McKinney Falls State Park (tpwd.state.tx.us) is named for Thomas F. McKinney, patriarch of one of Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300" families who, in the early 1820s, formed the first legal North American settlement in Mexico-owned Texas. McKinney later moved to the park's current site, and the shell of his two-story, circa-1850s home and horse trainer's cabin, along with an old grist mill, remain preserved. Several natural rock shelters, formed out of the limestone cliffs and used by American Indians as many as 8,000 years ago, and "Old Baldy," a 103-foot-tall, 500-year-old bald cypress are located in the park. The park's Smith Visitor Center has interpretive displays on McKinney and other points of interest inside the park.
McKinney State Park has 81 campsites that accommodate RVs, trailers or two tents, including 69 sites with 30-amp electric hookups, as well as 12 premium sites that have 50-amp outlets and cost slightly more per night. RV campsites are spread among five loops that share an RV dump station. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring and grill, with restroom and shower facilities nearby. The campground area is within a short walk of the park store, which carries items such as ice and firewood.
Campsites at McKinney Falls State Park can be reserved online at the Texas Parks and Wildlife website (texas.reserveworld.com) or by calling 512-389-8900 on weekdays during business hours. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, but cancellations must be made at least three days before arrival date to receive a refund. Other camping options at McKinney Falls include eight walk-in tent sites and six screened shelters that each have four sets of plywood bunk beds and sleep eight. Mattresses and bed linens are not included, although the shelters do include a ceiling fan, electric hookups, a sink with hot and cold water, picnic tables and an outdoor grill. The park also has a primitive youth camping area for nonprofit groups.
Campers at McKinney Falls State Park have plenty of activities and attractions to choose from during their visit. The park's trail system includes the Onion Creek Trail (2.8 miles), Homestead Trail (2.75 miles), Flint Rock Trail (2.25 miles) and the interpretive Rock Shelter Trail (.9 miles). Most trails are open to bikers as well as hikers, and provide scenic vistas of the river and falls, and occasional glimpses of wildlife such as armadillos, raccoons, white-tailed deer and painted buntings. Other activities and amenities include picnic areas, a playground, and swimming and fishing in Onion Creek. The park allows anglers to borrow rods, reels and tackle, free of charge.
