Right now
Status note (Oct 29, 2026): Next closure: 10 p.m. Nov. 21 to 2 p.m. Nov. 24, 2026, when only permitted hunters may enter. That is per TPWD's official alert page, checked on October 29, 2026. Two more hunt closures follow in December and January; see the day-pass box. Otherwise the park is open daily. The water/electric campground closes Jan. 1, 2027 through summer 2027. What the status labels mean
Pedernales Falls is a run of cascades on the Pedernales River in Pedernales Falls State Park, 30 miles west of Austin. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) runs it and lists no height. The overlook is a short walk from the falls parking area. Entry is $6 for ages 13 and up; reserve a day pass, since the park often fills. Swimming is banned in the falls area. A hunt closes the park Nov. 21 to 24, 2026.
About Pedernales Falls
Pedernales Falls is a run of cascades on the Pedernales River in Blanco County. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) says the river "cascades over steps of layered limestone" to form the falls. TPWD publishes no height, so we list none.
The name comes from the riverbed. According to Wikipedia, "Pedernales" comes from the Spanish word for the flint rocks found along the river.
Wikipedia gives the park's size as 5,211.7 acres. The park opened in 1971 on land that was once the Circle Bar Ranch.
Beyond the falls, TPWD lists camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching and geocaching. There is also a bird blind and a butterfly garden. On the river, TPWD says you can swim, wade, tube or fish. In the falls area, though, TPWD bans swimming, wading and boat put-ins or take-outs.
Getting there and parking
TPWD says the park is "just 30 miles west of Austin". The address is 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636. TPWD suggests that iPhone Maps users enter Cypress Mill, TX 78636 instead.
Johnson City is 10 miles west, with LBJ National Historical Park and LBJ State Park. Dripping Springs is 13 miles southeast. Call the park at (830) 868-7304.
Reserve before you drive out. TPWD calls the day pass a permit, and it says, "We often reach capacity and close to those without permits". Its alert page adds that permits often sell out on weekends, school breaks and holidays. Book online or call (512) 389-8900.
Entry is $6 a day for anyone 13 or older, and children 12 and under get in free. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park gates are closed from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
The map pin marks the falls, using GNIS coordinates. The Directions button goes to TPWD's park coordinates instead. We found no parking details or official walking distance to the falls overlook.
Also near Austin, McKinney Falls lies inside the city limits, 13 miles from the state capitol. It charges the same $6 adult fee, and TPWD allows swimming in its creek. Our Texas waterfalls guide compares the two parks.
Camping at Pedernales Falls State Park
TPWD lists 69 campsites with water and 30-amp electricity at $20 a night, plus the entrance fee. Each holds up to 8 people, with showers available.
As listed on Oct 29, 2026, TPWD's alert page says the water/electric campground closes Jan. 1, 2027 through summer 2027 for a construction project. It adds that the Twin Falls Trail will remain open.
The hike-in Backcountry Wolf Ridge Camping Area costs $10 a night for up to 4 people. TPWD puts it "two miles (four miles round trip) from the parking area". Potable water is not available, and the toilets are chemical.
Open fires are not allowed at Wolf Ridge, but containerized fuel stoves are. TPWD states that no after-hours check-ins are allowed at Wolf Ridge. The park also has a Youth Group Camp and an Equestrian Group Camp.
Reserve any site online or at (512) 389-8900. If you arrive after 10 p.m., call the park before 4:30 p.m. for the gate code.
Map and nearby falls
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Getting to the falls overlook
The Pedernales Falls overlook is a short walk from the falls parking area. TPWD gives no official walking distance, so don't plan around figures you see elsewhere.
The .5-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail leads to what TPWD calls a scenic overlook "over the falls". The alert page says this trail stays open during the 2027 campground construction.
For a longer outing, the six-mile Wolf Mountain Trail runs around Tobacco and Wolf mountains. Mountain bikers can ride the new Juniper Ridge Trail, a 10-mile technical singletrack, TPWD says.
The river's swimming area is a separate trip. TPWD says access is "a strenuous 1/4-mile (or more) hike". It adds that the route includes steep rock stairs with no handrail. That figure is for the swimming area, not the falls.
Riders get 10 miles of rugged trail. TPWD says horses should have shoes, and a current Coggins is required.
You can tube, canoe or kayak the river. Put in at the swimming area or from the Trammell's Crossing Trail. TPWD does not allow put-ins or take-outs in the Pedernales Falls area.
When to visit
TPWD lists spring, summer and fall as the busy seasons. We found no official best month for flow.
TPWD's climate figures give an average January low of 32°F and an average July high of 94°F. Flash flooding is common in the Texas Hill Country, TPWD warns, so check the forecast before you go.
Plan around the hunts. TPWD's alert page closes the park to all but permitted hunters on three dates this season. The full list is in the day-pass box on this page.
The water/electric campground closes Jan. 1, 2027 through summer 2027, as listed on Oct 29, 2026. TPWD says the Twin Falls Trail stays open during that work.
| Trail | Falls overlook: a short walk from the falls parking area (TPWD gives no distance). Twin Falls Nature Trail 0.5 mi to a scenic overlook; swimming area a strenuous 1/4 mi or more with steep rock stairs (TPWD) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | TPWD does not rate the walk to the falls overlook; it calls the hike to the swimming area strenuous |
| Entry fee | $6 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under free (TPWD). Campsites are $20 (electric) or $10 (primitive) a night plus entry |
| Permit / reservation | Day pass (TPWD calls it a permit): reserve ahead; the park closes to visitors without one when full |
| Parking | No lot details found; reserve a day pass |
| Hours / season | Open daily; gates closed 10 p.m.-8 a.m.; office 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (TPWD). Closed to all but permitted hunters on dates listed on the alert page |
| Dogs | We found no pet rule on the TPWD pages we read; call the park at (830) 868-7304. TPWD's alert page also links a statewide screwworm alert. |
| Swimming | Not in the falls area: TPWD does not allow swimming or wading there. Swimming, wading and tubing are allowed at the river's swimming area. Reaching it is a strenuous 1/4-mile (or more) hike |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Not confirmed: we found no accessibility details for the falls overlook on the TPWD pages we read. The swimming area has steep rock stairs with no handrail |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | Showers at the water/electric campground (closes Jan 1, 2027 through summer 2027) and chemical toilets at Wolf Ridge (TPWD); we found no details for the falls area |
| Best time to visit | No official best month; TPWD lists spring, summer and fall as the busy seasons |
| Crowds | High: TPWD says the park often reaches capacity and closes to those without permits |
| Managed by | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) |
Safety and swimming
TPWD does not allow swimming or wading in the falls area. The park page says the ban is "for your safety". Enjoy the falls from the overlook and stay out of the water.
TPWD's flood warning is blunt. It says the river "can rise from a placid stream to a raging torrent in a few minutes". If you notice the water rising or getting muddy, TPWD says to leave the river area immediately.
At the swimming area, expect steep rock stairs with no handrail. Paddlers may not put in or take out in the falls area.
Our waterfall safety guide covers flash floods and slick rock in more depth.
Conditions change: confirm with TPWD before you go.
Where to stay near Pedernales Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Johnson City.
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Photos
Pedernales Falls FAQ
Can you swim at Pedernales Falls?
Not in the falls area. TPWD says, "For your safety, we do not allow swimming and wading in the Pedernales Falls area". You can swim, wade or tube at the river's swimming area. Getting there is a strenuous 1/4-mile (or more) hike with steep rock stairs.
Do I need a reservation for Pedernales Falls State Park?
Not always, but TPWD strongly advises it. TPWD calls the day pass a permit, and it says the park often reaches capacity and closes to those without one. Permits often sell out on weekends, school breaks and holidays. Reserve online or at (512) 389-8900.
How much does Pedernales Falls State Park cost?
$6 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under get in free. Camping is extra: $20 a night for an electric site or $10 for a primitive Wolf Ridge site, plus entry.
How long is the Pedernales Falls hike?
A short walk from the falls parking area to the overlook, though TPWD gives no distance. The Twin Falls Nature Trail is 0.5 mile, and the Wolf Mountain Trail is 6 miles. The swimming area is a strenuous 1/4 mile or more.
Are there waterfalls at Pedernales Falls State Park?
Yes. TPWD describes the Pedernales River cascading over steps of layered limestone at Pedernales Falls. TPWD says the Twin Falls Nature Trail leads to a scenic overlook "over the falls".
What does Pedernales mean?
Flint. Wikipedia says the name comes from the Spanish word for the flint rocks found in the riverbed.
Can you camp at Pedernales Falls State Park?
Yes, but check dates. TPWD's alert page, as read on Oct 29, 2026, says the 69-site water/electric campground closes Jan. 1, 2027 through summer 2027. The primitive Wolf Ridge sites, $10 a night, are a 2-mile hike in.
Are dogs allowed at Pedernales Falls?
Not confirmed. We found no pet rule on the TPWD pages we read. Call the park at (830) 868-7304 before you bring a dog.
Nearby waterfalls
More waterfalls to explore
Sources
- TPWD: Pedernales Falls State Park (page modified Aug 17, 2026)
- TPWD: Pedernales Falls State Park alerts, hunt closures and 2027 campground closure (read Oct 29, 2026)
- TPWD: Pedernales Falls campsites
- Wikipedia: Pedernales Falls State Park
- Wikipedia: Pedernales River (name origin)
Last verified Oct 29, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.