Public Parking On The Square
Parking lot
4.9 (7)
Oak Dr, Wimberley, TX 78676
Restroom
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Two-City River/Managed Swim-Area AggregateTX
San Marcos And Wimberley Swimming Spots
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Compare Rio Vista seasonal visitor entry charges and free parking with separately reserved Wimberley Blue Hole swimming, without a single regional access policy.
Swimming restriction
Follow current city rules. Rio Vista bans single-use beverage containers in river/no zones and limits coolers there to under 30 quarts. Blue Hole swimming requires a reservation; old swing claims are not universal river permission.
Water type
Two-City River/Managed Swim-Area Aggregate
Access
Informal
Fee
Rio Vista lists $5 out-of-area admission summer weekends/holidays, free parking and separate pool-gate fees. Wimberley swimming half-day passes start at $15.
Best season
Choose a date only after checking access, weather and current notices
Nearby towns
San Marcos, Wimberley
Water body
San Marcos River And Separate Cypress Creek At Wimberley
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
San Marcos, Wimberley
Place-name search
Rio Vista Park San Marcos Texas
Map searches for the named location. Confirm the entrance and current access with the park before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Two cities require two different swimming plans
San Marcos river parks and Wimberley's Blue Hole Regional Park have separate managers. The original record's Sewell, Rio Vista and campground references cannot be combined into one entrance, fee or unrestricted float route.
Rio Vista: park entry is not parking or pool admission
San Marcos identifies river access at Rio Vista Park, 555 Cheatham Street. It lists no park reservation requirement and free parking, while out-of-area visitor admission is $5 on weekends/holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pool-gate charges are separate. Check current notices rather than applying a summer fee schedule to every date.
Pack for river-zone rules
The city bans disposable beverage containers in river and designated no zones and limits each person to one cooler under 30 quarts there. It lists restrooms and picnic facilities, but those amenities do not establish a supervised river pool or a safe route through every rapid.
Blue Hole Wimberley requires a separate swim booking
Use the actual swimming reservation
Wimberley Parks requires swimming reservations and lists half-day passes from $15 at 333 Blue Hole Lane. Check the intended date and current water notices. Its reserved swimming area is not the same as Rio Vista or a generic park visit.
Retire old campground and swing assumptions
The archive's Blue Hole Campground label does not establish current overnight permission. Nor does an old swing or spring-fed description authorize jumping or clear every regional entry. Arrange camping separately, choose an allowed entry and exit, and follow the relevant manager's present rules.
Getting There
For Rio Vista use current city directions to 555 Cheatham Street, San Marcos. For a reserved Blue Hole swim use 333 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley and booking instructions. Sewell/Aquarena-to-interstate archive details do not create a continuous unrestricted swim route.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Rio Vista river park says no reservation required, but seasonal managed gates apply weekends/holidays. Blue Hole Regional Park requires swimming reservations; general park access is a different question.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Follow current city rules. Rio Vista bans single-use beverage containers in river/no zones and limits coolers there to under 30 quarts. Blue Hole swimming requires a reservation; old swing claims are not universal river permission. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Parking Lot
Parking lot
Wimberley, TX 78676
Bank and Employee parking- Cypress Creek
Parking lot
5 (1)
501 County Rd 1492, Wimberley, TX 78676
Blue Hole Regional Park
City park
4.6 (2144)
333 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676
Lush park showcasing a forested swimming area with rope swings plus a basketball court & trails.
Barbecue grillBasketball courtPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Cypress Creek Nature Preserve
Nature preserve
4.7 (360)
107 Old Kyle Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676
Tranquil nature trail along Cypress Creek with picnic tables, a playground, pavilion & restrooms.
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Jacob's Well Natural Area
Nature preserve
4.4 (2137)
1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676
A popular swimming spot, this creek features an artesian spring & underwater caves.
Picnic tablesPublic restroomSwings
Horseshoe Ridge RV Resort
Campground
5 (244)
17901 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676
Black Canyon Wimberley - Modern Cabin Getaways & Gatherings
Hotel
4.8 (147)
660 Wayside Dr, Wimberley, TX 78676
Frequently Asked Questions About San Marcos And Wimberley Swimming Spots
Do the two cities share one swimming reservation?
No. Rio Vista and Wimberley Blue Hole have separate admission arrangements.
Is Rio Vista parking free?
The city says parking is free. That is separate from seasonal out-of-area park admission and pool-gate charges.
When does Rio Vista list its $5 visitor charge?
For out-of-area visitors on weekends/holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check current notices for your date.
Do I need a Blue Hole swimming reservation?
Yes. Wimberley requires one, with half-day passes listed from $15.
Can I bring disposable drink containers onto the Rio Vista river?
City rules prohibit single-use beverage containers in river/no zones; cooler limits also apply.
Does the old Blue Hole Campground name confirm camping?
No. Book an authorized overnight stay separately instead of relying on the historical label.
Highlights
Free parking versus charged seasonal park entry
Wimberley swim reservation distinct from Rio Vista
Pool gate versus river access clarified
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not assume every rapid or dam is a swim route
- Use current entry/exit planning and water notices; springs, reservations and clear-looking water do not establish safe flow
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The historical directory record is retained as evidence, not proof of present access or a verified cultural account.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use authorized public viewpoints; no exact-entry gallery approval added in this review.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect private boundaries and signs, use authorized paths and pack out waste.
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Check water quality before swimming
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose a date only after checking access, weather and current notices.
Difficulty Level
Exact lawful swimming approach and accessibility have not been verified.
Fee
Rio Vista lists $5 out-of-area admission summer weekends/holidays, free parking and separate pool-gate fees. Wimberley swimming half-day passes start at $15.
Facilities
Do not confuse Rio Vista's separately charged swimming pool with the river. Park amenities and Blue Hole reservation services have different managers.
Activities
Authorized land-based recreation only; this listing does not recommend jumping, diving or rope swings
Phone
512-660-9111 (Wimberley Parks)
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Archived Blue Hole Campground wording is not current camping permission. Arrange any overnight stay separately with its actual operator.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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