A great way to cool off in the Texas heat is to jump into the “coolest” fresh water around. Here is a list of the best Texas swimming holes. Make it a goal to enjoy one or two of these Texas swimming holes each year. Have fun.
If you like this page, you might also enjoy our Texas Springs Page and The Best Natural Swimming Holes in the World and See Outside Magazine’s List of the top swimming holes in the US.
If you like road trips and swimming holes then you’ve got to try this swimming hole six-pack. Start in Georgetown with Bule Hole and then head to Austin for Bartons Springs Pool. In San Marcos check out San Marcos Springs and Rio Vista Park. Then head to New Braunfels to enjoy Landa Park and finally enjoy San Pedro Springs Park in San Antonio.
North Texas Swimming Holes
Burger’s Lake
Fort Worth
Burger’s Lake is a 30-acre park featuring a one-acre spring-fed lake for swimming and sandy beaches for sunning, picnicking. You will also find a 20′ slide, 25′ trapeze and diving boards.
Tonkawa Falls
Crawford
This beautiful 15-foot waterfall rushing into a natural swimming hole below overhanging bluffs is an inviting site. Driving over the old country bridge gives you a beautiful view of the swimming hole. Swimming in the park is allowed during the rainy season. There are several rock tables or grassy spots for picnickers.
Central Texas Swimming Holes
Cypress Falls
Wimberley
This spring fed stream provides constant cold clear water to beat the Texas heat. The small dam provides a great swimming hole.
Jacob’s Well
Wimberley
This location has been a beloved swimming hole for generations, a gathering place for Native Americans and early settlers. The mouth of the well is four meters in diameter which thousands of gallons of water rises to the surface up per minute feeding Cypress Creek that flows through Wimberley.
Blue Hole
Wimberley
Tucked amongst the tall bald cypresses, this swimming hole is gorgeous. You can jump in the water or bask in the shade of the old trees. Open Memorial Day thru Labor Day.
Barton Springs Pool
Austin
Barton Springs is said to be the best swimming hole in the state because of the beautiful setting and largest flow of cool water from the Balcones Fault. Open year-round.
Deep Eddy Pool
Austin
Deep Eddy Pool is listed as a historic landmark and is the oldest swimming pool in Texas. During the summer a large movie screen is set up pool-side for Splash Party Movie Nights. Float in the pool and enjoy family films.
Austin Swimming Holes
Austin Area
There are over 30 swimming holes within 30 miles of Austin.
Medina River
Bandera Area
The Medina River is a short, narrow, beautiful river that is reminiscent of the Upper Guadalupe. There is a secluded loop (just north of Bandera) that is a popular spot.
Blanco State Park
Blanco
This park near the town square has a small dam that creates a wide lagoon for swimming and a waterfall for your enjoyment.
Devil’s Waterhole
Inks Lake
This watering hole features areas for swimming and guided canoe tours and is one of the state’s most popular swimming holes. It was formed by millions of years of water erosion over solid granite.
The Slab
Kingsland
Listed among the swimming holes but not exactly for swimming – more for lounging in the shallow pools and enjoying the beauty of this spot where the Llano River meets the Colorado.
Granite Beach Park
Marble Falls
You will be able to go on slides, an aquatic trampoline, icebergs and water toys. There will be plenty for the children to do in this sheltered cove.
Krause Springs
Spicewood
This possibly is the most beautiful swimming hole in the state. Situated on a bluff overlooking Cypress Creek, with the water spilling down a bluff over ferns and then crashing into a deep pool. Tent and RV camping is available in the park. Read about our fun day at Krause Springs.
Hamilton Pool
Dripping Springs
There is a 50 foot water fall creating a great swimming hole. This wooded canyon has delighted many who have swam in the bright green lagoon.
Image by Shaun Goffe
Comal Springs
New Braunfels
The largest group of artesian springs in Texas with seven outlets. You will find a long water slide carved into the side of the dam which forms the City Tube Chute on the adjacent river.
City Tube Chute
New Braunfels
The City Tube Chute located on the Comal River is the longest Tube Chute in the world providing a 30 second thrill ride.
Cypress Bend Park
New Braunfels
This free city park gives you access to the Guadalupe River around the east side of town. The shady park features picnic areas and a playground.
Landa Park
New Braunfels
The Landa Park Aquatic Complex has three (3) pools, a Springfed Pool, fed by the Comal Springs that stays a constant 72 degrees year round, an Olympic lap pool, and a Zero Depth Wading Pool.
Rio Vista Park
San Marcos
This section of the San Marcos River which is a constant 72 degrees is perfect for swimming and tubing or snorkeling and scuba diverting.
Spring Lake Falls
San Marcos
Where Spring Lake Falls meets the San Marcos River right across from the TSU Campus. This is a beautiful area to swim and possibly jump from the dam into the river.
Hancock Springs Pool
Lampasas
These sulfurous springs which were once a health resort now provide an open-air swimming pool. A quaint tearoom has been restored next to the pool.
East Texas Swimming Holes
Ratcliff Lake
Ratcliff
Tucked in the Davy Crockett Natl Forest, this roped off swimming area is a beautiful spot for swimming, canoeing or paddle boating in East Texas.
Boykin Springs
Daingerfield
Nestled among the loblolly, longleaf, and shortleaf pine of Angelina National Forest, feeds a serene nine-acre lake.
South Texas Swimming Holes
Nueces River
Cooksey County Park
A low dam creates a wide, clear swimming hole with water that stays about 71 degrees from the Nueces River which flows more than 300 miles emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The county park has picnic areas and RV and tent camping.
San Pedro Springs
San Antonio
The second oldest park in the United States gives people an opportunity to spend time enjoying the outdoors, with fresh air, sunshine and exercise. Take a walk, enjoy the scenery, and de-stress while visiting San Pedro.
Village Creek State Park
Lumberton
You will need to take a one-mile hike to reach this area where the river curves past a large sandbar. The river is spring fed and the temperature ranges from 74-78 degrees.
Brinks Crossing
Center Point
A place where you can linger and get wet in the deep river water of the Guadalupe. This is a free swimming spot with shade trees and a sandy beach.
Utopia City Park
Utopia
The riverside slope is lined by towering old cypress trees and small dam 11 miles downstream from the Sabinal River creates this wide swim spot. You can swim up and down the length of the pool or float along in your tube.
Come and Take It
Gonzales
In Gonzales on the Guadalupe River where the bald cypress and pecan trees grace the riverbank of the swim spot. The water is clear and the rope tied to a bald cypress branch temps many to swing into the deep water.
James Keihl Park
Comfort
The river offers an amazing place to relax in this scenic area and swim around the tall cypress trees.
Garner State Park
Concan
Floating in your tube or paddling in your boat is delightful in this tree lined river with the hills to the west. This is a very popular park and can be extremely crowded on the weekends.
South East Texas Swimming Holes
Lake Raven
Huntsville
This is a beautiful lake in the middle of a thick pine forest. This is primarily a fishing lake but has a roped off area designated for swimmers. The tannin from the pine trees has turned the water a light brown color.
West Texas Swimming Holes
San Solomon Springs
Balmorhea State Park
They call this 25 foot crystal clear water a quintessential oasis on the hem of the Davis Mountains.The water flows into canals creating a desert wetland full of aquatic creatures, birds, and other wildlife.
San Felipe Springs
Del Rio
San Felipe Creek is made up of ten separate springs that meet with the Rio Grande. You will be able to walk across stone bridges that cross the creek’s three tributaries. Walk on the rocks that are scattered throughout the springs or float on an inner tube downstream. There is also a swimming area a little less wild called Pig Pen with a cement bottom.
Fort Clark Springs
Bracketville
Las Moras Spring feeds this swimming pool which is the third largest in Texas and stays 68 degrees year round. The surrounding park offers picnic areas equipped with BBQ cooking facilities and tables. It is in a gated community with a motel and RV park and is only open to members and motel or RV park guests. It is worth the stay if you are in the area.
The Quince
Camp Wood
You will find cold clear water in this 15′ deep swimming hole. Free to those who find this pool just a few hundred yards along River Road off Texas Highway 55.
Independence Creek Preserve
Sheffield
Within deep canyons and scrub covered mesas you will find this desert swimming hole which was formed by a small dam. The three acre pool has a stone retaining wall and a natural wall along the other.
Explore our map of Texas Swimming Holes, and be sure to check out our list of the Best Natural Swimming Holes In The World!
Author: Mike Sharp
I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.
