It’s that time of the year again when campers get ready for the new adventures this season will bring.

Austin’s parks provide many options for many that are willing to break from their normal routine, making everybody’s journey more exciting and more adventurous.

There are a few options for campers willing to explore new terrains. A great starter is located on the Pedernales River. The Pedernales Falls has over 5,200 acres including a combined total of 44 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and backpacking trails. For the home-away-from-home kind, campsites with water and electricity are available at this location. 

If you feel like roughing it, hike-in primitive campsites might be more to your liking. You'll also find picnic sites, restrooms and a youth group area.

In addition to camping, UT- student Rosy Flores, "you can hike, ride horses, swim, tube, fish and bird watch all you want."

Be aware that the Pedernales River is subject to flash floods. According to Bill Rowell, park manager, flash flooding is common in the Hill Country and he encourage visitors to be attentive to weather conditions.

Another exciting place to visit is McKinney and it’s perfect for those Austinites that want to camp but don't feel like driving far. It’s only located 13 miles southeast of the Capitol building.

Ruby Alarcon, UT student, says, " it's a great experience to go out and explore the outdoors and Mckinney is really a good place to camp."

More than 740 acres encompassing McKinney Falls includes facilities with walk-in water sites, containing a picnic table, a grill, potable water, and a fire ring; campsites with water and electricity; a group camp; a dining hall; picnic sites; trails that can be used for hiking or mountain biking; an interpretive hiking trail; a sponsored youth group area; and an amphitheater with a capacity for 50 people.

According to the National Register of Historic Places, Enchanted Rock is the second-largest underground rock formation revealed by erosion in the United States.

Park officials assure that the more than 11,000-year-old dome is surrounded and Indian legend. "Tonkawa Indians were said to have heard grumbling from the rock caused by the heat of the day and contraction during the cooler night," said Jeff Wilson, a park official. "It is also said to have been a site of human sacrifice," he added.

The pink granite boulder covers 640 acres and rises 425 feet and is a favorite spot for rock climbing and camping. In fact, the park is so popular that parking often reaches capacity in the early afternoon.

Make alternate plans in case you find the park closed. There are hike-in primitive campsites; walk-in sites with fire rings, water, and restrooms with showers nearby; picnic sites; a four-mile hiking/backpacking trail; and a trail that goes to the top of Enchanted Rock.

With so many places to enjoy in the Austin area many outdoor fans hope the weather will permit them to take advantage of this season. A season that looks very promising.