12 Texas Swimming Holes
Texas is big and its natural swimming holes are big too. As a top destination, find swimming holes sprinkled across the state, especially in the Texas Hill Country. Not only are Texas natural swimming pools a big draw, the pools themselves are large. In addition, the short Texas winters mean it’s swimming season from March through October. In a state that heats up and stays hot for nearly half the year, knowing where to swim is essential for survival. Here’s some of the best natural swimming holes in Texas
Barton Springs Pool in Austin Texas
In the heart of Austin, Barton Springs Pool is a must for visitors, especially when it’s warm. Find a diving board, zero-entry rock-bottomed area for the littles, and even lap swimming.
Barton Springs Pool is located at 2201 Barton Springs Road in Zilker Park. Open year-round from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. From 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. is unguarded swim for the lap swimmers.
Admission is charged from late April until October 31. Adult admission is $9, juniors (12 to 17) and seniors (62+) is $5, kids (1 to 12) is $4 and babies are free.
Note: Due to reduced operations, admission is free until further notice.
Blue Hole in Wimberley
In a quaint artist’s hamlet, Wimberley boasts one of the top swimming holes. Set along Cypress Creek, find century-old Cypress trees, a couple of trapeze-type rope swings and rock-clad swimming piers.
Bought by the city of Wimberley back in 2005, it preserved the area for future generations. Find a 126-acre park with picnic tables, a large grass area along with restroom with changing area.
Located at 100 Blue Hole Lane. Open from 8 a.m. to dusk during the swimming season. Open weekends only in May and September and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission for adults is $12 (13 to 59), kids (4 to 12) $6, seniors (60+) $6 and free for kids 3 and under.
NOTE: Due to the popularity of Blue Hole, a reservation must be made prior to arrival. The Blue Hole website offers morning or afternoon sessions, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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Deep Eddy Pool in Austin Texas
Along the shores of the Colorado River swimmers have gathered at Deep Eddy Pool for nearly 100 years. It’s the oldest swimming pool in Texas and on the list of National Register of Historic Places
With spring water ranging from 65F to 75F, new water is pumped into the pool every other day. The bathhouse dates back to the Depression and was a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
Located at 401 Deep Eddy Drive open year-round. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Adult admission for adults is $9, juniors (12 to 17) and seniors (62+) is $5, kids (1 to 12) is $4 and babies are free.
Note: Due to reduced operations, admission is free until further notice.
Garner State Park in Concan Texas
On the western edge of the Texas Hill Country, Garner State Park is the most popular state park in Texas. Dedicated in 1941, it’s named after Cactus Jack Garner, the Vice-President of the United States from 1933-1941.
The gem of Garner is the crystal clear Frio River. Rent a tube, a SUP board or a paddleboat in the park to explore the cypress tree lined river. Make it a weekend and reserve a cabin or campsite.
Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Depression, the CCC built rock buildings and cabins in Garner.
Located at 234 RR 1050, 10 miles north of Concan,Texas. Admission is $8 for adults and kids under 12 get in free.
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Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs
According to local folklore, a 8-year-old kid from a German immigrant family discovered Hamilton Pool on his family’s property in the 1880s. Soon after the Reimer Family opened their oasis to any one who would make the trip.
Hamilton Pool’s limestone outcropping features a 50-foot waterfall that plunges into a box canyon. Located on Hamilton Creek, it’s 3/4 mile from the Pedernales River. Though the waterfall never completely dries up, it does fluctuate seasonally.
To get to Hamilton Pool, a .25-mile hike is required down a steep trail with stairs, not suitable for those with mobility or health issues. Find only composing pit toilets, with no changing area. No concessions or tables available at the pool area.
Located at 24300 Hamilton Road in Dripping Springs. Open year round though daily reservations required from March to October. Admission is $15 (cash only) per carload and this is in addition to the $11 online reservation fee.
NOTE: Swimming is prohibited as of Spring 2021. Check Travis County website for more information.
Due to the popularity of Hamilton Pool, a reservation must be made weeks prior to arrival. The Travis County website offers morning or afternoon sessions, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Schlitterbahn Water Park in New Braunfels
The Original Section of Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels uses the Comal River water in a series of chutes and pools. The ideal location to introduce another generation to splashing around in natural water.
With a tree-shaded location, send a few days since it’s really two parks joined by a shuttle bus in the center of the New Braunfels. A central Texas town with German heritage, see the influence throughout the park.
Located at 400 N. Liberty Ave. Schlitterbahn is open weekends only from mid-May and from late August until mid-September. Open daily during the summer with varied hours. Admission varies and coolers with snacks are allowed.
City Tube Chutes in New Braunfels
The City Tube Chute in New Braunfels offers an old school thrill ride. In the longest chute of its type in the world, ride through a dam bypass on the Comal River then continue your float through Prince Solms Park.
Located at 100 Liebscher Dr. The river chute is open year round though the facilities are open from May 1 until Labor Day. Weekends only from May 1 until June 1 and from mid-August until Labor Day. Open daily from June 1 to mid-August from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission is $5 per person with tubes and lifejackets for rent. Parking in the Prince Solms Park is $20 from May 1 until Labor Day.
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Krause Springs in Spicewood
The 115-acre property has been in the Krause Family for over 50 years. With 32 springs on the property, there’s enough water for a man-made pool and a natural swimming hole. The spring water is 68F year-round and eventually makes it Lake Travis.
Located at 424 County Road 404, near Spicewood, Texas. Open from mid-February until December 1. Adult admission (12+) is $9, kids (4 to 12) is $5 and kids 3 and under are free. Cash Only. Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Blue Hole in Georgetown
Surrounded by limestone bluffs on the south fork of the San Gabriel River, Blue Hole is near the center of Georgetown. Find a small dam with water cascading over it.
Located at 100 Blue Hole Park off Austin Ave. Open from dawn to dusk and free to enter.
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W.A. Pace Park in Salado
North of Georgetown, Salado offers a stopover along Interstate 35. Find the Salado Springs in W. A. Pace Park with lots of shallow splashing for kids, or dogs.
Located at 100 Art Fair Road, W. A. Pace Park is open from dawn to dusk and is free.
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Blanco State Park
North of San Antonio and along the shores of the Blanco River, find a swimming hole made by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in The Depression. With a one-mile stretch of the river, the Blanco State Park offers picnic tables for day use, camping, a playground and a group pavilion, much of it developed as a part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). A program developed by President Roosevelt to put Americans to work; CCC was part of the WPA.
Located at 1010 Park Road 23, off U.S. Rout 281 in Blanco. Open year roundfrom dawn to dusk. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and under.
Jacobs Well Natural Area in Wimberley
This swimming hole boasts a karstic well (underwater cave) that’s over 120 feet deep (36 m). The natural spring water offers a cool splashing area, though the depth of the cave is dangerous for swimmers.
Located at 1699 Mt. Sharp Rd. Open for swimming from May 1 until September 30 and swimming requires a timed reservation made online in advance. Adult admission is $9 and kids (5 to 12) are $5.
Balmorhea State Park in West Texas
In the heart of West Texas, Balmorhea State Park offers the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world. With nearly two acres of water with temperatures between 72F to 76F, make it a road trip stop along Interstate 10.
The San Solomon Springs produces 15 million gallons of water a day and the pool holds 3.5 million gallons of water. The pool offers the entertainment though bring everything else, like snacks, towels and sunscreen, not much available near the park.
Located at 9207 TX-17, seven miles south of Interstate 10. Open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for day-use and adult admission is $7 and kids 12 and under are free.
Note: Balmorhea State Park is closed due to renovations.
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