Just Add Water

7 Texas Hill Country Swimming Holes Worth Visiting

Hot Texas summers call for a refreshing dip in a crisp, cool swimming hole. Luckily, the Texas Hill Country is home to several spots that will do the trick! Here are a few of our favorites that are perfect for a fun and refreshing day trip.

Hamilton Pool Presesrve

A sight to behold, Hamilton Pool is a natural pool that lies beneath a 50-foot waterfall. The grotto and jade-green pool were formed when an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion over thousands of years. There is a shallow part around the edge of the pool where you can sit and lounge, however if you want to swim under the waterfall it is around 25 feet at its deepest! The pool is surrounded by large slabs of limestone that rest by the water's edge; large stalactites grow from the ceiling high above. Located about 23 miles west of Austin, the Hamilton Pool Preserve consists of 232 acres of protected, natural habitat.

Ingram Dam

Located about 1.5 miles from the “Y” in Ingram, the Dam is next to Ingram Lake and is best known for its slippery, sliding fun down the Dam. The Dam Store, which is located close by, rents mats for sliding and tubes. Swimming is also allowed in the roped off area in the lake.

James Kiehl River Bend Park

Enjoy fishing, paddling, swimming and relaxing in this serene 25-acre county park in Comfort. The park also includes, 1.5 miles of trails, multiple river access spots and picnic areas.

Guadalupe River State Park

Swim, fish, tube or canoe in the four miles of Guadalupe River that lies within this state park located in Spring Branch. The river is lined on one side with cliffs over 40 feet tall. Inside the river are large boulders in several spots, great for climbing, jumping and tanning. Open daily, in addition to plenty of river fun, the park offers overnight camping and 13 miles of hike and bike trails.

Blue Hole Regional Park & Jacob’s Well

Blue Hole Regional Park is a natural spring-fed swimming hole that is located in Wimberley. Great for the entire family, spend the day in the crystal clear water, swinging on the famous rope swing or lounging on the grassy banks. About five miles northwest of Blue Hole is Jacob’s Well. While close in proximity, they are not part of the same park. Jacob’s Well is an artesian well that is the head waters to the Cypress Creek. It releases thousands of gallons of water per day from the Trinity Aquifer. Year round the water stays at a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The cave system below is the second-largest fully-submerged cave system in Texas.

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.

– John Lubbock

Paradise Canyon

Since 1957, Paradise Canyon has offered a slice of heaven. Hang out with family and friends as you soak up the sun in the bluegreen waters of the Medina River. Jump in for a swim, grab a tube for a float or throw your line in the water and catch a few fish in this true paradise in Rio Medina.

Schumacher Crossing

In the early 1920s, the late John Schumacher dammed up this spot of the Guadalupe River to prevent flooding. The result was the creation of an awesome swimming hole in Hunt! This hidden gem is a true delight with a cascade of short waterfalls surrounded by giant cypress trees. There is a roadside park that is maintained by the State with covered picnic tables and parking.

NOTE: Some of these destinations require an advanced reservation. Please check their websites for availabity and water/drought conditions.