#S24O McKinney Falls Bikepacking Trip + Bike Rental
By Jessica Alexander
Head out to McKinney Falls State Park for a quick overnight camping trip after picking up your bike rental and dinner downtown (#S24O means Sub 24-hour overnight trip in bikepacking lingo!)
- Step One
- Make camping reservations first! Head on over to https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ and make an overnight camp reservation-make sure to note any Covid closure or restrictions at https://tpwd.texas.gov/about/coronavirus/temporary-closures-and-operations-adjustments/. For $20, you can get an overnight primitive camping spot that includes running water and electricity! And don’t worry about an outhouse horror experience; there are modern clean restrooms throughout the park that also have hot showers! If the idea of camping in 90 degree heat doesn’t cut it for you, grab one of the clean, minimally furnished rustic A/C cabins for $86/night!
- Make a bike rental reservation second if you don’t own one! You don’t need a fancy or expensive bike to pedal on over to McKinney, but you do want to have at least three gears and a way to carry about a backpack worth of gear. Austin Tours and Rentals can get you a bike for 24 hours for a mere $35 and this includes a lock, lights and helmet. Their bikes also include a rack, so with a bungee cord or some rope, you can carry anything extra on your bike and not your back. They are currently only open by appointment only, so book online at https://www.austinbiketoursandrentals.com.
- Since you want to make sure your bike works well and fits you, take it on a quick test ride to Whole Foods down the street to pick up dinner and if you need any last-minute camp needs (Oops, forgot my sleeping bag!), REI is right across the street. Pro-tip, Whole Foods has free bike tools you can use to make adjustments on the fly near the front entrance by the stairway, but just in case they don’t have the tool you need, it might be a good idea to being a small bike tool kit for any mishaps that could occur along the way (Burleson Road is known for having debris in the bike lane-beware of any glass!)
- For best mapping to McKinney, download the fitness app Strava (FREE!) and follow along with these directions: https://www.strava.com/routes/29046757. It’s best to stay on the sidewalk once you turn right on McKinney Falls so you can safely avoid the fast traffic of McKinney Falls Parkway. Otherwise, the routing is pretty chill with mostly bike lanes and slower moving traffic. Use lights if you decide to ride at night (plus, it’s the law!)
- Step Two
- Once you get to McKinney Falls (it’s about an hour/10 mile bike ride from downtown where you started), check in with the staff and confirm your campsite number; you will have to pay an entry fee of $6/person. Oftentimes they will give you a slip of paper you will pin on your campsite showing you checked in and paid. If they don’t, or if no one is at the checkin (this can occur if you come at dark until about 10pm), make sure you screenshot your campsite number from your email reservation confirmation and capture a photo of the map near the office to navigate the park.
- Hungry yet? I bet you are. If it’s already getting dark, it’s best to set up your campsite (you brought lights, right?) right away so you don’t have to set up in the dark. For a more lightweight and possibly temperature-cooler sleep experience, bring a hammock and try sleeping in the trees. (Read the park rules on hammocks at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/park-rules/park-rules-regs).
- You probably won’t want to do a fire if it’s summer, but most campsites include fire rings and you can purchase firewood from a solar powered vending machine near the restroom areas! Please note burn bans that can occur any time of year so look for signs before you decide to burn or call Park Information (1-800-792-1112, option 3; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CST).
- If you do happen to get there early enough, there is plenty of great hiking and swimming a mere 5 minute ride from the camping areas located in the Upper and Lower Falls areas (near the park entrance)! Otherwise, plan an early morning adventure before you check out at noon! Bring a lock so you don’t have to drag your bike near the water!
- Don’t forget public displays of alcohol are not allowed (NO GLASS, please!) and quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am. Also, dogs are allowed but are required to be on a leash at all times (but they are not allowed at all in the cabin areas). Go enjoy that #S24O and let us know how it goes by using the hashtag as well as #TXStateParks #BetterOutside!