Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

This was a halfway stop between Tennessee and Big Bend . Large campground with nice facilities and trails . Unfortunately it rained the nights we passed through . Nice place in the off season . I bets it’s packed in the summer

My boyfriend and I came here for a weekend backpacking trip and had a great time! We hiked 2 miles down wolf mountain loop then about a quarter mile on the camping trail to the primitive sites on Saturday. We arrived at the campsites around 5pm and there were so many people camping it kinda looked like a shanty town (but in a cool way!) Even though there were lots of spots filled we managed to find a decent spot fairly quickly that was somewhat secluded. The next morning we hiked to Jones Spring and also checked out the remnants of the Trammels house. When we came back to out site just about all the other campers had already packed out and we had the whole camping trail pretty much to ourselves Sunday. We packed out Monday morning and before leaving the park checked out the bird blind, (which didn’t require a hike), then drove north to the falls. The falls had a short but somewhat taxing hike, since coming out was steep uphill, but it was a beautiful sight! After that I walked down to the swimming area, which was absolutely gorgeous, but the water was very cold of course in November so I just waded around a bit. The hike back from the swimming area was short but very strenuous! Very steep uphill! Overall it was a fantastic experience!

I went for an early morning hike in full swing Texas summer heat. I decided to do the Falls hike following the water and Hackenburg loop. Ended up doing around 3 miles right before 10:30 (started at 9). From there the sun started to beat down and enjoy some time in the water but heads up as of today the water was pretty low. So many wildlife saw some deer, birds (singing the whole time I was there) and some cool lizards!

One of my favorites you can do a lot of different activities from horse back riding swimming hiking biking. The facilities are well maintained and the sightseeing is wonderful.

This site has no shade at all but is close to one of the trails to swim

The campsites were decent size and well-spaced with buffers in between. Many of them have small pavilions over the picnic tables. All sites in electric area also have a fire pit, water and 20/30 amp electric.

Bathrooms were small but decent and well-maintained.

Note that cell service was quite weak to nonexistent (Verizon and T-Mobile) unless you were out hiking and reached a high spot.

Beautiful area to explore and the nice trails made for plenty to do. The river is super low right now (April 2022) so no water fall, but walking around on the rock formations made for a unique experience.

Also a good campground for some dark skies at night.

Excellent park, great hike to falls

This park has fantastic hikes, new clean restrooms with showers, and great spacious campsites.

Only con (if you consider it a con) is that with ATT, there is no service at the campsites.

Pedernales is a classic Texas state park with a lot to offer and a short distance from Austin. It is often fully booked and your best chance to book a spot is far in advance or create a notification through the Texas State Parks site if a spot opens up. In the warm weather there's lots of swimming to be had, not in the falls themselves which are prone to flash flooding, but in another part of the park. Occasionally the water is home to poisonous algae which makes the water neither kid or dog friendly. Many of the sites have small shelters over their picnic tables.

As typical for Texas State Parks, this is well maintained, scenic with good trails. River can be dangerous during rainy season with flash floods but otherwise beautiful views and some great swimming. RV as well as primitive sites.

I gave this park a 5 because I loved the park and campground. Lots of trails and very large beautiful peaceful sites with their own pergola, picnic table, and campfire ring. The only negative there, was trying to level. They have several level sites, we just didnt happen to have one.

Large, spaced out sites with nicely covered picnic tables, lantern hook, and fire pit. It was nice to not easily see your neighbor. This park has it all with very many miles of trails for good hiking, rugged mountain biking, and has the beautiful falls to explore. You can even swim in parts of the river. This place is a gem and is not very far away from Austin! Two downsides: no cell service in the campground and only one dump station for quite a few RVs.

It’s good and hidden but well worth it! The swimming it awesome! Bring goggles and water shoes! Water snakes a plenty! There’s cool natural rock slides. We will definitely be back!

As the title suggests, this is a pretty decent little primitive camping site. The camping area is along the top of cliffs, affording a nice view. The sites are decently spread out. The sites seem like they are used on a fairly regular basis, which makes sense as this is outside of Austin. I am hoping that the primitive camping is still open, as it was a little while ago that I camped, but I decided to go ahead with the review and share the pictures. Overall it is recommended, although there are better primitive camping experiences especially if you are willing to drive a few hours, such as lost Maples. Another good thing is that you can go check out the falls which is kind of the thing that most people do you come to this park. Enjoy!

It was a beautiful day. Got there a little late right around 3pm. Didn't know what really to expect since it was our first time there (My husband and myself) . He chose the camp site ahead of time online. They only had primitive camping available. Primitive entails a minimum 2 mile walk over 3 creeks (luckily dry this time of year) and no running water. You literally have to plan accordingly and don't over pack. Proper shoes are a must. We learned the hard way that over doing it is over packing . When we finally got to a good camp site sun was quickly fading and we pitched a tent and a hammock in the dark with little light seeing as you cannot have a fire in this camp. Woke up with several spider guys all in the tent and on top between the screen and tent topper. Next time I will use more hammocks and one less tent if I'm primitive camping. Overall it was a good lesson in camping and will be back again.

I suppose it would have been better if you get a decent campsite. Backing in the RV, door opened into a spiky bush. Turned the RV around and couldn’t level. The covered table was so far away in another campsites “backyard”. No Wifi or satellite for miles. Couldn’t use the phone for emergencies. Most rangers were polite except one came banging on our door at 9:00pm to tell us to empty a kiddie pool for our Pomeranian (it was 100 degree temperatures outside) and spread the water to different areas while it was pouring rain out.

Another Texas State park that shines! Sites are big and even though pretty close to the other sites still feels very secluded! Picnic table with shelter and Fire Pit with grilling included. Restroom and Showers close enough to every campsite! Firewood and Ice sold on site just pay attention to hours of operation! The trails were well marked and great sites! River was a great way to relax after decent hiking! Lots of wildlife, Deer, birds and Hogs!!

For us, August is the hottest, and least desirable month to go camping, and at Pedernales State Park it is their wettest month of the year: Hot and rainy, so why go camping? Because we’re Covid-bored, and our 10th Wedding Anniversary is in August, and we’re still amped about the purchase of our new converted cargo trailer which was recently finally completely built out for us. On our maiden voyage it was literally just a shell we threw a mattress in, and we still had a great time! We also had our new Electric Bikes on board this time, and we were excited about trying them out on the hilly terrain.

Our GPS chose a really dangerous road for trailers to go down to get to the main park entrance. Don’t take Yeager road. Any other option will work. We had to exit the truck and walk into the HQ building to check in, which we didn’t like just due to delta variant issues. We had Spot 9, which had nice tree coverage, space, and privacy for us. Lots 7, 8, 9, and 11 looked nice also, but pay attention to which site you pick, because some had no shade, or much of a view at all.

It wasn’t difficult backing in, but our trailer is only 12 ft. It seemed kind of tight to me for longer trailers, but they were making it look rather easy. They did have to park their trucks sideways at the entrance of their site to prevent the tail of their trucks from sticking out into the street.

Day 1 was the hot, sweaty set-up we figured it would be, though we really caught a break the whole time we were there, as temps in Texas can hit the high 90s, or 100s this time of year, and we had some overcast days and temps that didn’t get higher than 91. Our initial campsite set-up was followed up by a fun ride on our e-bikes, and then a night of sleeplessness with thunder and lightening throughout the night as the backdrop to Anniversary sex, and keeping ourselves occupied with offline ipad apps and articles we had previously downloaded.

Oddly, there was no rain all night, but it started up heavily the morning of day 2. By the time we exited the trailer close to noon, the fabric atop our trusty pop-up canopy was bulging excessively in one corner. When we tried to resolve this, the whole thing bent and collapsed. We had to junk it. It had been very good to us, and was the last relic of our tent-camping years. That thing knew more about me than my kids.

I was raising my eyebrows, and silently laughing when Erika told me she could hang this huge brown tarp we had brought through the trees so we could use it for our campsite canopy. It just didn’t seem feasible looking at it. Girl Scout proved me wrong. She threw a ball of string over the tall branches, worked at a knot on the string going through the tarp, and before I knew it we were hoisting up a giant tarp that kept us dry, and shaded for the rest of the trip.

The rain that day kept us in the trailer for a while, where Erika kept me entertained by showing me how to play Rummy. This turned out to be a really fun diversion for us the whole trip when we retreated to the trailer during the hottest hours of each day, or just before going to sleep for the night. Erika almost always beat me, but I didn’t mind, as she played topless as we took turns nipping on the Jim Beam bottle. Erika made some great-tasting thick-layered sandwiches for lunch each day, which we usually ate in the trailer.

Day 3 we decided to try out some of the park trails on our E-bikes. We tried both the Warfle, and Trammel Crossing trails, and although Erika fared better than I on them, we both agreed it wasn’t the type of riding we like, and wasn’t too good for the bikes. On any regular bike you have to muscle your way up the inclines; not so on an e-bike, and I couldn’t get use to this. If you try to naturally peddle your way up an incline on an e-bike, it will give out on you. You have to use the electric pedal assist, and it works beautifully.

Erika understood this and was maneuvering quite effortlessly up and down the gravelly, rocky inclines. My previous experience was on a mountain bike, so it took me a bit to adjust to how to take advantage of the E-bikes best attribute – It’s electric stupid; work smarter, not harder, and use the bike’s pedal assist feature. Neither of us liked the brake wear and tear needed to go down these particular trails.

We drove around later to scope out other possible trails we could try, and almost got our truck stuck in the wet clay surrounding the equestrian trails. 4 Wheel Drive got us out of that, although if anyone saw us there, it probably looked like we were doing donuts for fun. We did determine the trail to Pedernales Falls overlook would be easy enough on our bikes.

That night was what camping was all about to us. It started off at sunset where I’m guessing it was Saharan dust high up in the sky that was causing the whole sky, and our campsite to glow a gorgeous violet pinkish haze I’d never seen before. We fired up the pit and grilled sausage, corn on the cob, chicken breasts, potatoes, jalapeno poppers, and something new Erika wanted to try on the grill – carrots.

We put 4 whole carrots on the grill over direct-heat, turning them every few minutes for 10 minutes to get grill marks on them. Then Erika buttered tin foil with garlic herb butter, and wrapped the carrots in it, and put them off to the side over indirect heat for about 45 minutes, and everything came up roses. It was a King’s gluttonous dinner. The carrots had the consistency of a lush sweet potato.

We were blessed with a clear night sky that night, and could see all of the stars through the clearing at the top of the trees that surrounded us, including meteors throughout the night falling from the Perseids meteor shower. We got a lot of wishes in as we hung out and drunk beer by our campfire listening to Van Morrison all night.

That night was the first time we had a really good night’s sleep in our trailer. We found a way to minimize the humidity inside by purchasing a small humidifier, cracking the windows slightly, and pointing a fan up towards the ac unit vents that was helping distribute the outside and inside air a little better throughout trailer. We woke up and had a slow and easy Day 4, as we were a little hung over from the day before. We drove into Johnson City about 20 miles away and picked up a few supplies.

On our last day, we rode our E-bikes a long way out on the paved roads of the park, riding from our campsite to view the Swimming Area of the park, and then headed all the way to the trail that leads to the Pedernales Falls overlook spot. The bikes rode effortlessly up and down the hilly roads, and the trail to the overlook was easy as well, and what a view when you get there! We then rode back to the campsite, cooled down, napped, and grilled skirt steak that night for dinner to close out our trip.

The Park was very pretty. Lots of wildlife abounds. We had deer, squirrels, and foxes in and around our site. The park hosts were very nice. They managed the fire and ice supplies from their parked trailers a short ride from the campsites. The bathrooms were nice. I’ve been in cleaner, but I’ve seen a lot worse. There was a private shower/bathroom, in addition to Men and Womens bathrooms. There were a lot of families, kids, and dogs around, but they didn’t bother us. We had enough space and privacy. The park seemed like a nice place for kids, as they were riding bikes, and running, and biking up and down the streets at night, and clearly enjoying the swimming and inter-tubing in the river.

I camped at Pedernales Falls back in November of 2020. The river was running low, but it was still a great visit. However, I camped again this year in June and the water was running at 70% above normal. It was great for viewing the river, swimming and taking photos. Again, the rangers and staff were great and the campsite that I had this trip (09) was very nice. Weather was hot during the day (90's) and in the evening in the 70's-80's. There were a few armadillos wandering down and deer as well. Be sure to visit the bird blinds as there are always a variety of birds to view and photograph.

Pedernales Falls is a great camping experience for all. The sites have been updated a few years ago. The sites are reasonably large with covered table areas. The falls area requires a drive, but with ample parking. The hike to the falls area is reasonable. Ther is no swimming or entering the water allowed, due to the dangers of potentially high water or flash floods. There is a swimming area in the river, but requires driving to the location (in the park). There are also a couple of bird blinds that provide for great views and photography. Hot and humid in the late spring through summer.

the best park ive been to in central texas

This park, for many people in the hill country of Texas, is the quintessential park to visit. Within an hour’s drive of Austin, it offers a quick escape for a day visit and is also one of the more popular parks for overnight camping. Under Covid-19 conditions entrance permits were given out for a specific time, but with the park’s popularity, the procedure might stay in place after the worst of the pandemic has passed. We lucked out by getting a site due to a cancellation on both Friday and Saturday nights, which meant we had to move sites, but didn't have to book 5 months in advance!

The campground has well-spaced and wooded sites with water and electricity. Each campsite has its own little section of the forest, and makes you feel like you’re one of just a few people in an otherwise full campground. The bathrooms are also very clean, the showers are excellent with good water pressure and plenty of hot water. Note: check out the newer building if you want to see the camping bathroom Taj Mahal -- let's just say it's Texas sized!

The weather in January can be all over the map.  We were in shorts the first two days, then it snowed more than the area had seen in 20 years on our final day.  Come prepared for anything!

Lots of hikes begin right from the camping loop, but it’s a short drive over to the scenic falls which give the park its name as well as other. Less a waterfall and more a series of cascades tumbling over the limestone bedrock of the Pedernales River, the falls area could take a whole day to explore. Walking, crawling, hiking over the myriad of rocks shaped by the river one can escape into their own area and world for a moment or afternoon of poolside reflection. Just know that there are going to be other folks wandering about.   Tip!  The parking lot is very full at the trailhead to the falls...ride your bike from the campground to avoid the bottleneck at the end of the road.  You'll be greeted by armadillos and many birds along the way.

With dozens of other trails, it doesn’t take long to leave the busy sections of the park behind and find your own space out in the forest. We were here for 3 days and didn’t even come close to getting out on all of them. 

Nearby Johnson City has a medium sized grocery store as well as gas and other necessities. If you’re going that way, spend the afternoon at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Historic Park, which is a cool tribute to the settlers of the Texas Hill Country and our nation’s 36th President.

Got in late and had to leave early, so I didn't get to explore the park much, but the campground was great. Well maintained sites, with decent distance from the neighbors and your own pavilion on each site. Really close to nature, with coyotes howling not 100 yards from out site at one point.

Wonderful

Stayed overnight here on a trek back to AZ. Dealt with fire ants at the campsite in spite of it being a paved pull through. But, no fear...I always carry Savin dust for just that reason.

The falls were not within walking distance of the campground so, I had to drive to another area, park and then hike a trail to the falls.

I was there in late November and I had the entire place to myself. No one was at the falls and I was able to take my time walking around, taking photos and enjoying the magnificent rush of water. While the falls were not roaring at their max, I could easily invision the danger in which signage has warned could be present.

This park feels like you are miles and miles away from anything but is actually pretty close to lots. The parks has lots of wildlife and the falls are beautiful. You can’t visit without taking a swim in the beautiful, clear water. Can’t recommend this park enough.

No wonder this place is sometimes difficult to reserve a site, we got lucky enough to get a site for four days, Minus a rain day, three days of activities were not enough, plenty of trails, exploring the falls, sitting on the rocks with our feet in the river, riding our bikes I little bit everywhere, will need to go back again to do the things we were not able to do. Decent privacy on the sites, the tables are in the back of the site to accommodate also the tent campers. also not too far from one of the highest-rated barbecue joints in Texas, salt Lick BBQ

This park is truly amazing. The sites are mostly big and there is lots of privacy. The water is absolutely gorgeous and so refreshing in this texas heat. I can’t recommend this park enough- it is gorgeous!

Tent camped 14JUL20, 1 night.

First, it was 108 the day I camped, in a tent, with no AC! (I did have a fan though.)

I 👏🏽 love 👏🏽 this 👏🏽 park👏🏽!! Hiked about 12 miles of trails and every one had a payoff. I could have spent a week hiking that park if I had time.

The sites are HUGE and have cool features like retaining walls. Not a lot of trees though but I barely noticed until I remembered I suffer from cedar fever, (went to school at UT.) Thought I had the COVID as I left until I remembered I camped under a cedar tree, haha.

BE WARNED, there is zero cell coverage once you get into the park. Might not be an issue for some but I had to drive up to the ranger station a couple times to let my wife know i was okay.

The water was low when I was there but it was clear and cool and absolutely beautiful.

This park exemplifies the Texas Hill Country!

I’ll be back soon.

This state park might have got its name from the waterfalls, but it has A LOT of hiking trails as well. It has trails for all levels, but most of them are somewhat long (depending on your definition of a long hike).

We like the park because of the mix of both water and trails. It really gives you a way to connect with nature and escape the city. There is even a trail that requires you to cross the river to walk the whole thing. It's called the Trammel Trail Crossing. But its a long one, so be ready for some walking.

Park is well kept. Bathrooms didn't always have handsoap, so make you bring something if you can. And maybe a few bugs in the corners of the restrooms and showers, but you are camping so bugs naturally come with the territory.

All in all, we love this park.

We highly recommend this state park! With many hiking trails, views and options for camping , you won’t be disappointed. We stayed in the RV area and made friends with armadillos, dung beetles, a fox, deer and a raccoon! Easily accessed the swimming portion of the river and relaxed all weekend. A quick drive to the falls trail head led to so much to explore! Staff was courteous and informative and we will be back! Currently they’re booked for the next three months so act fast!