Best Swimming Holes in Central Texas — 2026 Guide

Published March 20, 2026 · Updated for summer 2026

Texas heat is no joke. Fortunately, Central Texas sits on some of the best spring-fed swimming holes in the country. Here's where to cool off.

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The Icons

Barton Springs Pool

Zilker Park, Austin · $5 entry · 68-70°F year-round The crown jewel. A 3-acre spring-fed pool that stays 68-70°F regardless of the weather. Austinites have been swimming here for over 100 years. The vibe is locals doing laps at 7am and families with floaties at 2pm. If you've never been, this is non-negotiable.

Pro tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The south side has the grassy hill for lounging.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Dripping Springs · 30 min from Austin · Reservation required A collapsed underground river created a grotto with a 50-foot waterfall pouring into an emerald green pool. It looks fake. It's not. Reservations are required and fill up fast — book 2-3 weeks ahead in summer.

Pro tip: Arrive early. The trail down is short but the parking lot fills by 10am. Swimming is sometimes closed after heavy rain — check the Travis County website before driving out.

Jacob's Well

Wimberley · 45 min from Austin · Reservation required A perpetual artesian spring that pushes thousands of gallons per minute from an underwater cave system. The water is crystal clear and ice cold. This is one of the most photographed swimming holes in Texas for a reason.

Warning: The underwater caves have killed experienced divers. Stay on the surface — the swimming is more than enough.

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The Greenbelt

Austin's Barton Creek Greenbelt stretches 7.9 miles through the city with multiple swimming holes along the way. The water level depends on recent rain — check conditions before hiking in.

Sculpture Falls

The most popular Greenbelt swimming spot. A series of cascading rock ledges that create natural pools and small waterfalls. The hike in is about 20 minutes from the trailhead.

Twin Falls

Two side-by-side waterfalls that pour into a pool below. Shorter hike than Sculpture Falls. Great for families — the pools are shallow enough for kids.

Campbell's Hole

Deeper water, rope swings, and cliff jumping (at your own risk). The "party" swimming hole of the Greenbelt. Weekend crowds can be intense.

Gus Fruh Pool

A beautiful natural pool surrounded by limestone cliffs. Good for swimming and cliff jumping. The hike in is moderate — about 15 minutes from the parking area.

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The State Parks

McKinney Falls State Park

Austin · $6 entry Upper and Lower Falls, both swimmable. The Lower Falls has a wide, flat rock area that's perfect for laying out. Inside the city limits — no hour-long drive required.

Pedernales Falls State Park

Johnson City · 45 min from Austin · $6 entry Massive limestone slabs with pools and cascades. The "falls" are more like terraced rock shelves with water flowing over them. Stunning when the water level is right.

Krause Springs

Spicewood · 30 min from Austin · $9 entry Privately owned spring-fed pool and natural swimming area with a 20-foot waterfall. Camping available. Feels like a secret garden. One of the best-kept secrets in the Hill Country.

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The Hill Country

Blue Hole Regional Park

Wimberley · 45 min from Austin · $9 entry A stunning turquoise swimming hole surrounded by cypress trees. The park limits daily visitors to keep it pristine. Rope swing included.

Comal River

New Braunfels · 50 min from Austin Float the river in a tube. The water is spring-fed (72°F year-round) and the float takes 2-3 hours depending on where you get out. Tube rentals everywhere. The most Texas summer activity that exists.

Guadalupe River State Park

Spring Branch · 40 min from San Antonio Swimming, tubing, and camping on the Guadalupe River. Less crowded than New Braunfels and more scenic.

Landa Park & Spring-Fed Pool

New Braunfels · 50 min from Austin A historic spring-fed pool with a two-story water slide (the Wet Willie). Fed by the Comal Springs — the largest spring system in Texas. Old-school Texas summer fun.

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The Rules

1. Check water levels before you go. Greenbelt swimming holes dry up without rain. State parks post conditions online.
2. Reservations are real. Hamilton Pool, Jacob's Well, and Blue Hole all require advance reservations in summer.
3. Bring water shoes. Limestone rocks are slippery and sharp.
4. Pack out your trash. These places stay beautiful because people respect them.
5. Sunscreen. Texas sun reflects off water. You'll burn twice as fast.
6. Go on weekdays. Weekend crowds at popular spots are brutal May through September.

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Planning a day trip? Find restaurants and bars near every swimming hole at TownHop.