15 Texas Swimming Holes You Can't Miss This Summer
By Kristen Lawrence|Updated on June 16, 2023(Originally published June 14, 2023)
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Kristen Lawrence
Author
Texas staff writer for Only in Your State, blogger for Power of Positivity, and freelance health, wellness, and travel writer. I spend any chance I get traveling, enjoying nature, trying out new recipes, and meditating. I love sharing smiles, good food, and great conversation :)
Texans are well accustomed to the sweltering heat that sets in as soon as the calendar says June, so what do we do? Cool off in some of the best swimming holes in Texas, of course! We’ve compiled a list of the best places to swim in Texas that you just can’t miss this summer, so make sure to check them out!
This Texas swimming hole is definitely one of Texans' favorites to take a dip in when summer comes around! With ancient limestone rocks surrounding the pool, gorgeous jade green water, and the stunning waterfall that cascades over the limestone rocks, this swimming hole just can't be beat in my humble opinion.
Find out more about Hamilton Pool Preserve.
The only real place to swim here is in the 200-foot-deep well, but the drive out is still worth it. Some people like to jump from the rocks up above, but do so at your own risk, of course. Others like to dive down into the depths and explore the openings to other passages, but most people just chill by the well and contemplate jumping off the rocks or not. This is one of the best swimming holes in Texas; I can attest to that!
Get more information about what Jacob's Well is all about.
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3. Krause Springs (Spicewood)
Krause Springs, 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
This swimming hole and the surrounding land is owned by the Krause family, but they allow guests for a small fee, and you can even camp on the grounds if you wish! Several springs feed the natural pool, which makes it nice and cool and one of the best places to swim in Texas.
Learn more about Krause Springs.
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4. Balmorhea State Park Swimming Pool (Toyahvale)
Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USA
Don't worry, we didn't forget all you folks way out west... if you live in the desert of Texas, you probably visit this place quite often. This state park boasts the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world, and the water is crystal-clear. Definitely check this Texas swimming hole out if you live out that way or are just passing through!
Get more details on Balmorhea State Park.
5. Barton Springs Pool (Austin)
Barton Springs Municipal Pool, 2201 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Barton Springs Pool is a 3-acre pool that's filled entirely with water from nearby springs. The pool is part of Barton Creek and is an incredibly refreshing spot to cool off on a hot Texas day.
6. Blue Hole (Wimberley)
Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA
Cypress trees line this beautiful Texas treasure, and the water is nice and clear...and pretty chilly, too. One of the best swimming holes in Texas, there's a rope swing for those that love to make a big splash, and there are plenty of places to lay your towels and coolers on the grass. I'm so ready to get in the water now...How about you?!
Get more information about visiting Blue Hole.
7. Frio River at Garner State Park (Concan)
Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
Going to Garner State Park in the summer is brutal without taking a dip in the Frio River. You can kayak, tube, or swim in it, and with the backdrop of the limestone cliffs and mesas, you couldn't ask for a better place to immerse yourself in nature. Be sure to check out one of the best places to swim in Texas!
Learn more about Garner State Park.
If you hike a little ways down the trail at the Greenbelt, you'll find an awesome little swimming hole to bask in that's fed by Barton Creek. There are even mini waterfalls that pour over the rocks, and the water is usually a nice blue-green. I've been to this Texas swimming hole, but haven't been swimming yet. The water looks so inviting!
Read further on about Barton Creek Greenbelt.
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9. Devil's Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park (Burnet)
Devil's Waterhole, 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
This swimming hole is surrounded by craggy rocks, which are fun to jump off of if you aren't afraid of heights. So much more than just one of the best swimming holes in Texas, you can also swim in Inks Lake if the swimming hole gets too overcrowded, and when Valley Spring Creek is running, you can hike to beautiful waterfalls upstream of the lake.
Learn more about Inks Lake State Park.
This 15-foot deep swimming hole fed by the Nueces River is located opposite the Rocky River Camp off Texas Highway 55, and there's no entrance fee! Locals love it because it doesn't get as crowded as some of the other Texas swimming holes. Get yourself more acquainted with the Nueces River.
11. Rio Vista Park (San Marcos)
Rio Vista Park, 555 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
Pretty awesome shot, right? This is an excellent place for tubing, swimming, white water rafting, and kayaking. There's even a tube chute at Rio Vista Falls, which is a must-do according to the locals! This spot is really one of the best places to swim in Texas.
Find more information about visiting Rio Vista Park
12. Burger's Lake (Fort Worth)
Burger's Lake, 1200 Meandering Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76114, USA
This one-acre spring-fed swimming pool is a popular hangout for Fort Worth residents, probably because there are fountains, diving boards, water slides, sandy beaches, and plenty of shade. It's a great Texas swimming hole to take the family!
Learn more about Burger's Lake.
East Texas gets ridiculously hot and humid in the summer, which is why people have flocked to this swimming hole for decades. As you can see, there's a diving board, slide, and plenty of places to cool off here! I've been, and the pine trees surrounding the lake make it a peaceful, relaxing place to cool off in the summer. I'd definitely call it one of the best swimming holes in Texas.
Discover more about Lake Tejas.
The hot springs pictured here are consistently a toasty 105 degrees, so summer might not be the best time to visit. If you want to take a dip, I'd recommend going in the early morning or early evening to fully enjoy the experience at one of the best swimming holes in Texas.
Read further on about the Rio Grande River.
15. Blue Hole (Georgetown)
Blue Hole Park, 100 Blue Hole Park Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
There are quite a few Blue Holes in Texas, and this is another one of the best places to swim in Texas. It's bordered by limestone bluffs along the San Gabriel River, and there's no entrance fee.
Read more about Blue Hole Park.
There you have it, y’all! What other Texas swimming holes do you think should have made the list? What do you think are the best places to swim in Texas? Tell us in the comments!
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Best Swimming Holes In Texas
Leah|May 07, 2021
What summer destinations in Texas should I visit?
Aside from Texas swimming holes, there are many other great summer destinations in Texas. With a huge state full of outdoor recreation, the summertime can be ideal for many of them.
River tubing is a fantastic way to spend a summer day. Float down the river in Hill County for a relaxing, memorable time on the water - and make sure to bring a lot of sunscreen!
For something on dry land, try a visit to the stunning Palo Duro Canyon. It's the second-largest canyon in the country, only behind the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and it's perfect for hiking, camping, and more.
Natural swimming holes are great, but you just won't find thrilling slides, rides, and wave pools like you can at waterparks in Texas. In fact, you can skip the summer heat or even the winter chill altogether and enjoy swimming, sliding, and everything else at the largest indoor water park in Texas. Kalahari Resorts is the perfect indoor destination for families, with attractions for people of all ages.
Which outdoor activities in Texas should I add to my bucket list?