Many now need reservations
Hamilton Pool and Blue Hole require advance reservations and book up in summer. Municipal pools like Barton Springs and Deep Eddy don't take reservations - you buy a ticket onsite or in an app - but arrive early.
Rivers / Swimming holes
Swimming holes & springs.
Texas swimming holes range from huge spring-fed pools to hidden Hill Country grottos. A few things are true of almost all of them - then a sampling. Details change constantly, so always confirm on each spot's own page before you go.
Before you go, know this
Spring-fed means cold
Many sit around 68-76 degrees year-round. Refreshing in August; bracing in May. Ease in.
Check today's status
Water access can close after heavy rain, high bacteria readings, flooding, or low spring flow. Jacob's Well remains closed to swimming in 2026. Balmorhea's pool is open daily as of July 2026, but day passes often sell out. Check the official alert before you drive.
A sampling
Confirm details on each one's official page - reservations, fees, and conditions change.
Austin
Barton Springs Pool
Water temperature: 68-70 F Reservations: No reservations - ticket onsite
A 3-acre spring-fed municipal pool in Zilker Park, open year-round; home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander.
Official page ->Travis County
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Water temperature: Cool, spring-fed Reservations: Reservations required
A collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall. Swimming is only allowed when bacteria levels are safe, so it's never guaranteed.
Official page ->Wimberley (Hays Co.)
Jacob's Well
Water temperature: 68 F Reservations: No swimming in 2026
A deep artesian spring and submerged cave. Swimming has not been permitted since June 2022 because of low water and unsafe conditions. The natural area remains open for free hiking and viewing.
Official page ->Wimberley
Blue Hole Regional Park
Water temperature: Cool, cypress-shaded Reservations: Reservations required
Clear, cypress-lined swimming on Cypress Creek; reserve a swim spot in season (it books far ahead).
Official page ->West Texas
Balmorhea State Park
Water temperature: 72-76 F Reservations: Reserve a day pass
The world's largest spring-fed swimming pool, fed by San Solomon Springs. It is open daily as of July 2026, with no lifeguard, and summer day passes often sell out.
Official page ->Frio River
Garner State Park
Water temperature: Cool, river-fed Reservations: Day pass / reserve to camp
A beloved family spot to swim and tube the Frio, with a famous summer jukebox dance going since the 1940s.
Official page ->Spicewood
Krause Springs
Water temperature: Cool, spring-fed Reservations: Private - fee at the gate
A private spot with 32 springs, a spring-fed pool, and camping.
Official page ->Keep going
Official sources
Each swimming hole sets its own reservations, fees, and conditions - city, county, or TPWD. The cards above link to each one. Details change constantly, so confirm before you go.
- Data vintage:
- Swimming-hole details as reviewed July 2026
- Last reviewed:
- July 10, 2026
- TPWD State Parks - For park-run swimming spots
- Hamilton Pool Preserve (Travis County)
- Barton Springs Pool (City of Austin)
Before you act: Reservations, fees, water temperature, and closures change with drought and water quality. The official page for the specific spot is the final word. How to use Texas Porch carefully.
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