Swimming Holes in TX

Discover 16 amazing natural swimming destinations across TX. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.

16
Swimming Holes
7
Types
1
Free Access
15
Fee Required
16 locations found
Varies (see below)
Fee

Austin and Georgetown Swimming Holes

AUSTIN

Explore natural swimming holes near Austin and Georgetown, TX. Find directions, access info, and safety tips for Barton Springs, Blue Hole, and more.

Varies (see below)
View Details
Spring-fed pool
Fee

BALMORHEA S. P.

ODESSA

Visit the iconic San Solomon Springs pool at Balmorhea State Park in Texas. Plan your trip with directions, activities, and essential visitor info.

San Solomon Spring
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River/dam
Free

BLANCO S. P.

BLANCO

Plan your visit to the Blanco State Park swimming hole in Texas. Find directions, access details, and safety tips for swimming in the Blanco River.

Blanco River
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Hot spring
Fee

CHINATI HOT SPRINGS

ALPINE

Plan your visit to remote Chinati Hot Springs in West Texas. Get driving directions from Alpine and Marfa, safety tips, and what to know before you go.

Hot spring
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River
Fee

COLORADO BEND S. P.

SAN SABA

Plan your visit to Colorado Bend State Park in Texas for swimming in the Colorado River. Get directions, safety tips, and essential visitor information.

Colorado River
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Spring-fed pool
Fee

CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH

TEXARKANA

Visit Crystal Springs Beach, a spring-fed pool west of Texarkana. Offers swimming, slides, and diving. Find directions, fees, and safety tips.

Crystal Springs
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River
Fee

GARNER S. P.

SAN SABA

Visit Garner State Park for swimming on the scenic Frio River. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips for a Texas Hill Country trip.

Frio River
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Varies (see below)
Fee

Houston and Beaumont Swimming Spots

HOUSTON

Guide to swimming at Village Creek & Huntsville State Parks near Houston and Beaumont, Texas. Details on access, fees, safety, and directions.

Varies (see below)
View Details
Varies (see below)
Fee

Kerrville Hill Country Swimming Spots

KERRVILLE

Explore swimming at Louise Hays Park in Kerrville, TX. Find directions, safety tips, and details for this deep-water Guadalupe River spot.

Varies (see below)
View Details
Varies (see below)
Fee

Llano Texas Hill Country Swimming Spots

JOHNSON CITY

Guide to swimming spots near Llano, TX, including the Llano Slab and Devil's Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips.

Varies (see below)
View Details
River
Fee

LUCKENBACH

FREDERICKSBURG

Plan a visit to the natural swimming hole on South Grape Creek near Luckenbach, TX. Find directions, safety tips, and what to know before you go.

South Grape River
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River
Fee

NEW BRAUNFELS AREA

SAN ANTOINIO

Plan your visit to the New Braunfels area for swimming and tubing on the Guadalupe River. Find directions, access notes, and essential safety tips.

Guadalupe River
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Varies (see below)
Fee

Pedernales River Swimming Spots in Texas Hill Country

AUSTIN

Find swimming spots along the Pedernales River near Austin. Guide covers access, safety, and park details for Pedernales Falls State Park and the Texas Hill Country.

Varies (see below)
View Details
Spring/pool
Fee

SAN FELIPE SPRINGS

DEL RIO

Plan your visit to San Felipe Springs, a natural swimming hole in Del Rio, Texas. Get directions, safety tips, and essential visitor information.

Spring
View Details
Varies (see below)
Fee

San Marcos and Wimberley Swimming Spots

SAN MARCOS

Plan your trip to San Marcos River and Wimberley's Blue Hole. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips for these popular Texas swimming spots.

Varies (see below)
View Details
creek/Springs
Fee

TONKAWA SPRINGS

NACOGDOCHES

Plan your visit to Tonkawa Springs in Nacogdoches, TX. Find directions, access info, and safety tips for this popular East Texas swimming spot.

Tonkawa Springs
View Details

Safety & Responsibility

  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, and hazards change quickly.
  • Follow posted signs and local regulations. Do not trespass.
  • Never jump or dive without checking depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for non‑swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

Overview

TX features 16 natural swimming spots across 7 water types. Expect varying access and conditions by season; arrive early on weekends, pack out trash, and always verify current rules and water levels before you go.

Explore More Swimming Adventures

Ready to discover more? Check out swimming holes in other states or browse our complete directory.

Browse All Swimming Holes View All States

Frequently Asked Questions

How many swimming holes are in TX?
Our directory lists 16 natural swimming destinations in TX, spanning 4 water types: Varies (see below)s (6), Rivers (4), Spring-fed pools (2), River/dams (1). Of these, 1 (6%) are free to access and 15 require an entry fee or parking pass.
What types of swimming spots does TX have?
TX's 16 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, spring-fed pools. Notable water bodies include Varies (see below), San Solomon Spring, Blanco River, Hot spring, Colorado River.
Which swimming holes in TX are free?
1 of the 16 swimming holes in TX (6%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 15 are in managed areas such as state parks or national forests that charge a day-use or parking fee — typically $5–$10 per vehicle. Always verify current fee information with the managing agency before your visit, as prices change.
Where are the best areas to find swimming holes in TX?
Swimming destinations in TX are clustered around AUSTIN, GEORGETOWN, ODESSA, PECOS. 7 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 9 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in TX?
Based on the conditions reported across TX's listed sites, spring tends to offer the best swimming conditions — warm enough water with manageable crowds. Late spring is ideal for waterfall flows; check USGS streamflow data before visiting any river site after rainfall. Spring-fed pools in the state often maintain consistent temperatures year-round. Always check current weather and water conditions before heading out.
Are swimming holes in TX safe for families and children?
Safety varies significantly by location. 7 officially managed sites in TX typically have clearer access, signage, and in some cases lifeguard coverage — these are generally the best starting points for families. Unofficial or backcountry swimming holes require more caution: always check water depth before letting children enter, watch for currents — even slow-looking rivers can have strong undertow, and avoid swimming during or after heavy rain. Supervise children closely at all times.
Do I need a permit or reservation to swim in TX?
Most swimming holes in TX do not require advance permits, but some high-traffic locations within national forests and popular state parks have moved to timed-entry reservation systems, especially on summer weekends. 15 sites charge a day-use or parking fee. Check the official website of the land management agency — US Forest Service (fs.usda.gov), BLM (blm.gov), or your state parks authority — for the most current access rules before your trip.