Swimming It’s blazing down out there. The mercury is nudging on the century mark. And every watering hole in the entire state of Texas is jammed with floating beer coolers and high pitched shrieks. Well every one of them, it seems like.
What if, though, I promised you secret places where the water actually appears to be something you can see all the way to the bottom, where the nearest human is a distant speck (and not the screaming sort of speck), and the only audio entertainment comes in the shape of a gentle cascade spilling into the crystal water below? You do not need to pinch yourself. You merely need a GPS coordinate and a little sense of adventure.
I’ve wasted countless hours meandering through the Texas Hill Country in a determined pursuit of the secluded sanctuaries that your friendly Texas locals attempt to hoard from those of us outside the inner circle. Those secret swimming hole Havens the Texas Hill Country will forever consider sacred are not the type you’ll find etched in tourist brochures and online itinerary suggestions. You have to earn the experience.
Sometimes you need to sweat it out on a hike.
Sometimes you need to be on Santa’s Nice List and snag a coveted reservation. Each and every time, you will undoubtedly feel that your exertions have paid dividends.
I’m going to tell you all my favorite little escapes.
The Adventure Seeker’s Dream
The Blanco River Narrows
The Vibe: Mystical and out of this world canyon. The Blanco River Narrows is the holy grail of Texas swimming holes, however, it’s not a convenient one. It’s a natural gem that can only be accessed by an arduous river bed trek, but when you get to the end of this challenging journey, you’ll be rewarded by the unique world of deep, dark and clear pools, cool-looking canyon walls carpeted in fern, and smooth geology.
The Hike:14 mile, 8 to 10 hour round trip hike, mostly in the river bed, it is certainly not for the faint of heart but one of the most rewarding trips you can take in the state.
The Narrows: About a quarter mile where the river bed ” cracks open” showing off the river’s stairs, each of them an ancient geological structure holding up pools of cool dark water that are rumored to be bottomless. You’ll enter another dimension when you arrive. You must stay in the river bed while hiking or you will trespass on private land. Check what the landowner’s conditions are like prior to hiking into the Narrows on their land.
There have been times in the past where private property access is discouraged.
The Instagram Worthy Spots
Hamilton Pool Preserve
The Vibe: A fallen-in grotto complete with a 50ft waterfall.
Although there are plenty of amazing swimming holes out in Hill Country, the undeniable champ of them all is Hamilton Pool. Obviously, as it’s pretty much an open secret of how beautiful and unique the park is. Originally created when a natural dome over an underground river collapsed, there is a striking, green pool with a 50 foot waterfall pouring into it. It’s not quite what you expect out in the Texas countryside, more like the setting of some kind of epic film.
The Magic: The way the grotto curves in, creating a protective half dome above the water will mean that the water is typically right around 70F all year long. Those sun rays that pierce through the top hole? Prepare for them to do some cool things on the emerald water in the morning.
Reservations Required: Let it be known that this place is extremely well loved, and you’ll need to prepare to make reservations weeks, and in many cases months, in advance. You’ll need to book tickets on the Travis County Parks website and be warned that on rare occasions they close the park or suspend swimming after significant rainfall due to high bacteria counts, so double check their site before going.
Blue Hole Regional Park
The Vibe: Serene, cypress-shaded oasis.
Located in Wimberley, Blue Hole is the Hill Country classic at its best. Cypress Creek’s spring-fed waters flow clean and cool and this swimming hole is shaded by gorgeous, old cypress trees to frame the scene for the perfect picture.
The Amenities: It is not just a hole in the river, however. Blue Hole is actually a regional park, offering rope swings, nature and mountain biking trails and expansive grassy areas for picnics and play. It makes a wonderful full-day family destination.
Reservations Needed: Because this a precious resource, reservations are needed to swim at Blue Hole from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend and will go on sale two weeks prior for your specific reservation. There is no walk-up option for this swimming hole! Reserve online by going to the Parks and Wildlife department website.
The Off the Beaten Path Gems
Krause Springs
The Vibe: 32 springs on a piece of property that could be mistaken for a lost paradise with two separate pools.
Why Go: Krause Springs is one man’s privately owned sanctuary that you too can swim in, but probably shouldn’t even dare attempt to try and one up in your own yard. This 32 acre property located just outside of Spicewood has the lowest natural pool and the manmade pool.
The Water: 32 springs gurgle up from the Trinity Aquifer to ensure that you have access to crystal clear, refreshing water year-round. In the summer time, this is one seriously nice cool off. The bottom level natural pool is fun with a small waterfall to play under and the upper manmade pool is smoother.
Camping Available:You could definitely stay overnight here and just exist in that serene, wooded space under some ancient cypress trees.
Krause Springs
The Vibe: The “Cowboy Capital” hidden river.
The Upper Nueces River may be the most overlooked swimming hole in Texas, gurgling between limestone cliffs and bluffs in Real County just south of Camp Wood in hues that would seem more at home in the Caribbean than Texas. It’s also a spring-fed system, so the water stays refreshing even on sweltering days.
A Real Hidden Gem: Like so many of Texas’s best treasures, it isn’t completely a secret, but is far less on the radars of swimmers and tubers than pools found more closely in and around Austin and San Antonio. The distance may dissuade you, but at three hours’ drive time from major metropolitan centers, the farther trek keeps the masses from descending.
Best Stretch: Locals tout The Quince, a portion of the river near Camp Wood as an excellent choice; the water there is so clean you may believe you’ve been transported to a more exotic locales. The area around The Quince features river lodging and outfitters.
Lesser Known Spots to Explore
Pedernales Falls State Park’s Hidden Pools
Though the grand falls are surely eye candy, the rest of the park does boast some more obscure pools, like Arrowhead Pool and Cypress Pool, nestled into quiet crevices for those seeking a more personal swim.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area
Gorgeous Wimberley artesian spring; water so clear you can see into an underground cave. The park is quite popular and can be a bit of a challenge to visit, especially with kids and on weekends. Visit during the week.
Devil’s Waterhole
This cool swimming hole has an exciting cliff jumping location inside Inks Lake State Park, a perfect spot for an adventurous swim and jump.
Camp Ben McCullough
Another one of those publicly owned pieces of property where the entrance only comes alive when the creek swells with water in Driftwood,Texas next to Salt Lick. It even has a rope swing and what we like to call theTexas Jumping Hole.
Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park
Many people skip the tough mile-and-a-half hike down to this 70-foot waterfall, but the people who make it down will be rewarded with the use of the natural pool at the waterfall’s feet.
Conclusion
This is only a sampling of the numerous wonders located throughout the Texas Hill Country, but the finest among them tend to be the most challenging to discover. Whether you are up for a 14 mile trek along a riverbed searching for an ever elusive canyon, or if all you need is a booking at a fantastic grotto, there are natural wonders for you too. Whether your swimming spot is easy to find or will take the trek of a lifetime to uncover, water shoes ready. Whether you prefer an adventure that requires a trek up a river or a grotto to simply relax in, a swimming hole with your name on it waits for you somewhere.
These hidden Texas treasures were selected to provide an array of beauty. Where are your favorite hidden swimming holes in the Texas Hill Country?
Are there any that were omitted and should be on this list? Please let me know your favorite secluded spot in the comments below.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a reservation for any of these swimming holes?
Yes. Hamilton Pool and Blue Hole Regional Park both require reservations, which often book up weeks in advance. You cannot just show up .
How do I get to the Blanco River Narrows?
It is a 14 mile round trip hike through the riverbed. You must stay in the riverbed to avoid trespassing on private land .
Is the water cold in the Hill Country swimming holes?
Yes. Most are spring-fed, with water temperatures in the 60s and 70s, which feels incredibly refreshing in the summer heat .
Which swimming hole is best for families?
Blue Hole Regional Park and Krause Springs are great choices. They have easy access, shallow areas for kids, and grassy banks for picnics .
Can I swim at Pedernales Falls State Park?
You cannot swim at or below the main falls, but there is a designated swimming area downstream with cool, spring fed water .