5 Hidden Swimming Holes in Texas

Nature has come together in Texas to create some of the most perfect summer retreats, swimming holes! Thinking about a swimming hole often conjures up memories of child-like traditions—splashing, playing water games, and diving off cliffs with siblings and friends. 

Unfortunately, some of these beautiful swimming holes are closed to swimming at times due to various factors that affect water quality and levels. 

Krause Springs: Spicewood, Texas

Lushness surrounds this Hill Country oasis of 115 acres with 32 natural springs, a natural pool, and a man-made pool. The Krause family owns this paradise just east of Little Cypress Creek within Spicewood city limits. Native Germans, Anton F. Krause and his future wife, Johanna Roesler, sailed aboard the Lucie from Bremen, Germany. 

The couple arrived in Galveston on November 7, 1854. Krause Springs is listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites. The Krause family has owned this site since 1955 when Elton Krause purchased the then hog farm, and he built a pool there in 1963. Krause Springs is a popular and crowded oasis about 30 miles west of Austin. 

At Krause Springs, visitors will experience: 

• Natural Swimming Areas: Spring-fed swimming holes surrounded by limestone cliffs and trees.
• Waterfalls: Picturesque waterfalls.
• Gardens: Well-groomed gardens with rich plant life. 
• Hiking Trails: Scenic trails for exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Rules and Amenities:

• Gates open at 9 a.m. and close promptly at 8 p.m.
• Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
• Day and overnight use options.
• No pets allowed, except service animals with management approval. 
• No open carry.
• Cash preferred. Credit cards accepted.
• Bring your own tubes.
• Kayaks 5 feet in length or less are only allowed on the lower pool.
• Fishing only where the springs drain into Little Cypress Creek. 
• Free Parking
• Primitive tent camping
• 24 RV sites
• Butterfly gardens
• Spring flow constantly even during droughts.
• Closes in winter between November and February, with dates depending on the weather.

Find the swimming hole at 404 Krause Springs, Spicewood, Texas

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Jacob’s Well Natural Area, Wimberley

Jacob’s Well is closed to swimming for the foreseeable future. The area is still open for those who wish to see the well or hike and explore the Area. Swimming is suspended due to low water flow in 2024. Jacob’s Well also closed to swimming in 2023 and 2022. 

Jacob’s Well may be the longest underwater cave in Texas with an artesian spring. Native Americans cherished Jacob’s Well long before European settlement. It is a symbol of natural beauty and a serene local for connecting with nature. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. 

Established in 2010, Jacob’s Well Natural Area is an 81-acre park and one of the most picturesque swimming holes in Texas. Excessive droughts have damaged its ecosystems and the local tourist trade. Hays County officials are conducting monthly evaluations of water conditions, which will determine swimming possibilities at a later time.

Key Features of the Jacob’s Well swimming area:

• Depth and Visibility: The well’s main shaft descends vertically for about 30 feet and then continues at an angle to a maximum depth of around 120 feet. The water is exceptionally clear. It is a favorite destination for divers and swimmers.
• Geological Significance: Jacob’s Well is the second-largest fully submerged cave in Texas, with intricate underwater cave systems that attract experienced cave divers.
• Recreational Activities: Visitors enjoy swimming, diving, and picnicking in the surrounding natural area. 
• Ecological Importance: The well supports a unique ecosystem with various plant and animal species. It is a crucial water source for the surrounding environment and local communities.
• Conservation Efforts: Due to its popularity and ecological significance, there are ongoing efforts to preserve Jacob’s Well. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural area and follow guidelines to minimize their impact.
• Connection: It acts as the headwaters to Cypress Creek that flows through Wimberley into Blue Hole and then to the Blanco River. The Natural Area is one of the most significant natural geologic areas in the Texas Hill Country. 
• Diving: Only permitted cave diving research professionals are allowed to dive Jacob’s Well. Their effort has charted the cave system to nearly 140 feet deep and almost a mile in length. Restoration efforts are constantly under way to improve and enhance its delicate ecosystem.

Find Jacob’s Well at 1699 Mt. Sharp Road, Wimberley, Texas

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Blue Hole Regional Park, Wimberley

Cypress Creek feeds this iconic Blue Hole, which is a natural swimming area characterized by crystal clear, distinct blue waters. Lush, natural surroundings bathe the Blue Hole with inviting sereneness. Swim season is May 1st through Labor Day, and on weekends in September.

Generations of locals dating back to the early 20th century have enjoyed this ideal swimming hole. The City of Wimberley developed this park with a strong focus on conservation and sustainability, which reflects the community’s commitment to preserving this natural treasure.

Key Features of Blue Hole are:

• Swimming Hole: The centerpiece of Blue Hole Regional Park is its crystal-clear, spring-fed swimming hole. Framed by towering cypress trees, the swimming area features cool, refreshing water.
• Natural Beauty: The park is characterized by its dense canopy of bald cypress trees, which provide ample shade and a picturesque setting. The banks of the swimming hole are grassy, well-maintained, and offer lots of space for picnicking and relaxation.
• Recreational Activities: Besides swimming, the park offers hiking, biking, and bird watching. Several miles of well-maintained trails meander through the park’s scenic landscapes.
• Picnic Areas and Playgrounds: The park features numerous picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, and playgrounds for children for fun and safe spaces to play.
• Sports Facilities: Blue Hole Regional Park offers sports fields for soccer, basketball courts, and a sand volleyball court. 

Visiting Tips:

• Reservations: During peak times, especially in the summer, it is advisable to make reservations for swimming to ensure entry.
• Reservations are required for the swim area only, during swim season. All other recreational areas including hiking trails, playground, and picnic areas are free, open to the public, and do not require reservations. 
• Blue Hole Regional Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset seven days s week.
• Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• The park has specific hours of operation, and visitors should check these in advance to plan their visit accordingly.
• Guidelines: Visitors are encouraged to follow park rules, including respecting wildlife, staying on designated trails, and disposing of trash properly to help maintain the park’s beauty and ecological health.

Prohibited Behaviors:

• Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages.
• Smoking in the park or parking lot.
• Use of foul language and lewd behavior.
• Use of drugs and/or weapons.
• Disorderly conduct.
• Fishing.
• Soliciting.
• Use of drones or other flying devices.
• Use of fires, stoves, or cooking of any kind except in designated grill locations.
• Feeding wildlife, including waterfowl.
• No garbage or other solid waste may be dumped or littered in the park.
• Garbage associated with park use must be deposited in containers provided.
• Any violation of park rules may result in immediate removal from the park.
• The City of Wimberley is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.

Take a dunk at 333 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, Texas

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Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs

The Hamilton Pool Preserve is about 13-miles north of Dripping Springs. It is closed to swimming in 2024 because of rainfall and high bacteria levels. When Hamilton Pool does allow swimming, only a limited portion of the pool is available for water access because of falling rocks. The Preserve is currently open for hiking.

Hamilton Pool is a 232-acre destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Preserve is a breathtaking natural swimming hole known for its beauty and unique geological features. Hamilton Pool formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed.

The Travis County Commissioner’s Court designated the Hamilton Pool Preserve a nature preserve in 1990. It is located 3/4-miles upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River. Hamilton Creek spills out onto limestone outcroppings that create a 50-foot waterfall, which rolls into a steep box canyon. 

The waterfall never completely dries up, but it can trickle slowly in dry times. You may make your reservation online by paying $12 per vehicle with a credit card. You will also pay additional per person entrance fees when you arrive at the preserve. Now accepting reservations through September 2024.

Activities and Amenities Include:

• Hiking trails
• Picnic tables
• Portable toilets
• Swimming not guaranteed with reservation due to conditions
• Guided hike
• Educational Programs

Rules and Requirements:

• Reservations are required every day of the week to visit. Please make your reservation online before arriving at the preserve. Morning Reservation Period: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Afternoon Reservation Period: 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Visitors with reservations have until midnight before their reservations to go online to reschedule. 
• No entry is allowed after 5:30 pm. Recreational activities end at 5:30 pm. Visitors must exit the preserve by 6:00 pm.
• No Pets. No Exceptions.
• No camping, cooking, drones, fireworks, glass containers, ground fires, pets, public display of consumption of alcohol, or tobacco products.
• Water access is never guaranteed with a reservation. Whether swimming will be allowed depends on factors like bacteria levels and recent rain.
• Park day use fees can only be paid with cash. No credit cards or any other form of payment at this time.
• The Trail Under Overhanging Cliff is closed for safety concerns. 
• Visitors can access the beach but cannot walk all the way around the pool to below the waterfall because of falling rocks. 
• The Saturday morning guided hikes are suspended in 2024 until further notice.
• Reservations for dates in October 2024 and beyond are not available yet. 
• Swimming is not guaranteed with your reservation. 
• Please arrive at least an hour before your reservation period ends to give yourself time to enjoy the preserve. No entry allowed after the reservation time period is past.
• Visitors cannot remain in the preserve after their reservation period ends. 

Hike and swim at 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, Texas.

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Devil’s Waterhole, Burnet

Devil’s Waterhole is located in Inks Lake State Park and has served as a recreational site for years. The area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities have made it a favorite with Texans and out-of-state visitors. Striking pink granite formations define Devil’s Waterhole. 

Devil’s Waterhole is a part of the Llano Uplift, a geological formation that dates back over a billion years. This swimming hole is surrounded on three sides by metamorphic rock. Awe-inspiring views and outdoor activities await visitors and its waters invite you for a cool refreshing swim in an ideal blend of natural beauty and amenities. 

Key Features of Devil’s Waterhole are:

• Swimming Hole: The central feature of Devil’s Waterhole is the deep, cool swimming area formed by Spring Creek and surrounded by granite outcrops. 
• Cliff Jumping: One of the main attractions is the opportunity for cliff jumping. The surrounding rock cliffs vary in height, offering adventurous visitors a chance to leap into the clear waters below. Caution is advised to check for underwater hazards and depths.
• Scenic Trails: Several hiking trails offer stunning views of the Hill Country terrain. The Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail leads hikers to scenic overlooks through diverse landscapes.
• Kayaking and Canoeing: Visitors can explore the waterhole and the wider area of Inks Lake by kayak or canoe. 
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a variety of wildlife
• Fishing: Inks Lake is known for good fishing, with species such as bass, catfish, and sunfish. Enjoy both shoreline and boat fishing.
• Camping: The park offers numerous campsites, including sites with electricity and primitive camping options. 
• Boating: visitors can bring their own boats or rent paddle boats to explore the lake.

Visiting Tips:

• Safety: While cliff jumping is popular, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of water levels and underwater obstacles. Always jump with care and consider the risks.
• Park Amenities: Inks Lake State Park offers picnic areas, campsites, restrooms, and rental facilities for kayaks and canoes. 
• Reservations: Inks Lake State Park can be busy, especially on weekends and holidays. It is advised to make reservations for camping or day-use passes in advance.

Visit Inks Lake State Park: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, Texas