More Spots to Swim this Summer

Texas Lakes | Texas Beaches | Water Parks

Hill Country Swimming Holes

Note: most swimming holes require advanced registration, and some may be closed due to water levels or other environmental factors, so double-check availability before making the trip.

1. Jacob’s Well - Wimberley, TX

 Jacob’s Well in Wimberly is fed by an artesian spring that keeps the waters at a crisp 68 degrees. If you’re daring, you can cliff jump into the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas. The pool itself is a short hike from the parking lot, but the natural area consists of 81 acres to hike and explore. Advanced reservations are required.

 
Krause Springs in Spicewood, TX. Photo by Todd Dwyer via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

2. Krause Springs - Spicewood, TX

Krause Springs is on privately owned land but is open to the public to enjoy. There are 32 springs on the property that feed a man-made pool and a natural pool. Make sure to take advantage of the rope swing to take a plunge into the refreshing waters. Krause Springs also offers primitive camping and RV sites. Entry fee is required.

3. Hamilton Pool Preserve - Dripping Springs, TX

Hamilton Pool Preserve might just be the prettiest swimming hole in Texas. Tucked under a limestone outcropping, a 50-foot waterfall plunges into the canyon to create a breathtaking spot to take a swim. The hike to Hamilton Pool is about a quarter mile, but steep, narrow, and rugged. Advanced reservations are required.

4. Blue Hole Regional Park - Wimberley, TX

Blue Hole is an iconic Hill Country swimming area, a stunning spring-fed swimming hole lined with Cypress trees and a distinct blue hue. Take the plunge into the refreshing waters from the famous rope swings, or just enjoy sunbathing on the grassy swim lawn. Blue Hole Regional Park also offers hiking trails, bike paths, picnic spots, and a playground. Reservations are required for the swim area only during swim season.

5. Barton Springs - Austin, TX

Located in Austin’s Zilker Park, Barton Springs offers year round swimming due to underground springs keeping the average water temperature at 68-70 degrees. The pool is surrounded by a grassy lawn for families to relax and has both a shallow area good for younger kids to splash around and deeper areas with a diving board. Barton Springs Pool charges admission from Spring Break through October 31. At all other times, admission is free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or in person at the pool.

6. Devil’s Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park - Burnet, TX

Devil’s Waterhole is located in Inks Lake State Park, but with parking nearby it’s a short hike to swim, relax, and jump off rocks into the water. Fed by the Colorado River, the waterhole is refreshing but not as cold as spring-fed swimming holes. Guests can also enjoy hiking, playing volleyball, picnicking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and more at the park. Advanced reservations are required.

 
Deep Eddy Pool in Austin. Photo courtesy of Austin Parks and Recreation

7. Deep Eddy Pool - Austin, TX

Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest man-made pool in Texas and features clear-blue spring-fed waters at 68 to 70 degrees all year long. Enjoy the the ten-lane, 100-foot-long lap pool, or the expansive one-acre wading pool with beach entrance. Families can relax under the shade of the mature pecan and oak trees on the surrounding grassy lawns. Entry fee is required during warmer months.