Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City, TX 78636
Website Link: Pedernales Falls State Park
Campground Map: Park Map
Trails Map: Trails Map
Types of Sites: 69 Electric, Primitive (Hike In)
Favorite Sites: 19, 18,15
Elevation: 1197 Ft
get to know pedernales falls state park
everything you need to know before booking your trip
History & Interesting Facts
Pedernales Falls State Park is located in Blanco County Texas just east of Johnson City. It was opened in 1971 after the State of Texas bought it from the Circle Bar Ranch the previous year. The park is 5211 acres with scenic views and many stunning nature trails that wind along the Pedernales River. The river is prone to flash flooding within minutes.
Things to Do...
There are many trails available at the park that take you along the river and through many miles of scenic hill country views. Although swimming and tubing is prohibited at the falls area, there is a designated swimming area located safely down river.
- Swim or Wade in the River
- Swimming Area only
- 1/4 mile hike to swimming area
- Due to flash flooding, swimming is not permitted in the falls area.
- Mountain Biking
- Technical singe track trail
- 10 miles long
- Juniper Ridge Trail
- Hiking
- several technical trails
- difficulty ranges from moderate to challenging
- Birdwatching
- Star Theater and Bird Blind
- Bird Checklist
- Horseback Riding
- Horse Trail North – 3 miles
- Horse Trail South – 11 miles
- Bring your own horse
Campground Facilities
01.
Restrooms & Showers
The restrooms were all very clean and very large. The ones located near the swimming area trailhead were closed, but there were some available nearby at the picnic area.
- 1 at HQ
- 2 in Campground (with Showers)
- 1 at Pedernales Falls Trailhead
- 1 at Swimming Area Trailhead (outdoor shower/rinse station)
- 1 at Picnic Area
02.
Dumpstations
There is 1 dump station at this park located near the entrance to the campground area by the park host. This is also where you will find firewood and ice for sale.
03.
Scenic Overlooks
There are several scenic overlooks amongst the park trails and campgrounds. One stunning scenic view is located at the park headquarters, so don't miss that.
04.
Bird Blind
There is one designated bird blind located near the equestrian trail. Here you will find a structure with seating and large window for bird watching.
05.
Swimming Areas
Pedernales Falls State Park has 1 designated swimming area that is located 2 miles down river from the falls. There is a rather treacherous trail that leads down to the river. There are no handrails and the steps can become slippery when wet.
06.
Picnic Area
There is a very large day use picnic area at Pedernales Falls State Park. There are several dozen picnic tables scattered across the area as well as a restroom near the parking.
07.
Group Camp
Cost is $75 per night and is open to youth groups with an adult sponsor. It can hold up to 75 people.
- Available at Site
- Picnic Tables
- Outdoor Grills
- Lantern Post
- Chemical Toilets
08.
Outdoor Ampitheater
The amphitheater is located along the Trammel Crossing trail. This is also a good area to do some bird watching during the day.
Campsite Description
Available at the campsites…
- lantern pole
- fire ring with adjustable grill grate
- picnic table on concrete pad
- Shade Structure over picnic table (most sites)
- water
- 30 amp electric hookups
The campsites in this park are electric and water only. There are no full hook-up sites. All of the campsites are back in sites. A good majority of the sites have a shade structure over the picnic table, which is a welcome upgrade that must have been added recently. One downside to the sites is that they have curbs surrounding the perimeter of the driveway that get in the way of RV steps and setups.
Primitive HIke-In Sites:
- 2 miles minimum hike-in
- Pack in – Pack out
- Bring Your Own Water
- Chemical Toilets
- No Pets
- No Ground Fires
Nearby Attractions...
- Texas Hill Country Wine Trail
- Follow Hwy 290 from Johnson City to Fredericksburg
- Tons of wineries to explore and enjoy
- LBJ Ranch
- Tour Lyndon B Johnson's boyhood home
- 10 miles west of the Pedernales Falls
- Fredericksburg, TX
- Founded in 1846
- Enjoy German food and legendary festivals
- Luckenbach, TX
- Visit the General Store, Bar and famous dancehall
Wildlife & Nature...
Pedernales Falls State Park features gorgeous views of the falls and the river limestone that dates back 300 million years.
Wildlife to look for:
- Roadrunners
- Dove
- Wild Turkeys
- White-Tailed Deer
- Coyotes
Plants to discover:
- Oak and Juniper
- Cypress trees
- Prickly Pear Cactus
Things to Note...
- There are often fire bans in the area, so be sure to check at the HQ or watch for signs stating a burn ban is in effect.
- The river can flash flood within minutes even if there is no rain in the area. Rain from far upstream can create a dangerous flooding situation so follow the warning signs and vacate the river area quickly to avoid getting caught in the raging torrent.
