The 14 Best Swimming Holes in Texas: Natural Springs, Hidden Gems & Hill Country Escapes

I’ll never forget the first time I jumped into one of the best swimming holes in Texas on a sweltering July afternoon. The heat was pressing down like only a Texas summer can, and then—splash—I was suddenly in water so crisp and cool it felt like diving into bottled spring water. That’s the magic of these places: they aren’t just pools, they’re Texas natural swimming holes carved out by limestone and fed by hidden underground springs.

Over the years, I’ve found that each spot has its own personality. Some are lively watering holes in Texas where families gather with coolers and floaties, while others are tucked-away corners of the Hill Country that feel like your own secret escape. A few even have rope swings dangling from ancient cypress trees, waiting for that perfect cannonball moment. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, cliff-jumping with friends, or just floating peacefully in the shade, exploring these spring-fed swimming holes has become one of my favorite ways to survive (and actually enjoy) Texas summers.

Why Texas Swimming Holes Are Special

There’s something different about these places compared to a regular pool. For one, many of the Texas natural swimming holes stay between 68–72°F year-round thanks to their underground springs. On a 100-degree day, that first plunge feels like the reset button you didn’t know you needed. These spring-fed pools in Texas don’t just cool you down — they connect you to the landscape itself.

I’ve spent afternoons stretched out on warm limestone ledges, watching dragonflies skim across crystal-clear springs. I’ve floated under cypress-lined creeks where the branches make a natural canopy, keeping the water shaded and calm. And in the Texas Hill Country, it’s almost a rite of passage to spend weekends at a local swimming hole — hiking in with your gear, grabbing a spot in the grass, and letting time slow down while the sound of rushing water fills the air.

Some spots dazzle with dramatic limestone grottoes and waterfalls, while others are simple and serene, perfect for wading with kids or picnicking nearby. What ties them all together is the feeling you get after a day in the water: sun-drenched, refreshed, and a little more in love with Texas itself. For me, visiting these swimming holes has never been just about cooling off — it’s been about experiencing the outdoors in a way that feels raw, refreshing, and completely unforgettable.

Best Swimming Holes by Region

After spending summers chasing shade and cold water, I’ve realized Texas swimming holes aren’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Some are lively and social, others quiet and tucked away, and each region offers its own gems. Let me walk you through a few I’ve personally dipped my toes (and cannonballed) into.

Discover more swimming holes across the U.S.

Central Texas / Austin & Hill Country

1. Barton Springs Pool – Austin

On a scorching Austin day, nothing beats plunging into Barton Springs’ chilly 68°F waters. The three-acre, spring-fed pool feels like nature’s air conditioner, and it feels like part swimming spot, part community lawn party. I’ve watched kids chase each other on the grassy hillside, college students practicing flips off the diving board, and serious swimmers doing steady laps. It’s both laid-back and buzzing with energy — a true Austin icon. It’s a mix of relaxation and tradition right in the city’s heart.

• Entry Fee: $5–$9 (non-resident), free for kids under 1; Austin residents pay less.

2. Barton Creek Greenbelt – Austin

If you want a taste of wild Austin without leaving the city, the Barton Creek Greenbelt delivers. I’ve hiked its trails in the heat and ended up waist-deep in the cool creek, letting the water wash away the sweat. When rains are good, places like Twin Falls or Gus Fruh turn into natural swimming holes with rope swings, cliff-jumping spots, and shaded banks. It’s not as polished as Barton Springs — that’s the charm. One minute you’re scrambling over limestone rocks, the next you’re floating under the canopy of oaks and cypress. It’s the kind of place where every swim feels earned.

• Entry Fee: Free

3. McKinney Falls State Park – Austin

Located just minutes away from downtown Austin, McKinney Falls feels like a quick getaway into nature. Onion Creek flows over broad limestone ledges, creating small waterfalls and calm pools perfect for wading and cooling off after a hike. I’ve spent afternoons there hopping between shaded trails and refreshing dips, always surprised at how wild it feels so close to the city. The upper falls are shallow and playful, while the lower falls drop into deeper water for stronger swimmers. With picnic spots nearby and plenty of space, it’s one of the most family-friendly Texas state park swimming holes around.

• Entry Fee: $6 per adult; free for kids under 12

4. Hamilton Pool Preserve – Dripping Springs

The first time I walked down the trail to Hamilton Pool, I felt like I’d stumbled onto a movie set. A collapsed limestone grotto surrounds a clear pool, with a waterfall tumbling 50 feet from the rim above. Even when swimming is closed due to water quality, standing beneath that natural amphitheater is breathtaking. The place has an otherworldly vibe — part cave, part oasis. The shaded trail leading in, the cool air under the grotto, and the sight of turquoise water against rugged stone make it one of the most iconic Hill Country swimming holes. It’s busy, but worth it.

• Entry Fee: $12 parking + $8 per person (cash only at entrance)
• Reservations: Required year-round

5. Krause Springs – Spicewood

Krause Springs is one of those places where I feel like a kid again. Family-owned for generations, it combines a natural swimming area shaded by towering cypress trees with rope swings, cascading springs, and even a butterfly garden nearby. I’ve spent hours here jumping from the rocks into cool water, floating lazily under the trees, and then walking back to camp as the sun set. Unlike the more polished public pools, Krause Springs feels rustic, personal, and timeless. If you want a place where swimming blends into camping and stargazing, this is it.

• Entry Fee: $10 adults, $6 kids (ages 4–11), free for under 4

6. Pedernales Falls State Park – Johnson City

At Pedernales Falls, the water spreads across massive limestone slabs, tumbling into shallow pools and deeper channels. It’s beautiful, but it also demands respect — flash floods can transform calm water into a raging torrent in minutes. I’ve walked along the smooth rocks, listening to the water rushing over the falls, before finding a quiet pool to cool off in downstream. It’s less of a “splash all day” spot and more of a full Texas outdoor adventure: swimming, hiking, picnicking, and soaking in Hill Country views. For me, it’s where the raw power and beauty of Texas rivers meet.

• Entry Fee: $6 per adult; free for kids under 12

7. The Devil’s Waterhole (Inks Lake State Park) – Burnet

The Devil’s Waterhole is the place that first taught me how fun cliff-jumping can be. Hiding inside Inks Lake State Park, it’s surrounded by rocky ledges perfect for leaping into the deep, cool water below. I remember standing on the edge, nerves buzzing, before finally taking the plunge — the rush was worth it. When you’re done with the adrenaline, you can float in the calm water or hike up the canyon trail for a view of the lake. It’s adventurous, social, and one of the most thrilling Texas swimming holes I’ve visited.

• Entry Fee: $7 per adult; free for kids under 12

8. The Blue Hole Regional Park – Wimberley

Blue Hole feels like the definition of a Texas summer. Shaded by enormous cypress trees, the water is cool and inviting, and rope swings hang from the branches like something out of a childhood dream. I spent a whole afternoon here, alternating between splashing in the water and lying in the grass with a picnic. Since it’s reservation-only in the summer, it never feels overcrowded, which makes it even more relaxing. It’s family-friendly, photogenic, and downright charming — the kind of swimming hole you’ll want to return to every season.

• Entry Fee: $12 adults, $6 kids (ages 4–12), free for under 3
• Reservations: Required in summer

9. Jacob’s Well – Wimberley

Jacob’s Well is one of the most mesmerizing places I’ve ever stood over. From the surface, it looks like a simple circular spring, but peering into it reveals a dark, bottomless-looking hole that leads into one of the largest underwater cave systems in Texas. Swimming isn’t always allowed, especially during drought, but even just standing at its edge feels magical. I’ve seen kids stare in awe and adults hesitate before jumping in. It’s equal parts beautiful, eerie, and unforgettable.

• Entry Fee: $9 adults, $5 kids (ages 5–12), free for under 4
• Reservations: Required for swimming

10. Blanco State Park – Blanco

Blanco State Park is one of the smaller, quieter parks, but that’s exactly what makes it special. The dammed Blanco River creates calm pools that are perfect for swimming, wading, or just floating with a tube. I’ve picnicked here with family and watched kids splash safely in shallow spots while anglers cast nearby. It feels like a friendly neighborhood park wrapped in natural beauty. Easy to reach, not overwhelming, and wonderfully laid-back — it’s a gem for families or anyone looking for a low-key day by the water.

• Entry Fee: $5 per adult; free for kids under 12

South Texas / Hill Country Edge

11. Garner State Park (Frio River) – Concan

Floating the Frio River at Garner State Park is one of those Texas traditions that never gets old. I remember renting an inner tube, dropping into the crystal-clear water, and letting the gentle current carry me beneath towering cypress trees. Families set up along the banks with coolers, while kids wade in the shallows or swing into the river from rope swings. By evening, the park transforms into a summer camp scene, with music and even a nightly jukebox dance in the pavilion. Garner isn’t just a swimming hole — it’s an experience that blends tubing, camping, and pure Texas nostalgia.

• Entry Fee: $8 per adult; free for kids under 12

North Texas

12. Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose

Swimming near real dinosaur tracks is an adventure you can only have in Glen Rose. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, the Paluxy River runs shallow and cool, with wide spots perfect for wading or splashing after a hike. The water is clear enough that you can see the footprints preserved in the riverbed, and kids light up when they realize they’re literally swimming where dinosaurs once walked. I once spent a summer afternoon hopping between shaded pools, then drying off while exploring the fossil-like imprints. It’s equal parts educational and refreshing — a unique mix of fun and history.

• Entry Fee: $8 per adult; free for kids under 12

West Texas

13. Balmorhea State Park – Toyahvale (near Fort Davis/West Texas desert)

Balmorhea feels like a miracle in the desert. Out in West Texas, where the land stretches dry and wide, you suddenly stumble onto the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. The pool is massive — 1.3 acres — and stays between 72–76°F year-round. I slipped into its turquoise water on a blazing summer day and felt like I’d discovered a secret oasis. Swimmers share the pool with small fish, turtles, and even scuba divers who come to explore its depths. Surrounded by desert mountains, Balmorhea offers one of the most surreal swimming experiences in the state of Texas.

Entry Fee: $7 per adult; free for kids under 12

14. Devil’s River State Natural Area – near Del Rio

If you want wild and untouched, Devil’s River is it. Getting there isn’t easy — it requires planning, permits, and sometimes a rugged drive — but once you arrive, the reward is some of the clearest water in Texas. I remember standing on the riverbank, seeing straight through to the rocks below, like glass. This is less of a casual swimming hole and more of a full-on Texas outdoor adventure: paddling, hiking, camping, and swimming in one of the most pristine rivers in the country. It’s quiet, remote, and feels worlds away from city life.

• Entry Fee: $5 per adult; free for kids under 12
• Permits: Required for paddling and certain access areas

Practical Tips for Visiting Texas Swimming Holes

After years of chasing swimming holes across the state, I’ve picked up a few lessons the hard way. Here are some things I wish I’d known earlier:

• Reservations & Fees: Some places like Blue Hole in Wimberley, Hamilton Pool, and Jacob’s Well require reservations in advance, especially in summer. State parks often charge day-use fees, so I ended up getting a Texas State Parks Pass — it paid for itself quickly.
• When to Go: Weekends get crowded. My best swims have been on weekday mornings when the parking lots are still half-empty, and the water feels like my own private retreat.
• What to Bring: Trust me on this — pack water shoes (limestone can be slippery), reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for your phone, and plenty of drinking water. A picnic blanket and cooler can turn a quick dip into a full-day hangout.
• Rules & Restrictions: Many places don’t allow glass containers, pets, or alcohol. I once saw a group turned away at Barton Springs for trying to bring in a cooler full of beer, so always check the rules before you go.
• Safety First: Flash floods are real in the Hill Country. If the forecast looks stormy, it’s better to reschedule than risk it. And if you’re cliff jumping, watch locals first — they always know the safe spots.

Safety & Environmental Considerations

I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that Texas swimming hole safety isn’t just about being a good swimmer — it’s about respecting nature. The Hill Country can surprise you. Once at Pedernales Falls, I was lounging on warm rocks when a ranger walked by and warned us of a possible flash flood. Even though the sky was blue, I quickly realized how serious it was when the water level rose in less than an hour. Lesson learned: always check the NOAA weather alerts before heading out, especially after rain.

Water levels can change fast in spring-fed pools in Texas. At Jacob’s Well, I’ve seen it look like a magical portal one year and then nearly dry the next due to drought. That’s why swimming there isn’t always allowed. If you’re heading to places like Hamilton Pool or Jacob’s Well, it’s worth checking the official websites first to avoid disappointment.

Another tip: bring water shoes. At Barton Creek and Krause Springs, the limestone can be slick, and I’ve watched more than a few people take a tumble trying to walk barefoot. For families, life jackets or PFDs are a smart idea — especially on rivers like the Frio, where the current can catch you off guard. Check out the Best family-friendly springs that are located in Florida if you are looking to explore more springs.

And as much fun as cliff jumping in Texas swimming holes looks, I’ve always made it a rule to watch locals first. At Devil’s Waterhole, I stood on the ledge for a good 20 minutes before jumping — partly out of nerves, partly to see where others landed safely. The thrill is unforgettable, but safety comes first.

Finally, remember these are living ecosystems. At Barton Springs, for example, you’re sharing the water with the endangered Barton Springs salamander. I try to use reef-safe sunscreen and pack out all trash, because protecting these places ensures they’ll be here for the next generation of swimmers.

FAQs

Over time, I’ve been asked (and asked myself) many of the same questions when planning trips. Here are some quick answers from my own experience and research: