15 stunning swimming holes in Texas to cool off this summer

These amazing swimming holes in Texas are the perfect place to cool off on a hot day of summer when the temperatures are extremely high.

From the desert to the pine trees and from the hills to the beach coast, the summer season in Texas is quite hard to bear, especially if you are quite far from an AC.

I love summer and high temperatures, but even for me, summer days in Texas are quite hard to bear.

Most people stay inside under an AC or go to the beautiful Texas natural springs to cool off, have fun and spend quality time with their friends. 

Why don’t you do the same and pick a natural swim pond for your next getaway?!

On hot days in summer, it is fun to spend your time in a water hole.

The good news is that there are many water holes in Texas. So you can find a natural spring in Texas near you.

To help you choose the best Texas watering holes near you, I drop below a list of the places that I really like and that are definitely worth paying a visit to on a hot day in summer.

I was going to write about the 10 best swimming holes in Texas, but there are so many good ones that it was hard to pick just 10.

So I extended my list and now it has 15 of the best swimming holes in Texas.

So pack your sun cream, swimming suits, and flip-flops and head to the nearest swimming pool for a fun day with your friends at one of the best swimming places in Texas!

I promise these are the best swim holes in Texas!

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Swimming holes in Texas

1. Devil’s waterhole

One of the most amazing swimming holes in Texas is at West of Burnet.

It is where Inks Lake meets Spring Creek. It is called Devil’s Waterhole.

Devil’s Hole is one of the best places swimming holes Texas.

There is always enough water to swim, even during the dry months. The water level does not change much throughout the year.

The place is near Inks Lake State Park. You can swim and do water sports there like kayaks, canoes, water skis, paddle boats, and scuba diving.

The swimming hole has two pink granite cliffs.

They are perfect for jumping into the river to cool off on a hot day in summer.

The devil’s waterhole cliff height is about 50 feet but you can jump off at heights ranging from 5 feet to about 30 feet.

There is this bigger boulder that you can climb so you can jump from about 50 feet.

The highest cliff to jump from is about 40-50 feet above water level.

If you want to feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins, then you definitely have to try this jump.

You need to know that there is no lifeguard near the river, so if you swim or jump in, it is your responsibility.

A day at Devil’s hole

As the water hole is located inside a natural park there are also trails that start near the waterfall so pack your hiking boots if you want to explore the area and not just cool off in this natural pool.

This place is good for families because there are a lot of water activities that everyone can do.

There are also some places to camp nearby if you want to stay overnight.

You can choose to stay at a campsite that has electricity and water or one without any facilities.

Or, if you don’t like camping, you could stay in a cabin instead.

For those of you looking for a home away from home, we recommend Lone Star Oasis.

It is a beautiful vacation home located in Buchanan Dam. Lone Star Oasis has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

The kitchen has everything you need, and there is a patio where you can see the lake.

For the full guide of Devil’s water hole please see our article Here’s all you need to know about Devils water hole Texas.

2. Garner State Park

No matter if you are looking for a place to swim or for hiking, Garner State Park from Concan community is the right place to go.

Natural swimming pools in Texas are equally beautiful and spectacular; the ones from Garner State Park are not an exception.

The park is 1.774 acres. It is very popular with tourists and locals who want to spend time in nature.

The Frio River is located inside Garner State Park. You can swim, fish or paddle down the river and enjoy the cypress tree from the riverbank.

The park has more than 11 miles of amazing trails. It is a great place to spend a few days in nature and explore the wonderful areas around the lake.

The park is also famous for its nightly summer dances.

This is a popular event that has taken place each summer since the 1940s.

This event is very popular with locals and tourists. You should arrive early to get a good spot in the parking lot and on the dance floor.

Being so popular, the area’s accommodation can be booked for a minimum of 2 or 3 nights. To get a cabin you need to book well in advance.

Cabana Sol Cabin 4 Mi to Garner State Park is one of my favorite vacation homes from the area, featuring 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, and a large TV.

The cabin is conveniently located about 8 km from Concan and 4 miles from Garner State Park.

3. Blanco State Park

The Blanco River State Park was opened in 1934. It is one of the oldest parks from Texas.

The park has more than 100 acres for people to explore.

In 1982, the park was fixed up and some new buildings were added.

The first solar-heater water system in a national park from Texas was one of the new additions.

Now there are more than 40 picnic sites, ten trailer hookups, 35 campsites. People come here for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.

Blanco swimming holes in Texas are perfect for swimming and they have amazing views. So, a lot of people visit them.

The main swimming area is next to a dam. This dam makes a calm lagoon and a waterfall. These are both good places to relax and swim.

The water is still and not moving much, so you can float in the lagoon all day.

You can also enjoy the man-made pool.

There are hiking trails to explore the park and the area might become quite crowded, especially during the summer season.

The park is a great place to spend a few days in nature.

There are plenty of attractions around, including a golf course located close to the entrance of the park.

Book a few nights at Blanco Riverside Cottages to explore the area and bath into the amazing natural swimming pools in Texas.

The cottages have a patio that overlooks the river. They also come with their own private bathroom with a shower.

In addition, the cottages are also equipped with a hairdryer and towels, as well as linen for the bed.

4. Barton Springs Pool

Without any doubt, the most popular attraction from Austin area is Barton Springs Pool, a huge pool fed by springs with a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.

The place is quite crowded during the summer season but because the banks are long and large, there is plenty of space for everybody.

You can still have your own piece of sand where to dry after a refreshing bath in the man-made pool.

The pool is over 1,000 feet long and it is located in Austin’s Zilker Park.

It is also quite close to other attractions from the area like Barton Creek and Congress Bridge.

The bridge is famous for the impressive number of bats that live under it.

Each day at sunset they fly in search of insects and food.

It might not look as romantic as other natural springs in Texas, but it is close to Austin and has lifeguards all year round.

The pool has become more popular in the last year after appearing in the newspaper. This is the place where Robert Redford learned to swim.

A day at Barton Springs

The Barton Springs Salamander lives around the pool in the springs.

This type of salamander is endangered, which is why the area is a protected habitat.

The pools are open from 5 a.m to 10 p.m. every day, but there are only lifeguards on duty from 8 a.m to 6 p.m.

Consider spending a few days exploring the entire area and enjoying the beautiful waters of one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas.

Book your stay at The Carpenter Hotel, a modern and clean hotel located about 1.6 km from Barton Springs Pool featuring private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving delicious food.

All of the rooms at the hotel have air conditioning, a safety box, and a patio area with two chairs and a table.

For the complete article about Barton Springs check our article How to spend a day at Barton springs pool in Austin Texas.

5. Blue Hole

One of the most iconic swimming holes of Texas is without any doubt the Blue Hole from Wimberley. It is located in the best town small town park in Texas, The Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley.

An interesting fact is when most Texans hear the term “Blue Hole,” they think of Wimberley.

However, there is another Blue Hole that most people have not heard of.

It is called the blue hole in east texas.

The Wimberley Blue Hole TX is a swimming hole that is famous for its rope swings and jumping area. It is a unique experience that will definitely get your adrenaline going each time you use it.

This natural spring in Texas is located just outside Wimberley. Wimberley is a small town in Texas that is very charming.

The spring is also located near Jacobs Well, which is another beautiful swimming place in Texas.

It is a great place to go for a family trip. The water is cold because it comes from springs.

A day at Blue Hole

The hole is hidden inside a beautiful cypress forest that creates a feeling of comfort and privacy.

In order to visit this place, especially during the summer season you need to book in advance.

As the reservations are likely to fill up quickly, we strongly advise you to book everything well in advance.

Bear in mind that two windows are available for swimming: from 9 in the morning till 1 in the afternoon and from 2 p.m till  6 p.m.

After reserving your seat, you’ll need to pay a fee.

You’ll then receive a confirmation email at your email address.

You should consider staying for more than one day so that you can visit Jacobs Hill and the Blue Hole. Both places are worth seeing.

Book your accommodation at Wimberley Inn, a beautiful 3-star hotel with spacious and clean rooms, a private bathroom, and free Wifi.

The river is just 5 minutes’ drive from the hotel. A free parking place is available at the property, so you don’t have to worry about parking your car.

McKinney Falls from the State Park with the same name is located right where Williamson Creek meets Onion Creek, near Austin Texas.

For the complete guide of a day at Blue Hole check our article How to spend a relaxing day at Blue Hole in Texas.

6. McKinney Falls

The waterfall has just 10 feet tall and the lagoon from the bottom of the waterfall is perfect for bathing and swimming.

The area is extremely popular because of its beautiful scenery, incredible waterfalls, and accessible hiking trails.

It is located just 15 minutes from Austin Texas so expect to be a crowded place, especially during the weekend.

If you want to secure your place in the lagoon and inside the park, you’d better reserve your place well in advance.

Delve into the beauty of the area and stay more than a day.

Discover the stunning city of Austin and immerse yourself in its breathtaking sights.

Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Hippie Hollow and Barton Springs, two hidden gems in Texas.

There are a lot of things to do inside the state park. You can go hiking, mountain biking, swimming, bicycling, and wildlife observation.

There is a campsite-designated area inside the park as well as an RV designated place where you can park your RV for a few days in a row.

But what could be more relaxing after a long day in the park than sleeping in a comfy bed at a great hotel in the middle of a small town from Texas?!

That is why we recommend booking a room at The Grand Hotel, a 3-star hotel that offers clean and beautiful rooms and it is located right in the middle of the town.

All the rooms come with a private bathroom, hairdryer and bathrobes, and a very comfortable bed.

You have a parking place available right at the hotel so you don’t have to worry about your car when visiting the area and staying at The Grand Hotel.

7. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool is definitely a magnificent place that you won’t forget anytime soon, no wonder why it is considered among the best swimming holes in Texas.

The scenery is incredible with a small beach, lush vegetation, and an enclosed water hole with water coming from a cascade that can be reached after a short hike.

It is a great place to hang out, have a picnic, and admire the scenery as bathing is prohibited because of the rocks that have been falling at the location.

You can try to swim, but you will do it at your own risk, and I personally don’t recommend you as authorities know better why it is safer to prohibit swimming until things will settle.

It is definitely worth taking a walk to Hamilton Pool Preserve, one of the most stunning Texas watering holes.

These cenotes in Texas somehow reminds me of the Mexican cenotes as part of the pool is covered by a dome roof.

Make sure you secure your booking well in advance as the place is very popular and becomes fully booked very quickly even if swimming is not allowed in this cenote in texas.

You still can enjoy the scenery, book a guided hike or hike on your own, or have a picnic near the natural pool although rocks made from this place to be considered unsafe for swimming.

Beware that you are not allowed to camp near the pool, nor to cook or make a ground fire as the area is protected.

Sleeping near Hamilton Pool

For those of you looking to spend more time in the area and explore it in peace, we recommend sleeping at McGregor Dream, a beautiful vacation home located in Dripping Springs, close to the pools.

This vacation home comes with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with shower and hairdryer, and also a kitchen area.

This wooden cabin has a very rustic atmosphere and it is nestled in the middle of the forest, far from noise and pollution.

For the full guide of how to spend the perfect day at Hamilton Pool Preserve check our article Hamilton pool reserve Texas, the perfect getaway in the summer.

8. City Tube Chute

Located on Comal River in New Braunfels, City Tube Chute is one of the most entertaining swimming holes in Texas.

All you have to do is to rent a tube or buy one and float down the river towards the chute, which is nothing but an amazing slide built into the existing dam.

Comal River and Guadalupe River are perfect to cool off on a hot day of summer, but City Tube is the place where you need to go if you want to have fun and relax with your friends.

We strongly recommend wearing a lifejacket as you can easily flip over the tube and get caught underwater, especially at the end of the chute where it is usually more crowded.

The place is quite crowded during the summer season, especially on weekends when tourists and locals rush here to have fun, listen to music and relax.

A day at City Tube Chute

If you are more on a peaceful adventure, then we recommend visiting this place early in the morning or midweek when it is quieter and less crowded.

There are lifeguards watching over so the place is ideal not just for experienced swimmers but also beginners and children, especially if they are wearing lifejackets.

The ride down the river is very exciting and will make your heart beat faster, not to mention that it is a great way to cool off on a hot day of Texan summer.

There are a lot of interesting activities in the area around City Tube so you should consider spending a few nights here.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark is just a few kilometers away, while Canyon Lake is a little further.

Spend your night at Old Mill Resort, a wonderful resort located just 3 kilometers away from the river tubing, and explore the whole area.

All the rooms from the resort come with a dining area, a private bathroom with toiletries, air conditioning, a hairdryer, and a seating area.

9. Krause Springs

Located about 30 miles from Austin, in the Texas Hill Country very close to Marble Falls, Krause Springs is definitely one of the most popular Texas swimming holes.

It is a private swimming hole open to the public that attracts an impressive number of visitors because of its turquoise waters and lush vegetation that surround the natural pool.

These Texas natural springs together with the swimming hole are included in the National Registry of Historic Sites and it is owned by the Krause family for more than 50 years.

There are in total 32 springs on the property and a man-made pool as well as a waterfall, all flowing into Lake Travis.

A day at Krause Springs

The temperature of the water from the man-made pool is around 68 degrees Celsius, perfect for cooling off on a hot day of summer.

The swimming hole is surrounded by cypress trees and there are 3 ropes hanging from the trees from where you can jump into the water.

There are strict rules about jumping off the rocks and for this reason, we insist to use the rope  when jumping into the water.

You can camp in the area as there are a few designated places and besides swimming, you can hike along the trails, explore the cave from the property and go off-road in the adventure park.

On the property, there is also a Butterfly Garden, a wonderful place to relax, listen to the sound of the fountains, and reconnect with nature.

The property is open daily from 9 in the morning till 8 in the evening and the good news is that you don’t have to book months in advance.

You can also camp on the property as there are a few camping places and an RV site where you can spend the night.

All the toilets and showers are located in the RV sites, so for this reason we don’t recommend you stay in a tent.

If you don’t have an RV, you can spend your night at Comfort Suites Near Texas A&M Corpus Christi, a 3 star hotel located very close to the swimming hole, and a few minutes away from Gulf of Mexico.

In the room rate, you have included a delicious American breakfast with a wide range of hot dishes, fresh fruits, cereal, and more.

All the rooms come with coffee makers, refrigerators, microwaves, ironing boards, sofa sleepers, and pillow-top mattresses.

These are the new essentials you have to pack for your trip

10. Hippie Hollow

Hippie Hollow is a beautiful and remote cove located on the shores of Lake Travis and is the only place from Texas with a clothing-optional policy in a public space.

The shores are quite rocky so you definitely will need some water shoes but the views are simply incredible and if you don’t have a problem with nudity, please don’t skip this place.

Being a clothing-optional park, only people 18 year and older are allowed to enter the park, so this is definitely not a family holiday spot.

There are no lifeguards to guard you so you swim on your own risk and if you are a beginner this is definitely not a good place to go.

The site becomes really crowded during the weekend and once it reached its maximum capacity it is closed for the rest of the day.

A day at Hippie Hallow

You cannot camp or made ground fire in the area, but you can have a picnic on the rocky shores if you want.

There is a short walk from the parking place to the swimming hole, and until you reach the pool you have to keep your clothes on.

The area around one of the most unique water holes in Texas is packed with interesting attractions, so book a few days to fully explore the area.

Include in your list a visit to Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve and Mansfield Dam and prepare your camera for some beautiful shots of the 360 Bridge.

Spend your nights at Homewood Suites Austin NW near The Domain, a beautiful hotel located in the proximity of the most important attractions in the area that features spacious and clean rooms and free breakfast.

All the rooms come with a private kitchen and private bathrooms as well as a coffee machine and strong WiFi signal.

11. Jacob’s well

Located north of Wimberley, about 45 minutes drive from Austin you can find one of the best swimming holes in Texas known as Jacob’s Well.

The place become really famous in the last few years, competing directly with famous places like Hamilton Pools and this is why the Parks Department had to implement the reservation system for visitors.

This natural swimming pool in Texas is open each year from May till the end of September and you need a reservation to bath; if you want to hike in the area no reservation is needed.

What is particular to this place is that the reservation is available only for 2 hours; you may arrive late but when the 2 hours block is up, the guards clear the area to let the next group in.

A day at Jacob’s Well

Bring water with you in large quantities as the summer days are extremely hot in Texas and you have to walk a short distance from the parking area to the swimming hole.

Right near the swimming hole, there are no shops or public drinking fountains so you’d better take everything you think you will need for the two hours in order to avoid walking back and forward to the entrance of the park.

Another thing I want to tell you: there are no lifeguards on duty so you swim at your own risk.

If you are not a very good swimmer you’d better bring with you a lifejacket for your own safety.

The water is extremely clear and has a wonderful color and the rocky shores make this place a really beautiful escape for a summer day.

What I find interesting about this cave and a good reason why you should put it on your list is that Jacob’s well is the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas.

For those of you looking to spend more time in the area and explore it in peace, we recommend sleeping at McGregor Dream, a beautiful vacation home located in Dripping Springs, close to the pools.

This vacation home comes with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with shower and hairdryer as well as a kitchen area.

This wooden cabin has a very rustic atmosphere and it is nestled in the middle of the forest, far from noise and pollution.

12. Lake Tejas

A family-friendly recreational site, Lake Tejas is located about 1 mile east of Colmesneil and is open to the public from mid-May thru Labor Day.

The swimming area has about yards of sandy beach so there is plenty of space for everybody even during the hot days of summer.

You can swim in the lake or rent a tube if you don’t have one and float freely into the lake far from the crowded beach.

The area is surrounded by pine trees so you have natural shade if you don’t want to get sunburns.

Besides swimming, you can try water volleyball and paddleboarding and what I like most is that is a dedicated ara for those looking to swim.

There is also a huge waterslide of more than 100 feet long and after a short slide, you get directly in the middle of the river.

Between 1 to 6 lifeguards are always on duty so you can swim without any worry but we recommend you to choose the area of swimming adequate to your experience.

Besides swimming you can try kayaking and canoeing in the lake, or why not go fishing before the lake becomes crowded.

A day at Lake Tejas

Bring with you a picnic basket and a blanket as picnic is allowed in the area; there are also some camping designated areas if you want to spend a few nights in the middle of nature.

But how about having your own private piece of lake and forest not very far from Lake Tejas swimming hole?

Book Serene Lakefront Escape with Dock Swim and Fish! from Woodville, just 14 km away from the swimming hole and you will have you own private fishing place as well as a swimming hole just for you.

This holiday home comes with 3 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen as well as towels and bed linen.

13. Balmorhea State Park

What can be more refreshing on a hot day of summer than cooling in the cold waters from Balmorhea State Park, 60 miles west of Fort Stockton?!

This state park is home to the largest swimming holes in Texas and the largest spring-fed pool in the world.

You can enter the pool from the shore or you can choose to jump from the trampoline for a quick dose of adrenaline.

Don’t forget to bring with you the snorkeling gear or your diving equipment as this is one of the best places from Texas to swim with fish. 

The park has also picnic sites, playground and a lot of outdoor sports areas so definitely you won’t get bored here.

There are 34 campsites inside the park for spending your overnight or you can book a room at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Stockton Northeast, a 3 star hotel featuring a fitnes center and rooms with AC located a short drive from the entrance to the park.

A continental breakfast is available on site and included in the room rate, while laundry facilities and valet cleaning services are available upon request. 

14. Burgers Lake

Located in Fort Worth, Texas, Burgers Lake is the perfect destination for families and friends looking to have fun and cool off on a hot summer day.

This 30 acres park home to one of the most beautiful swimming holes in Texas fed by the springs from the area is extremely popular not just among tourists but also locals.

There are water chutes and water slides from where you can launch yourself in the middle of the lake.

The shores are made from sandy beaches and large trees so you can choose between perfecting your tan or staying in the shadow near the lake.

There are more than 300 picnic tables inside the park, 6 diving boards, and lifeguards that are watching each and every move you do while swimming or playing in the lake.

For a complete guide check my full article: Burger’s Lake – all you need to know before you go

A charcoal grill for cooking is available inside the park, so bring with you some meat to have a bbq in the middle of nature.

As for your overnight stay, book your room at Kimpton – Harper Hotel, an IHG Hotel a wonderful 4-star hotel located in Fort Worth featuring a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant.

You can choose to serve a delicious American breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant for a fee and hit the road as there are so many interesting attractions around.

15. Schumacher Crossing

Definitely, among the most popular swimming holes in Texas, Schumacher Crossing is located on State Highway 39 in Texas Hill Country.

The place is extremely popular so try to avoid it during weekends, especially if you are looking for a quiet place for a relaxing day with your family.

At the beginning of the 1920s, the Schumacher family dammed the river that crossed close to their property to provide protection from flooding and to create a cross point.

The cross point is used even today but the place is now famous for its beautiful swimming hole created by the dam.

For many years in a row this place was nominated among the top 10 swimming holes in Texas, so don’t be surprised to find here a lot of people.

The artificial lake created is not used just for swimming, but also for kayaking so be prepared to rent a kayak and explore the area.

Unfortunately, the river level fluctuates all year round and is directly influenced by the quantity of rain that drops so check with the Kerrville Kayak to see if the conditions are suitable for kayaking.

Texas Hill Country is famous for its scenic drive views and there are plenty of attractions in the area, besides this swimming water hole.

Book a few nights at WorldMark Hunt – Stablewood Springs Resort, a beautiful resort featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.

At the property, you will find one, two, and three-bedroom apartments each having a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom.

What to pack for a day at one of these natural swimming holes

Many of these swimming holes do not have shops or restaurants in the area but have designated places for picnics.

Go there prepared and don’t forget to take with you the following:

• floating tube (the best in class)
• a picnic blanket (waterproof, sand proof and large enough for the whole family)
• suncream (vegan and reef-friendly cream)
• sun hat with UV protection
• plastic bottles with filters for water purification
• a picnic basket packed with snacks, sandwiches, and other yummy treats

Make your own list of the best 10 swimming holes in Texas (no matter if you are from east Texas, west Texas or anywhere else) and have fun with your beloved ones in a hot day of summer!

FAQ

Where is the prettiest water in Texas?

With so many beautiful swim spots in Texas it is quite hard to name just a few. Still, the prettiest ones are: Barton Springs Pool near Austin, Devil’s State Park near Concan, Blue Hole near Wimberley, Garner State Park near Concan, and Balmorhea State Park near Reeves.

Which state has the best swimming holes?

Among the best swimming holes from US, I would like to mention the following: Blue Hole from New Mexico, Firehole River Swimming Area from Wyoming, Blanchard Springs from Arkansas, Havasu Falls from Arizona, and Diana’s Baths from New Hampshire.

Can you swim in Marble Falls?

Yes, of course, you can. Blanco State Park in Blanco and Lakeside park are the most popular swimming holes from Marble Falls. Both places are great for families and friends with picnic spots, and perfect waters to cool off on a hot summer day from Texas.

What lakes are safe to swim in in Texas?

The safest lake to swim in while visiting Texas is by far Inks Lake State Park, while the list continues with Possum Kingdom State Park and Pedernales Fall State Park.