12 Must-See Texas Swimming Holes
Texas has numerous swimming holes, each offering a unique spot to cool off, hang out with friends, and soak in the sun. If you’re new to the area, visiting for a weekend, or a local wanting to explore more, this list of 12 Texas swimming holes is for you!
Balmorhea State Park
Toyahvale, Texas
Image Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
The world’s largest spring-fed pool is in Texas? Yes, it’s a fact. Balmorhea State Park is home to a beautiful natural pool that is fed by a network of springs in the Chihuahuan Desert and holds 3.5 million gallons of water. And it stays a crisp 72-77 degrees all year!
Fee: $7 for Adults and Free for Kids Under 12 Years
Address: 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786
Know Before You Go: Make reservations during peak season. It can get packed!
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Austin, Texas
The Barton Creek Greenbelt has many swimming areas. One of the most popular spots is the Twin Falls section, which features beautiful rock formations and plenty of space to enjoy the water with friends.
Fee: No fee to enter.
Address: Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746
Know Before You Go: The falls may not flow or be completely dry due to drought. When parking at the trailhead, make sure to remove any valuables from your vehicle.
Barton Springs Pool
Austin, Texas
Image Source: austintexas.gov
A 3-acre spring-fed pool in Zilker Park that maintains a cool temperature of 68-70 degrees year-round. It is also home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander!
Address: 1000 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704 (South Entrance)
Know Before You Go: Floaties are only allowed in designated areas (5ft or less). No food, coolers, pets, or glass.
Blanco State Park
Blanco, Texas
Features a dammed section of the Blanco River, creating a calm swimming pool area. There’s a good amount of parking and picnic tables to use to get nice and situated on the river for the day.
Fee: $5 for Adults and Free for Kids Under 12
Address: 101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX 78606
Know Before You Go: Kayak and tube rentals are available! Fishing is allowed without a license.
Blue Hole Regional Park
Wimberley, Texas
Image Source: Wimberley Parks and Recreation
Blue Hole is a beautiful spot to take a dip. You’re surrounded by big cypress trees that shade you from the sun, and there’s a rope swing and basketball/sand/volleyball courts to enjoy.
Fee: There are half-day ($12), season ($150), and resident-only night passes ($2).
Address: 333 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676
Know Before You Go: Swim season begins May 1st!
Devil's River State Natural Area
Del Rio, Texas
Image Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Devil’s River State Natural Area is known for its clear waters, which are ideal for swimming. It’s a 37,000-acre section of three ecosystems: the Edwards Plateau, the Tamaulipan Mezquital, and the Chihuahuan Desert! Make sure to do your research before traveling here to see if you need permits, a specific entrance to get to the water, closures, etc.
Fee: $5 for Adults and Free for Kids Under 12
Address: 21715 Dolan Crk Rd, Del Rio, TX 78840
Know Before You Go: You must take a 1/3 mile hike to get to the Del Norte Unit from the parking lot.
Devil's Waterhole
Burnet, Texas
View from the Main Overlook.
Anyone who knows me knows I love Inks Lake State Park. The Devil’s Waterhole is a beautiful spot surrounded by huge rock formations that make the perfect spot to cliff jump!
Fee: $7 for Adults and Free for Kids Under 12
Address: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611
Know Before You Go: You must take a short hike to the swimming area, so keep that in mind when carrying your items.
Garner State Park
Concan, Texas
Image Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Garner State Park is one of the best places to swim and float within Hill Country! The Frio River winds through the park and gives you beautiful views while you take in the sun. When you’re not in the water, take advantage of the overlook along Old Baldy trail to see the park from above!
Fee: $8 for Adults and Free for Kids Under 12
Address: 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838
Know Before You Go: If you are looking to camp overnight, you must look months in advance because sites and cabins get booked up very quickly at Garner.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Dripping Springs, Texas
Image Source: Travis County Parks | Jeremy Rodriguez @jrod1014
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a must-see spot in Texas! It’s a natural pool formed by a collapsed grotto featuring a 50-foot waterfall.
Fee: $12 per Vehicle PLUS $8 Adult/$3 Senior/Free for Kids Under 12
Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Know Before You Go: Although short, the hike down to the canyon is rugged and steep (it will make you sweat). Swimming is not always allowed, and sections of the trails under the grotto may be closed off. Always check the website before you go!
Jacob's Well
Wimberley, Texas
Image Source: Robin Gary | Wimberley Valley Watershed Association
Although swimming here is canceled for the foreseeable future due to low water, it is still worth noting. It is one of the longest underwater caves in Texas! You can still visit the preserve for free to enjoy hiking, birding, guided tours, and geocaching.
Fee: No fee to enter.
Address: 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676
Know Before You Go: Keep an eye on the website to see what fun tours and events are happening here!
Krause Springs
Spicewood, Texas
Krause Springs is a privately owned property with natural springs, a waterfall, and a man-made pool! If you want to take a break from the water, you can explore the beautiful butterfly garden with huge wind chimes or take a snack break at the picnic tables.
Fee: $10 for Adults / $6 for Ages 4-11 / Free for Ages 4 and Under
Address: 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669
Know Before You Go: No pets are allowed, and camping is available. Check out my Krause Springs day trip guide for a map of all the spots to see on the property!
McKinney Falls State Park
Austin, Texas
Enjoy a moment in the sun at McKinney's Upper or Lower Falls! This state park is no more than 15 minutes away from the city and the perfect spot to swim during the hot months.
Fee: $6 for Adults and Free for Kids Under 12
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
Know Before You Go: As with every state park, make your day pass reservations in advance!
Texas Swimming Holes to Visit
I hope you got a good idea of all the wonderful swimming holes in the great state of Texas! As always, before visiting, check the current park conditions and see if you need any reservations before visiting.
If you know of any places that you think I should have included on the list, please leave a comment, and I’d be happy to add it!
Happy (and safe) swimming!
