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.
SWIMMING HOLE |
LOCATION |
COMMENTS |
Barton Springs Pool
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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. Click here to learn more about Barton Springs.
Zilker Park - 2101 Barton Springs Road
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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.
Blue Hole Park - 333 Blue Hole Lane
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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.
Where Center Point River Road crosses the Guadalupe River |
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This is a huge spring fed swimming pool (1 3/4 acres) that you will share with fish, turtles, scuba divers and other swimmers.
9207 Highway 17 S
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Hamilton Pool |
Travis County
(512)264-2740
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There is a 45 foot water fall creating a great swimming hole. This wooded canyon has delighted many who have swum in the bright green lagoon. To learn more click here. |
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(830)232-6132
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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.
234 RR 1050 |
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New Braunfels
(830)625-2351
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Great family fun can be had at the best water park in the country. Whether you are tubing the lazy river, floating in the pool or sitting at the swim up bar in the hot tub, you will certainly enjoy your day at this park.
305 W. Austin |
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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.
401 Deep Eddy Ave |
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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.
Moffett Park |
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Bracketville
(830)563-2493
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This pool is the third largest spring fed pool in the state. It is in a gated community with a motel and is open only to those motel guests. It is worth the stay if you are in the area. |
Krause Springs
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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. For more details about Krause Springs click here. |
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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. |
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New Braunsfels
(830)608-2165
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The City Tube Chute located on the Comal River is the longest Tube Chute in the world providing a 30 second thrill ride.
100 Leibscher Drive |
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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. |
Utopia City Park |
Utopia |
Utopia sits under huge cypress trees surrounded by camping and picnic areas. |
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Fort Worth
(817)737-3414 |
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.
1200 Meandering Road |
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. |
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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 on FM 3404. |
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. |
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This seven hundred acre park is a wonderful low-key getaway with a designated swimming area on this mostly fishing lake. You can also find camping with picnic tables and grills. Lake Fryer is a great place to visit if you are in the Panhandle. |
Rio Vista Park |
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This section of the San Marcos River which is a constant 72 degrees is perfect for swimming and tubing or snorkeling and scuba diverting.
555 Cheatham |
Hunt Crossing |
Hunt |
Where the North and South Forks of the Guadalupe River join, you can stop long enough to take a dip and you might even be lucky enough to find a rope swing. |
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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.
8854 Park Road 74 |
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This city park near the town square has a small dam that creates a wide lagoon for swimming and a waterfall for your enjoyment. |
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. |
