McKinney Falls State Park lies just 20 minutes outside the hustle and bustle of Austin, Texas. Whether you have an afternoon or an entire weekend to explore, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy this slice of nature a short drive away from the capitol.
With hiking trails, swimming holes, picnic spots, fishing creeks, and more, McKinney Falls is a popular site among Austin natives and visitors to this eclectic city.
If you’re part of the latter group and you’re looking for an easy way to visit this state park with a large number of people, look no further than National Charter Bus. We have experience catering to all kinds of groups, including family reunions, corporate retreats, bachelorette parties and more. Don’t spend your precious free time trying to coordinate rideshares for everyone in your party or find parking—we can handle all of that for you. We’ll drop off your group at the state park, allow you as much time as you’d like to explore, and pick you up when you’re done. Contact us at 512-546-6019 to book your charter bus today.
Address:
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744
Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Adults (13 years and older): $6 Daily
Children (12 years and younger): Free
Texas State Parks Pass (unlimited visits to Texas State Parks): $70 per year
Discounts:
Texas residents aged 65 and older or permanently disabled individuals receive 50 percent off admission. Disabled veterans or people born before September 1, 1930 receive free admission. School-sponsored groups can call the park at 512-243-1643 for discounts and to make arrangements.
Parking:
There are three parking lots located within McKinney Falls State Park. Simply direct your charter bus driver to the entrance of the park and choose the parking lot that is closest to the trails or swimming holes you’d like to explore. All can be accessed from McKinney Falls Parkway. Due to state park rules and limited parking, your bus won’t be able to wait for you in the parking lot, but they won’t be far away.
Whether you like to spend your weekends strapping on your boots and going for a hike or hopping on your road bike and taking it out for a spin, McKinney Falls State Park has everything you want right in Austin’s backyard.
Camp
With 81 campsites in the park, there are no shortage of spots to pitch your tent and look up at the stars. All campsites come with water and electric hookups. You can book campsites ahead of time online. We recommend doing this, especially during their busy season of March - November. McKinney Falls also has six newly remodeled cabins for visitors to enjoy.
Hike and bike
McKinney Falls State Park has nine different trails that are ideal for hiking or biking. From the easy Rock Shelter Trail to the more moderate Homestead Trail, visitors can choose a trail that suits their activity level.
Fish
If fishing is more your speed, you won’t want to miss Onion or Williamson Creek. Visitors don’t need a license to fish within the boundaries of the state park. Common fish found in this area include largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, white bass, and sunfish. When you are fishing from a pier or other man-made structure within the state park, there is a limit of two fishing poles per person.
Swim
To escape from the heat of the brutal Texas sun, take a dip in one of two coveted swimming spots at McKinney Falls State Park: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. Bring your favorite inner tube and float above the falls. You can also jump off the rocks into the swimming hole below.
McKinney Falls State Park hosts multiple events every month for visitors who are looking for new adventures or who want to learn about the history of the park. Groups of all ages can find an event that will bring out their inner park ranger.
Past events have included:
Winter Solstice Lantern Hike: Event attendees went for a hike and learned what it was like to live by lantern light.
Atlatl in the Afternoon: Event attendees got to try their hand at throwing spears using an ancient technique that predates the bow and arrow.
Skin and Skulls Exploration Station: Event attendees saw furs and skulls of the most common wildlife in the park.
Whether you’re enjoying a family reunion in Texas or looking for a fun place to take your college outdoors club that’s a short drive away from the city, look no further than McKinney Falls State Park. To take the stress out of your visit and enjoy all that the park has to offer, book one of our Austin charter buses today.
In order to cater to groups of all sizes, we offer varying bus types, from 18-passenger minibuses to 55-passenger charter buses. Your group will arrive refreshed and ready to explore the park after enjoying our top-notch amenities, including air conditioning, reclining seats and television monitors. Interested in planning out your bus itinerary and getting a quote from one of our experts? Call us today at 512-546-6019!