If you’re looking for a place to hike, camp or just explore while you’re in Austin or in the Texas Hill Country, Pedernales Falls State Park is one of our favorite state parks in the area! The water is gorgeous, the features are so interesting, and there’s lots of room to explore.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re going to Pedernales Falls State Park.
The most notable feature at Pedernales Falls State Park is the falls area at the north side of the park where the Pedernales River flows over limestone. The limestone is 300 million years old and has been eroded over time to form really cool pathways and holes that are fun to explore when the water is low.
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Where is Pedernales Falls?
This state park is about 45 miles west of downtown Austin (about 30 miles from the western edge of Austin) in Johnson City. The address is 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636.
It is located north off of 290, just east of 281.
Do you need a reservation to go to Pedernales Falls?
Not necessarily, but it’s recommended.
If the park isn’t full, you can buy day passes (and potentially book campsites) at the entrance. But if you’re going on a weekend or holiday, I suggest reserving your pass or site ahead of time to make sure you don’t drive all that way for nothing.
How much does it cost to go to Pedernales Falls State Park?
The cost for a day pass is $6 per person (13 years and older). Ages 12 and under are free.
Camping is $20 for a site with water and electricity, and $10 for primitive camping (which requires hiking to the site).
Is Pedernales Falls cash only?
No, the park accepts credit cards when the office is open. After 5 pm, you may need cash or check to include in an envelope at the self-pay station.
What can you do at Pedernales Falls?
Our favorite thing to do at Pedernales Falls is to go visit the falls and explore the big carved out rocks, throw pebbles in the water and hike around (or sit with a book for those of us who want to relax). But there’s a whole huge park to explore — it’s 5,212 acres.
Tip: We’ve had trouble with spotty cell service in the park in the past, so if you’re separating from your group, have a plan for where to meet or what to do if you can’t reach each other on your phones.
Hiking at Pedernales Falls
We’ve only gone to this park for day trips, so hiking and exploring is the top of the list. We mostly just check out the falls area and walk around and climb rocks. It’s fun for little kids all the way up to teenagers.
But there are lots of hiking trails in this state park. There are short, easy ones like the Twin Falls Nature Trail, and long, difficult ones like the 6-mile Wolf Mountain Trail.
Check out the hiking trails here.
Swimming at Pedernales Falls
You can swim at Pedernales Falls State Park, but only in certain areas. Swimming is NOT allowed in the falls area.
You can find the swimming area on the map. The park calls the hike to the swimming area strenuous, with some steep parts and stairs with no hand rails. The hike is about a quarter mile.
It’s important to note that the river level can rise quickly and become dangerous, so if you notice the water rising or becoming muddy, leave the area immediately.
You can’t rent tubes at Pedernales Falls, so bring your own if you want one.
Camping at Pedernales Falls
Spend more time at the state park by camping there! There are 63 campsites with electricity and water, and 21 primitive campsites.
The normal campsites can host up to 8 people and have nearby bathrooms, fire rings with grills, and electric and water hookups.
The primitive sites are for up to 4 people and require a 2- to 3-mile hike. This is for more experienced and prepared backpackers. No open fires are allowed and there is no potable water available at the sites, so you have to pack in what you need.
Camping is $20 for a site with water and electricity, and $10 for primitive camping (which requires hiking to the site).
Other activities at Pedernales Falls
Other things you can do while at the park include:
- Horseback riding. If you have horses, you can bring the out to the park to enjoy 10 miles of trails.
- Paddling. You can bring a canoe, kayak or tube to paddle or float in the river. You’re not allowed to put in or take out at the falls area, but you can enter in the swimming area or Trammell’s Crossing Trail.
- Mountain biking. Most of the hiking trails are also And if you’re an advanced rider, check out the Juniper Ridge trail.
- Birding. The state park is a great place to watch some birds! Here’s a checklist of possible birds you could spot.
What towns are near Pedernales Falls State Park?
The state park is near Johnson City, Blanco and Dripping Springs, if you’re looking to stay in a town instead of camping.
Nearby things to do
Johnson City is home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Lyndon B. John State Park & Historic Site for history buffs. There’s also a great, family-friendly interactive museum, The Science Mill, which is definitely worth a visit.
Blanco has Blanco State Park, which is a fun swimming and floating spot (though the recent drought years have made it less nice). Or grab gelato made from water buffalo milk at Orobianco Italian Creamery, or a beer at Real Ale.
Or stop in Dripping Springs on the way back to Austin where there are tons of family-friendly restaurants and breweries!
Can you bring dogs to Pedernales Falls?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are allowed in Pedernales Falls, but they must always be on a leash, in a crate or in a car. They are not allowed in the water or on the land around designated swimming areas.
There are also other restrictions (they may not apply to service animals). Here are the rules for pets at state parks.
How do you pronounce Pedernales?
You can say it PED-er-nahl-es or PER-duh-nal-es. You’ll hear a lot of locals saying it the second way, even though it’s not spelled that way. Almost like saying Perd ‘n Alice.
Want to check out more state parks? There are lots within 90 minutes of Austin — find out more on this post.