Review: Pedernales Falls, Y’all!

One evening a couple of years ago I was listening to Carter Smith, the head of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, speak at an event. He was asked in the Q&A what his favorite state park was, and he immediately replied that he likes the one his wife likes. Smart man. “Pedernales Falls,” he continued. “Because it has the cleanest restrooms.”

We women have standards! Ever since then, I have been curious about the restrooms at that park.

Last month while camping there, I found out that indeed his wife was right, the restrooms at Pedernales Falls sparkle. I never once thought, “Ew…gross, ”  and that is nothing short of a miracle.

Usually, this is me at public restrooms:

One tip on this – the restroom at the main gate is usually busy and is not the best restroom. Instead, use the restrooms at the campsites, which are marked on the map. Only about 3 minutes from HQ.

I loved the campsite setup at Pedernales Falls.

Each one is secluded, tucked into groves of juniper and connected by charming trails winding through the woods. We had privacy, but at the same time were comforted to know that restroom amenities and the park ranger’s cabin were within a hundred yards.

This was the view from our tent. Rain wasn’t in the forecast so we left the rain fly off. Looking up through the clear roof of our tent made my trip complete.

Perhaps most importantly, Pedernales Falls has running water and electricity at each campsite. You don’t have to completely forego modern conveniences to enjoy the outdoors here. I plugged in string lights, my phone, and a coffee maker, and I felt like my normal self. PS. Don’t forget to pack an extension cord.

A park is always fun if it has a cool waterfall or other unique natural feature to ooh and ahh at. Pedernales Falls takes the cake in this department.

Behold, 8 square miles of rock waterfall to climb around on and explore.

There’s also a sandy beach, which is a huge hit with kids and corgis alike. Trooper loves running in the sand.

Along these falls, there are boulders bigger than your car, cavernous limestone formations, and springs sprouting out of the rock.

And if the falls aren’t enough to tickle your fancy, there is also an additional set of waterfalls, Twin Falls, a gorgeous tiered waterfall in a different part of the park that looks like something out of a magazine. My pictures don’t do it justice, you’ll just have to see it in person!

Only an hour from Austin, Pedernales falls is doable in a weekend or day trip.

I hope you get to check it out. You will not be disappointed!

PS. Check out Google images of the flash floods before you go. Pretty incredible.

A few points to file away for your next trip:

• Campsite restrooms are cleanest
• Picnic area is beautiful and spacious
• Twin Falls is a must
• Bring a multiplug and twinkle lights if camping