Texas Hill Country · 30 miles west of Austin

Where the River Meets
Ancient Limestone

Your complete guide to camping, hiking, stargazing, and everything in between at Pedernales Falls State Park. Grab a map!

Plan your visit Reserve a campsite
5,212Acres
40+Miles of trails
200kAnnual visitors
Things to do Where to eat Where to stay Park info
Know before you go
🔥
Burn bans are common Check current fire rules before packing firewood. Propane stoves are always OK.
🚗
Gate open 8am – 10pm Arriving after 5pm? Call 830-868-7304 for the gate code.
🌊
Flash floods happen fast The river can rise in minutes. Leave immediately if water rises or sirens sound.
Check today's official alerts →
Entry fee
$6 / personAges 13+ · Free under 13
Gate hours
8am – 10pmOffice closes 4:30pm daily
Location
Johnson City, TX30 mi west of Austin
Reservations
Required weekendsBook up to 5 months ahead
Most popular guide
Start planning your trip
Everything you need before you leave home — campsites, gear, trails, and what to watch out for.
The Complete Guide to Pedernales Falls State Park (2026)
Park Info

The Complete Guide to Pedernales Falls State Park (2026)

Pedernales Falls State Park is one of the crown jewels of the Texas Hill Country — 5,212 acres of limestone canyons, clear river swimming, dark-sky…

⏱ 10 min read 🗓 April 5, 2026
Read the full guide →
Explore the park
Guides for every kind of visit
Whether you're coming for a day hike or a weekend under the stars, we've got you covered.
Pedernales Falls vs Enchanted Rock: Which Hike Wins?
Things To Do

Pedernales Falls vs Enchanted Rock: Which Hike Wins?

They’re the two marquee outdoor destinations of the central Hill Country — a river park and a granite…

Read guide →
Best State Parks Near Austin for Camping
Camping

Best State Parks Near Austin for Camping

Within about two hours of Austin you can camp beside a river, under a granite dome, in a…

Read guide →
Best Swimming Holes Near Austin (Ranked for 2026)
Things To Do

Best Swimming Holes Near Austin (Ranked for 2026)

Austin summers are survivable for one reason: within an hour of the city, spring-fed rivers and limestone pools…

Read guide →
Pedernales Falls vs McKinney Falls: Honest Comparison
Things To Do

Pedernales Falls vs McKinney Falls: Honest Comparison

Austin has two “Falls” state parks within easy reach, and the names invite the comparison: McKinney Falls inside…

Read guide →
Pedernales Falls vs Hamilton Pool: Which Should You Visit?
Uncategorized

Pedernales Falls vs Hamilton Pool: Which Should You Visit?

Two of the Hill Country’s most famous water destinations sit about 50 minutes apart, and on any summer…

Read guide →
Hill Country Road Trip: Pedernales Falls & Nearby Stops
Things To Do

Hill Country Road Trip: Pedernales Falls & Nearby Stops

Pedernales Falls sits in the middle of the best road-trip country in Texas. Within about an hour and…

Read guide →
See all guides
Free download

Family Trip Checklist

Everything your family needs to pack, book, and know before visiting Pedernales Falls. One page, printable, updated for 2026.

  • ✓ What to pack for every age
  • ✓ Reservation step-by-step
  • ✓ Flash flood safety reminders
  • ✓ Park fees & hours at a glance

Get it free — enter your email:

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Just the checklist, straight to your inbox.

Where to stay nearby
Lodging close to the park
From glamping tents to Johnson City hotels — options for every budget and style.
Glamping tents near Pedernales Falls State Park
Glamping

Hipcamp sites nearby

Private land camping around the park
Find a site →
Hotels in Johnson City near Pedernales Falls
Hotels

Johnson City hotels

10 miles · 15 min drive
Browse hotels →
Restaurants near Pedernales Falls State Park
Restaurants

Where to eat nearby

Johnson City & Dripping Springs
See restaurants →
Campsites at Pedernales Falls State Park
In-park camping

Reserve a campsite

Electric hookups & primitive sites
Reserve now →

Get the free family trip checklist

Everything you need to pack, book, and know before you visit — one printable page, sent to your inbox.

Get the free checklist →

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Just the checklist, straight to your inbox.