miles of trails near the waterfalls that we never got a chance to explore.
The Onion Creek Trail
A variety of plants along the trail
Besides the sites and trails, our favorite thing about staying here is that some of our Airstream friends came to join us! The two couples who we hung out with at the Balloon Fiesta, Lauri & Jase and Kate & Iain, arrived early in the week. Thanks to a campground that is nearly empty on the week days (always full on the weekends though) they both got sites near us. The first night we had an impromptu gathering at Kate & Iain’s site. Just look how much room they have.
Hanging with the neighbors
The next day we were joined by yet another Airstreamer who we met at the Balloon Fiesta. Sam and his awesome dog Frank travel around in a 1966 Airstream that’s in the process of renovation. We met him very briefly as we were getting ready to leave the Fiesta, and when we learned that he was also on his way to Austin told him to look us up when he arrived. Strangely enough, he then ran into Lauri & Jase at a New Mexico state park a week or so later, exchanged info with them, and then showed up at McKinney Falls a few days after we all arrived. It’s constantly amazing to me how our traveling community is always growing.
Sam & Frank and their awesome vintage Airstream
In the middle of the week we hosted a casual pot-luck style gathering at our site. All of the Airstreamers attended, plus our friend Marshall, along with Kate & Iain’s nephew, Tim, who is currently in Austin for an internship.
Lauri, Sam, Tim, Jase, Iain, Kate, Tim, & Marshall (we had soup – that’s why everyone is holding bowls).
I forgot to take a picture before the food table got devoured, but as you can see by this mid-feast shot we had a plethora of tasty and healthy foods. Dinner was followed by a few hours of lively conversation. RVers never run out of interesting things to talk about.
Feasting and hanging under the lights
And with that we’ve reached the end of our time here. This afternoon we’re heading a few hours east to Houston where, for the first time ever, we will both leave the Airstream behind and travel by plane to visit family on the east coast. As always, it’s sad to say goodbye to everyone, but I have faith that the we will meet them all again someday, somewhere down the road.
18 comments
We’ve been to 3 Texas State Parks and loved them all. Back in 2006 they were sponsored by Toyota, so they were really well kept up.
Your potluck looks awesome, and I LOVE that dog!
Frank was quite the happy go lucky dog. And that photo doesn’t even show off his epic dreadlocks.
On our list…looks like a great place to visit!
Just be sure to reserve early if you want to stay on a weekend. They fill up fast!
We have only camped at one Texas state park – and it was a little gem. Palmetto State Park located about an hour east of San Antonio and a short drive off I-10. We will definitely stop there again when passing through.
I’ll have to remember that one for the next time we are in Texas.
Texas State Parks are great… what you see in McKinney Falls is typical of them… I use to work at the Texas Parks and Wildlife HQ which by the way is just across Onion Creek and up the hill… I use to walk out the backdoor of TP&W HQ and have lunch in the park you are in along the creek… enjoy!
Sounds like a great place to work- and have lunch!
We’ve traveled a lot in Texas and love the state parks, but haven’t yet stayed at McKinney Falls. Looks like a great place — if we can’t get in to Pecan Grove, that’s where we’ll stay next time we’re in Austin. We’ve also found that a Texas State Parks pass pays for itself quickly if you’re going to be in Texas for any length of time (but you already know that because of your New Mexico experience). Enjoy your time with family back east!
I think it would be a great alternative to Pecan Grove. Not too far from the city, but it really felt like we were out in nature. We ended up getting the pass because for the amount of time we stayed it was cheaper than paying the day use fee. Too bad we won’t be able to use it again this year, but I have a feeling we’ll be back late next fall or winter to check out more of the state parks.
Texas state parks are fabulous! You must go to Lost Maples – very small park but my personal favorite, especially at night. You won’t have any phone service there though, but it is worth a night or two. Another one is Goliad State Historic Site – stay in the full hookup loop.
Thanks for the recommendations! I marked them down for the next time we visit Texas.
We haven’t had any experience with state parks in Texas but this one looks like a great find. Enjoy your time with family.
It was a great find. We had heard good things, but were surprised by the size and privacy each site offered.
These are some great photos and looks like you had a great time! I look forward to staying here when we visit Austin sometime in the future!
Definitely a good place to stay. You will have fewer site options than us because some of the sites have low hanging branches, but still lots to choose from. Also a really convenient park to visit the city, without all the downsides of staying in the city.
Do you happen to remember what site # this is? It’s a great site! We are planning a trip in July & we really like this one. Thanks!
It was site 59. Our friends had 56 and it was just as large and wonderful. Enjoy!