Photo by Trey Perry, courtesy of CC BY 3.0.
Whether you’ve been here for one summer or 50 of them, you know the Texas heat is no joke. While sitting inside with the air conditioner is a perfectly fine way to cool off, it hardly compares with the joy of jumping into a chilly swimming hole.
Luckily, Texas is full of swimming holes that offer unique experiences. From the rope swing at Krause Springs to the incredibly clear water of The Quince, visiting any of these spots will instantly upgrade your summer.
We’ve limited these swimming holes to one per city to give all parts of the state some love. Now, let’s dive in!
Dinosaur Valley State Park — Glen Rose
1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043
Photo by DatraxMada, courtesy of CC BY-SA 4.0.
Channel your inner Calvin (of “Calvin and Hobbes” fame) and embrace the way of the Dinosaur Valley State Park. Okay, so you don’t have to stomp around loudly or violently eat your dinner, but it is pretty cool that dinosaurs used to roam the bed of the Paluxy River near Fort Worth.
The dinos—including the water-friendly Dino Dives—are the top attraction, though you can pop in the water just about anywhere along the river. The Blue Hole is a classic swimming hole with depths of up to 20 feet. As a bonus, you just might spot the tracks of a Theropod.
Entering the park costs $8 for adults and is free for children 12 and under.
Hamilton Pool — Dripping Springs
24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
With gorgeous blue-green water, bountiful trees, and a natural cave, Hamilton Pool almost feels like visiting a mystical land out of a movie—think “Avatar” but without the threat of large blue creatures imposing on your visit.
Hamilton Creek spills over limestone into a canyon, resulting in a 50-foot waterfall that keeps the pool fresh and full. The preserve is also home to several birds and rare plant species.
Getting to the pool is about a quarter-mile walk over some arduous terrain, so pack sturdy shoes for the trip. Note that Hamilton Pool only takes cash; vehicle reservation fees are $12, and entrance fees are $8 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under.
Krause Springs — Spicewood
404 Krause Springs, Spicewood, TX 78669
Photo by Brian P. Barnes, courtesy of CC BY-SA 3.0.
Texas Hill Country has many beautiful sites, and Krause Springs is no exception. The area has 32 springs, including a natural pool that flows into Lake Travis. It’s a local treasure, too, as the Krause family has privately owned the space for more than half a century.
Don’t miss out on scaling some of the rocks for a nice vantage point, or give the rope swing a try to channel your inner Tarzan (battle cry shrieking is optional). When you need a break, stop by the Butterfly Gardens. It’s a serene experience for all your senses, featuring soothing wind chimes and babbling fountains.
Admission starts at $10 for adults and $6 for kids four to 11 years old.
Barton Springs Pool — Austin
2131 William Barton Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Photo courtesy of Downtown Austin
When you think of a swimming hole, do you picture a hidden gem? A more isolated spot, away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Barton Springs is not that. It’s down the street from a popular mini golf course (Peter Pan’s) and perhaps the best BBQ in Austin (Terry Black’s). It’s nestled within the 358 acres of Zilker Park, which hosts the annual Austin City Limits Festival.
And yet, somehow, Barton Springs works perfectly. The refreshing waters, fed from underground springs, maintain a crisp temperature of 68 to 70 degrees year-round, with a diving board for people wanting to get more air. Admission is free from November to Spring Break; otherwise, it costs between $2 and $9 to enter (residents get a discount).
Pro tip: Head to Barton Springs before 8 a.m. and get in for free any time of year.
The Quince — Camp Wood
751 River Road, Camp Wood, TX 78833 (Los Rios Campground, within walking distance of The Quince)
Camp Wood’s population at the 2020 census was 517 people. While some estimates put that number closer to 800 or 900, the point is that Camp Wood doesn’t have a lot of people in it. That makes The Quince, the area’s prized swimming hole, one of the most pristine spots in the state.
Named for its 15 feet of depth, The Quince is a beautiful stretch of can’t-believe-your-eyes clear water along the Nueces River. Blooming sycamores offer shade under the summer heat, while there are plenty of tall spots to jump from, including a low-water bridge that was washed out in 2018.
There might not be many locals in Camp Wood, but they all take pride in keeping The Quince safe.
Scott’s Ridge Swim Site — Montgomery
13274 Scotts Ridge Rd, Montgomery, TX 77356
Sitting on the west edge of Lake Conroe, Scott’s Ridge is nestled within Sam Houston National Forest and offers a swimming hole that’s also great for fishing and boating. Be sure to bring your bug spray—insects love a good forested area!
The swimming area is buoyed off from where the boats, tubes, and water skis play, so you can paddle without worrying about anything bumping into you. Admission into the forest is $5 per car.
Devil’s Waterhole — Burnet
3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, TX 78611
If the name Devil’s Waterhole sounds intimidating, don’t fear. The legend goes that an old landowner occasionally had to cross the creek, and his wagon often got stuck. The ensuing cursing in frustration gave way to the name. Anyone who’s played the Oregon Trail computer game can empathize with wagon trouble.
Besides, the swimming hole itself is anything but devilish. Sparkling blue water and colorful rocks are the perfect backdrop for a dazzling sunset. The granite overhang is a tremendous launching pad for more adventurous swimmers to try cannonballs or high dives. And since Devil’s Waterhole is nestled within Inks Lake State Park, you’ll enjoy nine miles of hiking trails within the hills and forests. Entrance to the park costs $7 for adults and is free for kids 12 and under. You can also rent a paddle boat starting at $20.
Balmorhea State Park Swimming Pool — Toyahvale
9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786
Photo by Larry D. Moore, courtesy of CC BY 4.0.
Driving out to West Texas means contending with long stretches of hot and dry land. Even some of the more touristy attractions, such as Big Bend and Marfa, are smack dab in the middle of the desert heat. Luckily, the swimming pool in Balmorhea State Park is the perfect place to cool off.
San Solomon Springs flows over 15 million gallons into the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. The crystal-clear water is a perfect site for snorkeling, and the desert wetlands are home to endangered fish and other wildlife. The pool is free to use, though adults over 12 must pay $7 to enter the park.
Rio Vista Park — San Marcos
555 Cheatham St. San Marcos, TX 78666
Photo by Charlie Llewellin, courtesy of CC BY-SA 2.0.
Rio Vista Park is an excellent spot for those who need a little more adventure in their swimming holes. Kayaking, paddling, and rapid rafting abound, and you’ll likely see plenty of Lions Club tubers finishing up their floats here.
With no admission or parking fees, Rio Vista Park is one of the most accessible swimming holes in Texas. If you need a break from the water, get some exercise on basketball and tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, or check out the wall paintings from local artists around the park.
Frio River Private Access — Concan
19683 TX-127, Concan, TX 78838
Visiting popular swimming holes means you might have to contend with some crowds. Perhaps that’s waiting in line for a turn on the diving board or rope swing or having to walk around for a bit to find the perfect spot to set up camp.
The Frio River Private Access ranch offers no such qualms. Only 30 people are allowed per day, so you can float, kayak, or paddleboard down the river with plenty of space. After you dry off, marvel at the eighth-largest tree in all of Texas, pictured above next to a small child for scale.
Need even more places to take a dip? Check out our favorite lakes and beaches around Texas.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
