🤠 Texas

Swimming Holes
in Texas

80 natural swimming spots across Texas — Lakes & Reservoirs, spring-fed pools, waterfall plunge pools and hidden creek spots. 17 of 80 are free to visit.

80
Swimming Holes
17
Free Entry
11
Regions
37
Need Reservation
🤠
Texas
80 holes listed
Type:

Swimming in Texas

Texas has 80 documented natural swimming spots ranging from spring-fed pools to waterfall plunge pools and river swims. 17 of them are free to visit. Browse by region below or use the filters above to find the right type of swim for you.

Big Bend Country / West Texas
6 spots
🏊
Balmorhea State Park (San Solomon Springs)
📍 Toyahvale, Reeves County
Spring 🟢 Easy $7/adult day use Reservation Required
1.3-acre, 3.5-million-gallon pool built around desert springs by the CCC in the 1930s; up to 30 ft deep, popular with scuba divers.
📌 30.9447, -103.7845 — Open in Maps
💧 72–76°F year-round
$7/adult day use
Details →
🏊
Devils River State Natural Area
📍 Del Rio (Del Norte Unit), Val Verde County
Spring 🟡 Moderate $5/adult day use + advance… Reservation Required
One of the most pristine, remote rivers in Texas; extremely clear blue-green water in limestone canyons. Access is intentionally limited to protect the ecosystem.
📌 29.8973, -100.9922 — Open in Maps
💧 Cold, extremely clear
$5/adult day use +…
Details →
💦
Dolan Falls Preserve (Devils River)
📍 Comstock area, Val Verde County
Waterfall 🟡 Moderate Access typically by guided tour/permission… Reservation Required
A Nature Conservancy preserve on the Devils River featuring a dramatic multi-tiered waterfall; public access is limited.
📌 29.885, -100.995 — Open in Maps
💧 Cold, clear
Access typically by guided…
Details →
🏊
Independence Creek Preserve
📍 Sheffield area, Terrell County
Spring 🟡 Moderate Access primarily via guided visits/permission Reservation Required
Remote spring-fed pool flowing through limestone canyons in the Trans-Pecos, producing very clear, cool water.
📌 30.4571, -101.8105 — Open in Maps
💧 68–72°F
Access primarily via guided…
Details →
🏊
Las Moras Springs (Fort Clark Springs)
📍 Brackettville, Kinney County
Spring 🟡 Moderate ~$5/person (guest/motel pass required)
Historic spring-fed pool on the grounds of a former US Army fort, now a private residential community.
📌 29.3097, -100.4158 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
~$5/person (guest/motel pass required)
Details →
🏊
San Felipe Springs
📍 Del Rio, Val Verde County
Spring 🟢 Easy Free Entry
Fourth-largest springs in Texas, forming a crystal-clear public swimming area right in Del Rio.
📌 29.3754, -100.8872 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
Free
Details →
Central Texas / Cross Timbers
1 spots
🏖️
Lake Brownwood State Park
📍 Brownwood, Brown County
Lake 🟢 Easy $4/adult day use Reservation Required
Historic CCC-developed park on a reservoir near Brownwood.
📌 31.8841, -99.0069 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$4/adult day use
Details →
Central Texas / North of Austin
2 spots
🏖️
Belton Lake / Cedar Ridge Park
📍 Belton, Bell County
Lake 🟢 Easy $5/vehicle
Popular Central Texas reservoir swim spot between Austin and Waco.
📌 31.1199, -97.5458 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$5/vehicle
Details →
🏖️
Stillhouse Hollow Lake
📍 Belton/Salado, Bell County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $5/vehicle
Reservoir near Belton with several swim beaches and parks.
📌 31.0253, -97.5385 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$5/vehicle
Details →
Hill Country
32 spots
🏞️
7A Ranch Crossing
📍 Wimberley, Hays County
River 🟡 Moderate ~$10/person day use
Popular private access point for tubing/swimming the Guadalupe near Wimberley.
📌 29.9863, -98.113 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable
~$10/person day use
Details →
🏞️
Blanco State Park
📍 Blanco, Blanco County
River 🟢 Easy $5/adult day use Reservation Required
CCC-built dams create a series of pool-like swimming areas; simpler and less crowded than nearby Wimberley spots.
📌 30.0886, -98.4239 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool river water
$5/adult day use
Details →
🏞️
Blue Hole (Georgetown)
📍 Georgetown, Williamson County
River 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
Scenic lagoon and swim spot on the San Gabriel River bordered by limestone bluffs; part of the Blue Hole Park/San Gabriel River Trail system.
📌 30.6433, -97.6833 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool river water
Free
Details →
🏊
Blue Hole Regional Park
📍 Wimberley, Hays County
Spring 🟢 Easy $12/adult, $6/child (swim fee) Reservation Required
Beloved cypress-lined swimming hole saved from development by community fundraising; became a city park.
📌 29.9965, -98.0874 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed (~68–70°F)
$12/adult, $6/child (swim fee)
Details →
💦
Colorado Bend State Park (Gorman Falls / river)
📍 Bend, San Saba/Lampasas County
Waterfall 🟡 Moderate $5/adult day use Reservation Required
5,328-acre park with river swimming, caves, and the travertine Gorman Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the state.
📌 31.0506, -98.4552 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable
$5/adult day use
Details →
🏊
Comal River / Prince Solms Park
📍 New Braunfels, Comal County
Spring 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
Consistently cold, clear spring-fed river; one of the most popular tubing rivers in Texas.
📌 29.7042, -98.1256 — Open in Maps
💧 Constant ~70–72°F
Free
Details →
🪨
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
📍 Fredericksburg, Llano/Gillespie County
Creek 🟡 Moderate $8/adult day use Reservation Required
Best known for its granite dome, but Sandy Creek has small wading/swimming pools; reservations required due to high demand.
📌 30.5057, -98.8184 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable, seasonal creek
$8/adult day use
Details →
🏞️
Frio River (Concan / Leakey corridor, general)
📍 Concan / Leakey, Uvalde/Real County
River 🟡 Moderate Varies (many private RV resorts…
Beyond Garner SP, the Frio River has dozens of private resort access points along Concan/Leakey known for clear, cool water.
📌 29.5037, -99.7183 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, clear, spring-influenced
Varies (many private RV…
Details →
🏞️
Garner State Park (Frio River)
📍 Concan, Uvalde County
River 🟢 Easy $8/adult day use Reservation Required
One of the most iconic and crowded Texas state parks; generations of Texans have floated/swum the clear Frio River here.
📌 29.5855, -99.7381 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, clear
$8/adult day use
Details →
🏞️
Guadalupe River (New Braunfels/Sattler tubing corridor)
📍 New Braunfels / Canyon Lake, Comal County
River 🟡 Moderate Varies by outfitter/access point
Popular tubing river below Canyon Lake dam; water temp and flow depend on dam releases.
📌 29.7226, -98.1187 — Open in Maps
💧 Cold (dam release) to warm depending on stretch
Varies by outfitter/access point
Details →
🏞️
Guadalupe River State Park
📍 Spring Branch, Comal County
River 🟡 Moderate $7/adult day use Reservation Required
Four miles of Guadalupe River frontage with swimming, tubing, fishing, and canoeing.
📌 29.8647, -98.4891 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable, cooler near dam releases
$7/adult day use
Details →
💦
Hamilton Pool Preserve
📍 Dripping Springs, Travis County
Waterfall 🔴 Difficult $12/vehicle online reservation + $8/adult… Reservation Required
Regulated natural preserve with a collapsed grotto and waterfall; swimming frequently closed for E. coli monitoring — check status before going.
📌 30.3424, -98.127 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
$12/vehicle online reservation +…
Details →
🏊
Hancock Springs Free Flow Pool
📍 Lampasas, Lampasas County
Spring 🟢 Easy ~$3-$5/person
One of the few remaining free-flowing, spring-fed municipal pools in Texas, built in 1911.
📌 31.0543, -98.1751 — Open in Maps
💧 Constant ~69°F
~$3-$5/person
Details →
🏖️
Inks Lake State Park – Devil's Waterhole
📍 Burnet, Burnet County
Lake 🟢 Easy $7/adult day use Reservation Required
Colorado River reservoir with the popular Devil's Waterhole swim/cliff-jump cove surrounded by pink granite.
📌 30.741, -98.3752 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool lake water
$7/adult day use
Details →
🏊
Krause Springs
📍 Spicewood, Burnet County
Spring 🟡 Moderate $10/adult, $6/child (cash only)
Historic 115-acre private property with dozens of springs, a waterfall grotto, and camping.
📌 30.4795, -98.1491 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
$10/adult, $6/child (cash only)
Details →
🏊
Landa Park
📍 New Braunfels, Comal County
Spring 🟢 Easy Free Entry
Spring-fed headwaters of the Comal River (shortest river in the US) inside a large city park with giant oaks.
📌 29.7151, -98.134 — Open in Maps
💧 ~70°F
Free
Details →
🏞️
Llano River (Llano / Junction area, general)
📍 Llano / Junction, Llano/Kimble County
River 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
Granite-bottomed river popular for tubing, swimming, and fishing across several small towns.
📌 30.7584, -98.675 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable
Free
Details →
🏞️
Lost Maples State Natural Area (Sabinal River)
📍 Vanderpool, Bandera County
River 🟡 Moderate $6/adult day use Reservation Required
Known primarily for fall foliage; the Sabinal River offers wading/swimming spots within the park.
📌 29.8166, -99.5746 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, variable
$6/adult day use
Details →
🏞️
Louise Hays Park (Guadalupe River)
📍 Kerrville, Kerr County
River 🟢 Easy Free Entry
City park along the Guadalupe River named for the wife of the man who built it in a single day; casual river swimming.
📌 30.0409, -99.1415 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable
Free
Details →
🏞️
Mankin's Crossing (San Gabriel River)
📍 Georgetown, Williamson County
River 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
A less-famous San Gabriel River swimming spot mentioned by longtime Texas outdoor writers alongside Blue Hole.
📌 30.6558, -97.5956 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable
Free
Details →
🏞️
Medina River (Bandera loop)
📍 Bandera, Bandera County
River 🟡 Moderate Varies (City Park ~$10/car)
Short, narrow, scenic river reminiscent of the upper Guadalupe; a quieter alternative to busier Hill Country rivers.
📌 29.7335, -99.0772 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, variable
Varies (City Park ~$10/car)
Details →
🏊
Nueces River (Camp Wood / Uvalde Co.)
📍 Camp Wood, Real/Uvalde County
Spring 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
Deep, clear swimming holes surrounded by limestone cliffs along the Nueces River near Camp Wood.
📌 29.6644, -100.0125 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, clear
Free
Details →
🏞️
Paradise Canyon
📍 Rio Medina, Medina County
River 🟡 Moderate Variable (up to $45/vehicle, check… Reservation Required
Family-run private swimming/camping destination on the Medina River since 1957.
📌 29.5085, -98.8924 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable
Variable (up to $45/vehicle,…
Details →
🏞️
Pedernales Falls State Park
📍 Johnson City, Blanco County
River 🔴 Difficult $6/adult day use Reservation Required ⚠️ Safety Note
Popular for hiking and a designated swim area downstream of the falls; flash floods are a serious, documented hazard here.
📌 30.309, -98.2526 — Open in Maps
⚠️ Safety Notice Documented flash-flood danger; swimming is not allowed directly at the falls, only at a designated downstream area. State this restriction clearly, don't just list it as a scenic swim spot.
💧 Variable, can be turbulent after rain
$6/adult day use
Details →
🏊
Riding River Ranch
📍 Leakey, Real County
Spring 🟡 Moderate Guest access tied to lodging
Spring-fed lake and springs on a private ranch property with cabins.
📌 29.8335, -99.8247 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
Guest access tied to…
Details →
🏞️
Rio Vista Park
📍 San Marcos, Hays County
River 🟢 Easy Free Entry
Popular tubing and swimming spot with a small rapids/chute created by an old dam.
📌 29.8787, -97.9331 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
Free
Details →
💦
Schumacher Crossing
📍 Hunt, Kerr County
Waterfall 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
Small early-1900s dam on the Guadalupe River creating short cascading waterfalls; not an official park.
📌 29.9679, -99.273 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable
Free
Details →
🏊
Sewell Park
📍 San Marcos, Hays County
Spring 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
Popular local swimming spot right at the headwaters of the San Marcos River on the Texas State campus.
📌 29.889, -97.9333 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed year-round
Free
Details →
🏊
Spring Lake / San Marcos Springs
📍 San Marcos, Hays County
Spring 🟡 Moderate Glass-bottom boat tours ~$11.25 Reservation Required
Origin of the San Marcos River; ecologically sensitive habitat, general swimming is restricted to protect endangered species.
📌 29.8927, -97.9318 — Open in Maps
💧 ~72°F constant
Glass-bottom boat tours ~$11.25
Details →
🏞️
The Slab (Llano River)
📍 Kingsland, Llano County
River 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
A low-water crossing on the Llano River that doubles as a popular local swimming and sunbathing spot.
📌 30.7719, -98.7184 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable, sun-warmed shallows
Free
Details →
💦
Tonkawa Falls (Tonkawa Falls City Park)
📍 Crawford, McLennan County
Waterfall 🟢 Easy Free Entry
Small, often-overlooked waterfall and swimming hole near President George W. Bush's ranch.
📌 31.5367, -97.4475 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable
Free
Details →
🏞️
Utopia City Park (Sabinal River)
📍 Utopia, Uvalde County
River 🟡 Moderate ~$10/vehicle day use
Clear, spring-fed-quality water from headwaters near Lost Maples; rope swings and camping.
📌 29.6055, -99.5283 — Open in Maps
💧 68–72°F
~$10/vehicle day use
Details →
Hill Country / Austin Metro
6 spots
💦
Barton Creek Greenbelt – Twin Falls
📍 Austin, Travis County
Waterfall 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
Popular swimming spot on the Barton Creek Greenbelt with rock formations; flow depends heavily on rain.
📌 30.2458, -97.8188 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, variable
Free
Details →
🏊
Barton Springs Pool
📍 Austin, Travis County
Spring 🟢 Easy $5-$9 (varies resident/non-resident/child)
Iconic 3-acre spring-fed pool fed by the Balcones Fault, home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander.
📌 30.2638, -97.7712 — Open in Maps
💧 68–70°F year-round
$5-$9 (varies resident/non-resident/child)
Details →
🏊
Deep Eddy Pool
📍 Austin, Travis County
Spring 🟢 Easy $5-$9 (varies resident/non-resident/child)
Oldest swimming pool in Texas; began as a natural swimming hole on the Colorado River, later developed into a resort/pool.
📌 30.2778, -97.7735 — Open in Maps
💧 ~68°F
$5-$9 (varies resident/non-resident/child)
Details →
🏖️
Hippie Hollow Park
📍 Austin (Lake Travis), Travis County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $15/vehicle (cash only typical)
Texas's only clothing-optional public park, on a Lake Travis cove.
📌 30.4131, -97.8863 — Open in Maps
💧 Varies with lake level/season
$15/vehicle (cash only typical)
Details →
💦
McKinney Falls State Park
📍 Austin, Travis County
Waterfall 🟢 Easy $6/adult day use Reservation Required
Two swimming areas on Onion Creek within Austin city limits; 9 miles of trails.
📌 30.1837, -97.7225 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool creek water, variable
$6/adult day use
Details →
💦
St. Edward's Park (Bull Creek)
📍 Austin, Travis County
Waterfall 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
Small, shady swimming hole on Bull Creek Greenbelt with a rope swing; flow-dependent.
📌 30.4005, -97.7972 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, variable
Free
Details →
Hill Country / San Antonio Metro
1 spots
🏊
San Pedro Springs Park
📍 San Antonio, Bexar County
Spring 🟢 Easy Free Entry
Second-oldest public park in the US (after Boston Common); historic spring-fed pool renovated 1915-1920, on the National Register of Historic Places.
📌 29.4447, -98.5008 — Open in Maps
💧 Spring-fed, cool
Free
Details →
North Texas / Rolling Plains
1 spots
🏖️
Lake Arrowhead State Park
📍 Wichita Falls, Wichita County
Lake 🟢 Easy $3/adult day use Reservation Required
Reservoir park near Wichita Falls with fishing and swimming access.
📌 33.7667, -98.3694 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$3/adult day use
Details →
Panhandle Plains
3 spots
🏖️
Caprock Canyons State Park (Lake Theo)
📍 Quitaque, Briscoe County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $5/adult day use Reservation Required
Home to the Texas State Bison Herd; Lake Theo offers a roped swim area on the canyon floor.
📌 34.4253, -101.0665 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$5/adult day use
Details →
🏖️
Lake Mackenzie (Tule Canyon)
📍 Silverton, Briscoe/Swisher County
Lake 🟡 Moderate ~$15/vehicle day use
A clear, cool ~900-acre reservoir dammed within scenic Tule Canyon in the Panhandle.
📌 34.5262, -101.4239 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool canyon lake water
~$15/vehicle day use
Details →
🏊
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
📍 Canyon, Randall County
Canyon 🟡 Moderate $8/adult day use Reservation Required
The 'Grand Canyon of Texas'; the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River runs through it but there is no dedicated swimming facility — wading only when water is present.
📌 34.9492, -101.6624 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable, often very shallow/dry
$8/adult day use
Details →
Piney Woods
13 spots
🏊
Artesian Springs / Dam B area (SETX)
📍 Jasper area (Golden Triangle), Jasper County
Spring 🟡 Moderate ~$10/person
Family-oriented private swimming venue in the Golden Triangle/SE Texas region with volleyball and rental pavilions.
📌 30.9329, -94.137 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
~$10/person
Details →
🏊
Blue Lagoon (Huntsville)
📍 Huntsville, Walker County
Quarry 🟡 Moderate ~$25/scuba diver, ~$30/swimmer
A managed natural/artificial lagoon in Huntsville popular with certified scuba divers.
📌 30.7958, -95.5398 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, clear (quarry-fed)
~$25/scuba diver, ~$30/swimmer
Details →
🪨
Boykin Springs Recreation Area
📍 Zavalla (Angelina National Forest), Jasper County
Creek 🟡 Moderate ~$5/vehicle day use
Historic swimming hole dammed by a settler in the 1800s, tucked deep in Angelina National Forest.
📌 31.0664, -94.275 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
~$5/vehicle day use
Details →
🏖️
Caddo Lake State Park
📍 Karnack, Harrison County
Lake 🟢 Easy $4/adult day use Reservation Required
Texas's only natural lake of significant size, famous for its cypress trees and Spanish moss; swimming is possible but paddling is the main draw.
📌 32.6865, -94.1772 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm, tannin-stained water
$4/adult day use
Details →
🏊
Camp Tonkawa Springs
📍 Garrison, Nacogdoches County
Spring 🟡 Moderate ~$10/person
Spring-fed pond with a white sandy bottom in the Piney Woods; site of historic Tonkawa artifacts, occasionally reveals petroglyphs when dry.
📌 31.8546, -94.4447 — Open in Maps
💧 ~68°F
~$10/person
Details →
🏖️
Daingerfield State Park
📍 Daingerfield, Morris County
Lake 🟢 Easy $4/adult day use Reservation Required
Small CCC-era lake surrounded by pine and hardwood forest in far East Texas.
📌 33.0135, -94.6974 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$4/adult day use
Details →
🏖️
Fort Boggy State Park
📍 Centerville, Leon County
Lake 🟢 Easy $3/adult day use Reservation Required
Small, quiet East Texas state park with a fishing/swimming lake.
📌 31.2263, -95.9904 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$3/adult day use
Details →
🏖️
Huntsville State Park (Lake Raven)
📍 Huntsville, Walker County
Lake 🟢 Easy $7/adult day use Reservation Required
The closest natural swimming to Houston (~1 hr), inside Sam Houston National Forest's Piney Woods.
📌 30.5975, -95.5284 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$7/adult day use
Details →
🏊
Lake Tejas
📍 Colmesneil, Tyler County
Spring 🟡 Moderate ~$8-$10/person
Historic 1939 spring-fed lake with a 100-ft waterslide, diving platforms, and a roped children's area.
📌 30.9026, -94.4172 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
~$8-$10/person
Details →
🏖️
Martin Dies Jr. State Park
📍 Jasper, Jasper/Tyler County
Lake 🟢 Easy $4/adult day use Reservation Required
State park on B.A. Steinhagen Lake (Angelina/Neches rivers) with swimming and extensive wetlands.
📌 30.8524, -94.1755 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$4/adult day use
Details →
🏖️
Toledo Bend Reservoir
📍 Many access points (Sabine/Newton/Shelby Co.), Sabine/Newton/Shelby County
Lake 🟡 Moderate Varies by access point
One of the largest reservoirs in the South, straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, with numerous swimming beaches.
📌 31.3912, -93.7126 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
Varies by access point
Details →
🏊
Tyler State Park
📍 Tyler, Smith County
Spring 🟢 Easy $6/adult day use Reservation Required
Spring-fed lake nestled among 100-ft tall pines about 10 miles north of Tyler.
📌 32.4827, -95.2936 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool lake water
$6/adult day use
Details →
🪨
Village Creek (Big Thicket)
📍 Kountze/Silsbee, Hardin County
Creek 🟡 Moderate Free Entry
Sandbar swimming spot on a scenic creek bordering the Big Thicket National Preserve's old-growth remnants.
📌 30.4072, -94.1706 — Open in Maps
💧 Variable
Free
Details →
Prairies & Lakes / North Texas
14 spots
🏊
Burger's Lake
📍 Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Spring 🟡 Moderate $20/person
Nearly century-old, 30-acre park with a chlorinated spring-fed lake, water slides, and a strict no-alcohol policy.
📌 32.7844, -97.4334 — Open in Maps
💧 Spring-fed, cool
$20/person
Details →
🏖️
Cedar Hill State Park (Joe Pool Lake)
📍 Cedar Hill, Dallas County
Lake 🟢 Easy $7/adult day use Reservation Required
Close-in DFW state park on Joe Pool Lake with a swim beach.
📌 32.6182, -96.9856 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$7/adult day use
Details →
🏊
Cleburne State Park
📍 Cleburne, Johnson County
Spring 🟢 Easy $5/adult day use Reservation Required
Small, quiet spring-fed lake in a scenic canyon setting south of Fort Worth.
📌 32.2612, -97.5501 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool, spring-fed
$5/adult day use
Details →
🏞️
Dinosaur Valley State Park (Paluxy River)
📍 Glen Rose, Somervell County
River 🟢 Easy $7/adult day use Reservation Required
Wading and swimming in the Paluxy River alongside 113-million-year-old dinosaur tracks in the streambed.
📌 32.2472, -97.8188 — Open in Maps
💧 Cool river water
$7/adult day use
Details →
🏖️
Eagle Mountain Lake / Twin Points Park
📍 Fort Worth, Tarrant County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $10-$20/vehicle depending on day
Popular swim beach on Eagle Mountain Lake northwest of Fort Worth.
📌 32.8804, -97.4764 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$10-$20/vehicle depending on day
Details →
🏖️
Eisenhower State Park (Lake Texoma)
📍 Denison, Grayson County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $5/adult day use Reservation Required
Overlooks Lake Texoma with a beautiful swimming cove and 6+ miles of trails.
📌 33.8181, -96.6186 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$5/adult day use
Details →
🏖️
Grapevine Lake (Twin Coves / Meadowmere Park)
📍 Grapevine/Flower Mound, Denton/Tarrant County
Lake 🟡 Moderate Varies ($5-$10/vehicle at parks)
Popular DFW-area lake with several public swim beaches including the 'Whoa Zone' designated swim area.
📌 32.9698, -97.0768 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
Varies ($5-$10/vehicle at parks)
Details →
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Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
📍 Pittsburg, Titus/Camp County
Lake 🟢 Easy $4/adult day use Reservation Required
East Texas reservoir park with swim/fishing access.
📌 33.0565, -95.097 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$4/adult day use
Details →
🏖️
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
📍 Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $7/adult day use Reservation Required
Popular swim beach plus rock-climbing area and 12+ miles of trails, about 45 min from Fort Worth.
📌 32.8369, -98.0315 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$7/adult day use
Details →
🏖️
Lake Whitney State Park
📍 Whitney, Hill County
Lake 🟢 Easy $5/adult day use Reservation Required
Large reservoir with swim beach and boating access between Waco and DFW.
📌 31.9168, -97.3686 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$5/adult day use
Details →
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Lewisville Lake / Little Elm Park
📍 Little Elm, Denton County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $10/vehicle weekends
Popular North Texas reservoir with a large public beach area at Little Elm Park.
📌 33.1612, -96.9452 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$10/vehicle weekends
Details →
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Meridian State Park
📍 Meridian, Bosque County
Lake 🟢 Easy $5/adult day use Reservation Required
Peaceful, less-trafficked lake park good for families new to camping/swimming.
📌 31.8906, -97.6977 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$5/adult day use
Details →
🏖️
Possum Kingdom Lake / Hell's Gate
📍 Caddo (Possum Kingdom State Park), Palo Pinto County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $4/adult day use (state park) Reservation Required
300+ miles of shoreline; Hell's Gate is a dramatic limestone-cliff cove popular for boating and cliff jumping.
📌 32.8687, -98.5307 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$4/adult day use (state…
Details →
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Ray Roberts Lake State Park (Isle du Bois & Johnson Branch units)
📍 Pilot Point / Valley View, Denton/Cooke County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $7/adult day use Reservation Required
Large reservoir north of DFW split into two developed park units, each with its own swim beach.
📌 33.3768, -97.0271 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$7/adult day use
Details →
West Texas / South Plains
1 spots
🏖️
Buffalo Springs Lake
📍 Lubbock, Lubbock County
Lake 🟡 Moderate $15/adult
A rare swimming lake in a canyon setting near Lubbock on the South Plains.
📌 33.5323, -101.7058 — Open in Maps
💧 Warm lake water
$15/adult
Details →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are swimming holes in Texas free?
17 of the 80 swimming holes in our Texas guide are completely free to visit. Others charge a small entry fee, typically $5–15 per person. Use the "Free Entry" filter above to see only the free spots.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in Texas?
Late spring through early fall is generally the best season — typically May through September. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends, especially at popular spots. Spring-fed holes maintain consistent water temperatures year-round, making them swimmable even outside peak season.
Do I need a reservation to visit Texas swimming holes?
37 of the spots in our guide require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer weekends. These are marked with a "Reservation Required" badge on each listing. Always book 1–2 weeks ahead for popular spots in July and August.
Is it safe to swim in natural swimming holes in Texas?
Natural swimming holes are generally safe when you check conditions before visiting. Always check water levels after heavy rain, watch for blue-green algae in warm still water, never swim alone in remote locations, and heed any posted closure signs. Spots with known safety concerns are marked with warning badges in our listings.
What should I bring to a swimming hole in Texas?
Essentials: dry bag for your phone and keys, water shoes for rocky creek beds, reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, and a microfibre towel. If visiting a remote spot, bring more water than you think you need and let someone know where you're going before you leave.
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