Texans are well-accustomed to summertime heat, and our favorite way to combat it is to find the nearest swimming hole and jump right in. These 10 natural pools in Texas are the perfect way to spend a summer day, and since you’re surrounded by Texas’ beautiful natural landscape, you’ll feel even closer to nature than you would at a normal pool. Who’s ready to dive in?
- Krause Springs (Spicewood)
Flickr/trektexas Krause Springs is a privately owned swimming hole in Texas, but guests are allowed for a small fee - and you can even camp on the grounds. The water is spring-fed, so it’s especially cool and perfect for beating the Texas summer heat. And between the gorgeous waterfall and lush greenery, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a scene from Tarzan. Krause Springs, 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
- Hamilton Pool (Dripping Springs)
Flickr/darrellrhodesmiller Hamilton Pool is one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas, and there’s no secret as to why. Ancient limestone surrounds the jade green water, and an enormous waterfall that cascades over the rocks. It just can’t be beat. Hamilton Pool Road, Hamilton Pool Rd, Texas, USA
- Jacob’s Well (Wimberley)
Flickr/paddymurphy Some of the clearest waterin Texas exists here at Jacob’s Well. Even if you aren’t a thrill seeker, the drive out here is still completely worth it. Chilling in the spring and staring at the 200+ foot-deep abyss in front of you is just as exciting (and much safer) as jumping into the well from the rocks above. Jacobs Well, Texas 78676, USA
- Balmorhea State Park (Toyahvale)
Flickr/Angi English Not only is this Texas swimming hole a refreshing oasis in the middle of the West Texas desert, but it’s also the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the entire world! The water is absolutely beautiful, and it’s a must-visit if you live out west or are just passing through. Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USA
- Blue Hole (Leakey)
Flickr/Angi English Blue Hole is part of Leakey’s Riding River Ranch, so unfortunately you can only swim here if you’re a guest - but that’s a perfect excuse to book a night or two because the rest of the property is absolutely gorgeous as well! Riding River Ranch, 971 Kent Creek Rd, Leakey, TX 78873, USA
- Barton Springs Pool (Austin)
Flickr/wallyg Barton Springs Pool is definitely one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas, especially since it’s located in Austin. The water is freezing, but we can assure you that you won’t be complaining when it’s pushing 100 degrees outside. Barton Springs Municipal Pool, 2201 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, USA
- Cypress Falls (Wimberley)
Facebook/Jan Small With the more popular Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole in Wimberley, Cypress Falls often gets overlooked - but that’s a darn shame because it’s absolutely gorgeous. This is a hidden gem that definitely belongs on your summer bucket list. Cypress Falls, TX, USA
- Frio River at Garner State Park (Concan)
Flickr/trishzatx Garner State Park is one of the most popular overnight camping spots in the state, and it’s also home to one of our favorite Texas swimming holes. Swimming, tubing, or kayaking in the river with breathtaking limestone cliffs and mesas surrounding you is an absolutely surreal experience. Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
- Barton Creek Greenbelt (Austin)
Flickr/paddymurphy The next time you go hiking at the Greenbelt, keep going just a bit farther than you normally would until you come across a little swimming hole. The water is an inviting blueish green color, and there are tons of mini waterfalls cascading down over the rocks at this stunning Texas natural pool. Barton Creek, Texas, USA
- Devil’s Waterhole at Ink’s Lake State Park (Burnet)
Flickr/theaustinot Kids and teenagers love Devil’s Waterhole because they can jump off the craggy rocks into the water below. If you aren’t quite that adventurous, you can simply swim and enjoy the refreshing water. If the hole gets too overcrowded, you can also swim in Inks Lake. Devils Waterhole, Texas 78072, USA
Have you been to any of these swimming holes? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below, and if your favorite Texas swimming hole didn’t make the list, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
Flickr/trektexas
Krause Springs is a privately owned swimming hole in Texas, but guests are allowed for a small fee - and you can even camp on the grounds. The water is spring-fed, so it’s especially cool and perfect for beating the Texas summer heat. And between the gorgeous waterfall and lush greenery, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a scene from Tarzan.
Krause Springs, 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
Flickr/darrellrhodesmiller
Hamilton Pool is one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas, and there’s no secret as to why. Ancient limestone surrounds the jade green water, and an enormous waterfall that cascades over the rocks. It just can’t be beat.
Hamilton Pool Road, Hamilton Pool Rd, Texas, USA
Flickr/paddymurphy
Some of the clearest waterin Texas exists here at Jacob’s Well. Even if you aren’t a thrill seeker, the drive out here is still completely worth it. Chilling in the spring and staring at the 200+ foot-deep abyss in front of you is just as exciting (and much safer) as jumping into the well from the rocks above.
Jacobs Well, Texas 78676, USA
Flickr/Angi English
Not only is this Texas swimming hole a refreshing oasis in the middle of the West Texas desert, but it’s also the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the entire world! The water is absolutely beautiful, and it’s a must-visit if you live out west or are just passing through.
Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USA
Blue Hole is part of Leakey’s Riding River Ranch, so unfortunately you can only swim here if you’re a guest - but that’s a perfect excuse to book a night or two because the rest of the property is absolutely gorgeous as well!
Riding River Ranch, 971 Kent Creek Rd, Leakey, TX 78873, USA
Flickr/wallyg
Barton Springs Pool is definitely one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas, especially since it’s located in Austin. The water is freezing, but we can assure you that you won’t be complaining when it’s pushing 100 degrees outside.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool, 2201 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Facebook/Jan Small
With the more popular Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole in Wimberley, Cypress Falls often gets overlooked - but that’s a darn shame because it’s absolutely gorgeous. This is a hidden gem that definitely belongs on your summer bucket list.
Cypress Falls, TX, USA
Flickr/trishzatx
Garner State Park is one of the most popular overnight camping spots in the state, and it’s also home to one of our favorite Texas swimming holes. Swimming, tubing, or kayaking in the river with breathtaking limestone cliffs and mesas surrounding you is an absolutely surreal experience.
Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
The next time you go hiking at the Greenbelt, keep going just a bit farther than you normally would until you come across a little swimming hole. The water is an inviting blueish green color, and there are tons of mini waterfalls cascading down over the rocks at this stunning Texas natural pool.
Barton Creek, Texas, USA
Flickr/theaustinot
Kids and teenagers love Devil’s Waterhole because they can jump off the craggy rocks into the water below. If you aren’t quite that adventurous, you can simply swim and enjoy the refreshing water. If the hole gets too overcrowded, you can also swim in Inks Lake.
Devils Waterhole, Texas 78072, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
natural pools in Texas June 02, 2022 Jackie Ann What are the most beautiful beaches in Texas? Texas has such an incredibly diverse landscape, you can go from dry desserts on one side of the state to beautiful beaches on the other. When the summer sun starts to beat down, it’s time to find a Texas beach to cool down, and we’ve got some of the best beaches for a summer adventure. Galveston is one of the most popular beaches in Texas, and Galveston Island State Park has a lovely waterfront hike with an observation tower to take in the sights. If you want to get away from the crowds, consider Whitecap Beach or South Packery Jetty Beach, both in Corpus Christi. How many state parks are in Texas? Texas is a big state, so it should come as no surprise that we have a lot of state parks. There are 89 state parks, historic sites, and natural areas in Texas. The largest state park in Texas is Big Bend Ranch State Park, located in West Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s often overlooked since it shares the same name with the National Park nearby, and it features more than 300,000 acres of remote Texas wilderness to enjoy. Acton State Historic Site is the smallest state park in Texas, and it’s the burial site of Elizabeth Crockett, the wife of Davy Crockett. Are there any inflatable waterparks in Texas? No matter how old you are, splashing the day away at an inflatable waterpark is always a good idea. Altitude H20 is an inflatable waterpark in Texas that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. The family-friendly waterpark is the largest floating aqua park obstacle course in Texas and features several inflatables including trampolines, slides, and swinging ropes to keep you entertained for hours. Big Rivers Water Park is another awesome aqua park in Texas, featuring both a traditional waterpark and an inflatable aqua park. The best of both worlds!
The OIYS Visitor Center
natural pools in Texas
June 02, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the most beautiful beaches in Texas? Texas has such an incredibly diverse landscape, you can go from dry desserts on one side of the state to beautiful beaches on the other. When the summer sun starts to beat down, it’s time to find a Texas beach to cool down, and we’ve got some of the best beaches for a summer adventure. Galveston is one of the most popular beaches in Texas, and Galveston Island State Park has a lovely waterfront hike with an observation tower to take in the sights. If you want to get away from the crowds, consider Whitecap Beach or South Packery Jetty Beach, both in Corpus Christi. How many state parks are in Texas? Texas is a big state, so it should come as no surprise that we have a lot of state parks. There are 89 state parks, historic sites, and natural areas in Texas. The largest state park in Texas is Big Bend Ranch State Park, located in West Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s often overlooked since it shares the same name with the National Park nearby, and it features more than 300,000 acres of remote Texas wilderness to enjoy. Acton State Historic Site is the smallest state park in Texas, and it’s the burial site of Elizabeth Crockett, the wife of Davy Crockett. Are there any inflatable waterparks in Texas? No matter how old you are, splashing the day away at an inflatable waterpark is always a good idea. Altitude H20 is an inflatable waterpark in Texas that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. The family-friendly waterpark is the largest floating aqua park obstacle course in Texas and features several inflatables including trampolines, slides, and swinging ropes to keep you entertained for hours. Big Rivers Water Park is another awesome aqua park in Texas, featuring both a traditional waterpark and an inflatable aqua park. The best of both worlds!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Texas has such an incredibly diverse landscape, you can go from dry desserts on one side of the state to beautiful beaches on the other. When the summer sun starts to beat down, it’s time to find a Texas beach to cool down, and we’ve got some of the best beaches for a summer adventure. Galveston is one of the most popular beaches in Texas, and Galveston Island State Park has a lovely waterfront hike with an observation tower to take in the sights. If you want to get away from the crowds, consider Whitecap Beach or South Packery Jetty Beach, both in Corpus Christi.
How many state parks are in Texas?
Texas is a big state, so it should come as no surprise that we have a lot of state parks. There are 89 state parks, historic sites, and natural areas in Texas. The largest state park in Texas is Big Bend Ranch State Park, located in West Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s often overlooked since it shares the same name with the National Park nearby, and it features more than 300,000 acres of remote Texas wilderness to enjoy. Acton State Historic Site is the smallest state park in Texas, and it’s the burial site of Elizabeth Crockett, the wife of Davy Crockett.
Are there any inflatable waterparks in Texas?
No matter how old you are, splashing the day away at an inflatable waterpark is always a good idea. Altitude H20 is an inflatable waterpark in Texas that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. The family-friendly waterpark is the largest floating aqua park obstacle course in Texas and features several inflatables including trampolines, slides, and swinging ropes to keep you entertained for hours. Big Rivers Water Park is another awesome aqua park in Texas, featuring both a traditional waterpark and an inflatable aqua park. The best of both worlds!
