This realistic List of Best Places helps you pick the top swimming holes to visit in Central Texas.

Summer is a very hot time in Central Texas. Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) with little rainfall are common. Since not everyone has access to a pool, the swimming holes come to rescue.

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Lakes and rivers, creeks and springs make up the main swimming holes in Central Texas. Some are state, county, and municipal parks. Other swimming holes are on private property.

Each swimming spot differs in operating hours, admission policies, and proximity to major cities. Sometimes a slightly longer drive brings you to a much better swimming hole.

This List of the Best Swimming Holes to Visit in Central Texas covers the top spots. It analyzes each swimming hole based on a few factors, freeing your time to make an informed decision.

1. Pace Bend

• Address: 2805 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, TX 78669.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: sunrise to sunset.
• Cost: $5 per adult (cash only).

Pace Bend Park claims the title of the best swimming hole in Central Texas. This Travis County Park is on the shores of Lake Travis. It is one of the closest Lake Travis parks to the Capital of Texas.

Pace Bend takes up a very large area. It also means a long shoreline. There are a lot of parking spots, too. As a result, Pace Bend could fit an astonishing number of people despite being a cash-only park.

Still, the park never feels overcrowded. Visitors have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy themselves. Sufficiently high water level and the wide Colorado River make it a worthwhile destination.

A handful of visitors come to Pace Bend to jump from its high cliffs. If you decide to engage in this activity, learn about the risks. There are no lifeguards on duty. You would also have to climb back up.

2. Inks Lake

• Address: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $7 per adult or free with Texas State Park Pass.

Inks Lake State Park is the second best swimming hole in Central Texas. The park is on the same name lake of the Colorado River. It is just a short drive from Burnet, Texas.

It is quite easy to reach Inks Lake from both Austin and San Antonio. Highways TX-29 and US-281 connect the park with these cities. Crowds are quite common at Inks Lake during the summer.

But this lake is worth a longer drive. Devil’s Waterhole and Spring Creek Delta are amazing swimming holes. This shallow and sandy section of the lake makes it a perfect spot in the summer.

Inks Lake is in-between the Buchanan Dam and the Inks Dam. Its level is relatively stable even during the drought. You could count on being able to swim in this park all summer long.

3. Pedernales Falls

• Address: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $7 per adult or free with Texas State Park Pass.

Pedernales Falls is the third best swimming hole in Central Texas. It is the closest state park in the Texas Hill Country to Austin. Book a spot in advance to beat the crowd and guarantee admission.

You cannot swim near the signature falls. The first few miles of the Pedernales River near the falls are off limits to swimming, wading, or tubing.

The Swimming Area in Pedernales Falls is 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the parking lot. This distance does not sound like too long. But wait till you learn that you need to hike uphill after your swim.

The Pedernales River might not have a high water level due to drought. Only a handful of lagoons are deep enough to swim. Other sections of the river are best for wading or sitting down.

4. Barton Springs

• Address: 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $5 per resident or $9 per non resident.

Barton Springs Municipal Pool is a fantastic swimming hole in Central Texas. At first glance, it does not seem fair that a pool is on the list with the natural swimming spots.

But Barton Springs is not just any pool. Only its sides are made of concrete. The pool floor is a natural creek bed. In a way, Barton Springs is more similar to Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs in Florida.

Barton Springs is a spring fed swimming hole. It has the same temperature year round. 69°F (20.5°C) is a bit cold for most people. But you could count on Barton Springs being refreshing in the summer.

This pool charges admission between Spring Break and Halloween. The fees differ by age and resident status. It is free to park at Barton Springs on the weekdays. Parking on weekends and holidays costs $7.

5. Guadalupe River

• Address: 3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070.
• Nearest Large City: San Antonio.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $7 per adult or free with Texas State Park Pass.

Guadalupe River State Park is one of the best swimming holes in Central Texas. This river park is close to San Antonio, too. Proximity to the second most populous city in Texas brings crowds in the summer.

It is a good idea to reserve a spot up to 30 days in advance. You have to enter the park within your time slot. But you could stay and enjoy the river until 10 p.m. Do not drive to Guadalupe River without a pass.

A section of the Guadalupe River between Swallow Cliff and River Rapids is open to swimming. Depending on the water level when you visit, you might be only able to wade in the river.

Water clarity is also a bit of a gamble in the Guadalupe River. While rains upstream grow the river level, they also bring mud and debris. Wait a few days after heavy rainfall to have the best experience.

6. McKinney Falls

• Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $6 per adult or free with Texas State Park Pass.

McKinney Falls State Park is among the best swimming holes in Central Texas. Just like Barton Springs Municipal Pool, this creek side park is within Austin City Limits.

There are two swimming holes in McKinney Falls. They are on Onion Creek below Upper Falls and Lower Falls. Both areas attract crowds from March to October. Someone will be in the water almost every day.

McKinney Falls has affordable admission rates and plenty of parking. At $70 a year, you could bring up to 14 guests for free. Just make sure they all enter the park using the same method as you (car, bike, foot).

Water level and clarity could be a problem in McKinney Falls. Onion Creek also carries less water than any river in Central Texas. Its waters warm up by mid June and lose their refreshing abilities.

7. Blue Hole

• Address: 333 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: $12 per adult.

Blue Hole Regional Park is among the best swimming holes in Central Texas. The park is open to swimming from May 1st through Labor Day. You could also go for a dive on the weekends in September.

You have to make a reservation to swim in Blue Hole. There are half-day passes and season passes. The former pass costs $12 per adult, $8 per youth, senior, and military. All Wimberley residents pay $6.

A half-day pass grants you admission to the swimming area for 4 hours. You could swim either between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. or between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. A season pass costs $150 per adult.

The swimming area will be closed in case of lightning in the vicinity. You will get a full refund if the closure is more than 2 hours long. This is a reasonable inclement weather policy.

8. Muleshoe Bend

• Address: 2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cost: $5 per adult.

Muleshoe Bend is another solid swimming hole in the region. This park is on the shores of Lake Travis in the Colorado River. When the water level is high, it rivals the best swimming holes in Central Texas.

But Muleshoe Bend loses some of its appeal during the ongoing drought. Lake Travis is quite narrow and shallow at Muleshoe Bend. Some of its inlets might not have any water when you visit.

The park costs $5 per adult and $2 per senior or disabled. Annual pass to Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) parks cost $150 per person. It is close to impossible to break even on this pass.

Whenever the water level is high, Muleshoe Bend turns into a must-visit swimming hole. In the meantime, spring remains the best time to visit the park. That is when bluebonnets bloom on its shores.

9. Grelle

• Address: 2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cost: $5 per adult.

Grelle Recreation Area is a nice swimming hole in Central Texas. This park is next door to Muleshoe Bend and Krause Springs. It is a few miles (km) upstream on Lake Travis.

Stop by Grelle after visiting Muleshoe Bend. If you visit both parks on the same day, you will pay the $5 per adult admission fee once. This could mean sizable savings if you have a large group.

Water level of Lake Travis presents challenges for Grelle, too. Unless drought eases, there might be little water left in the Colorado River. While it is deep enough for wading, swimming might be off limits.

Everything changes if Lake Travis is back to its normal levels. Grelle has a scenic and shallow lagoon. It is perfect for swimming and water sports.

10. Blanco

• Address: 101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX 78606.
• Nearest Large City: San Antonio.
• Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $5 per adult or free with Texas State Park Pass.

Blanco State Park is a very popular swimming hole in Central Texas. This park is on the same named river in the same named town. It carries a lot of resemblance to other places all over Texas and the U.S.

Concrete dam makes Blanco a bit similar to Barton Springs in Austin, Texas. A shallow wading pool looks like a smaller version of Triphammer Falls in Ithaca, New York.

The CCC structures put Blanco State Park in the same boat as Meridian, Palmetto, and Inks Lake. And proximity to San Antonio brings crowds just like in Guadalupe River State Park.

Water shoes are a good idea when visiting Blanco. They protect your feet from sharp and slippery rocks on the river bed. Algae could be also present in the river from time to time.

11. Krause Springs

• Address: 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: free.

Krause Springs is another swimming hole you should not overlook in Central Texas. This park is privately owned and operated. It is the closest park to Spicewood, Texas.

Daily admission costs $10 per adult (12+) and $6 per child (4+). There are no discounts for seniors, military, or first responders. The park does not offer annual passes either.

Little Cypress Creek is the main natural swimming hole in the park. It flows into the Colorado River near Grelle. The springs feed Little Cypress Creek. Still, its water color could be far from crystal clear.

Large crowds and sediment from the creek bed are to blame. If you prefer a more serene swimming experience, you are welcome to swim in the spring fed pool.

12. Barton Creek

• Address: 3918 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: free.

You might wonder how Barton Creek managed to claim two spots on the best swimming holes in Central Texas list. While Barton Springs is near the top of the list, its upstream spots are near the bottom.

Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls are two iconic swimming holes in Austin, Texas. Unlike Barton Springs, they are free to visit. Get ready to hike for a few miles (km) to reach these swimming spots from the trailhead.

If you are lucky, the water level will be deep enough for swimming. Otherwise, you might only dip your feet. Barton Creek Greenbelt is pet friendly. Expect lots of dogs swimming together with the visitors.

Car break-ins have plagued the trailhead parking lot. Do not leave any valuables in your car when you start hiking. Any item left behind could attract attention and put you at a higher risk.

13. Bull Creek

• Address: 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: free.

Bull Creek Greenbelt is another popular swimming hole in Central Texas. This free park is within Austin City Limits along Capital of Texas Highway (TX-360 Loop).

Proximity to a major highway is a downside of Bull Creek Greenbelt. You will hear traffic noise whenever you visit Bull Creek. Construction at Spicewood Springs Road and TX-360 Loop also plays a role.

Low water level has been a continuous problem of Bull Creek. And, even if you find a deep lagoon in St. Edward’s Park, you will have to share it with pets. Get ready to deal with pet hair and smells.

If you think that Bull Creek cannot get any worse, think again. Car break-ins are common in both St. Edward’s Park and Bull Creek Preserve, two large parking lots near Bull Creek.

14. Hamilton Pool

• Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Cost: $12 per car (online, card only) + $8 per adult (cash only).

Hamilton Pool Preserve used to be the best swimming hole in Central Texas. It is easy to see why. A lot of people would want to take a dive in a scenic grotto pool. It is a picture perfect destination.

Sadly, these days are long gone. Poor crowd management, high bacteria levels, and non refundable reservation fees are to blame for its drop in ratings. Hamilton Pool now falls in a category of tourist traps.

The park launched a reservation system to deal with overcrowding. You pay $12 per car online for a morning or an afternoon slot. If bacteria levels are high, you cannot swim in the park. No refunds though.

If you decide to visit the park, there is an additional fee due at entrance. You would pay $20+ for just one person. Unlike Pedernales Falls, you have to leave no later than 30 minutes after your time slot ends.

15. Jacob’s Well

• Address: 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: $5 per Hays County resident or $9 per non resident.

Jacob’s Well Natural Area is a great Central Texas swimming hole near Austin. It is the second swimming spot in a small town of Wimberley, Texas.

Jacob’s Well is a beautiful swimming hole. It is as close as one could get to this description. This well is hole in the ground. It also serves as an entrance to an underwater cave system.

You could enjoy the well without entering the swimming area for free. If you come to the park to swim, you have to reserve a spot in advance. It costs $9 per non resident adult to swim in Jacob’s Well.

Sadly, Jacob’s Well has been closed to swimming due to low water levels. Until the drought conditions improve, this swimming hole will remain off limits to the public.

Takeaways: Best Swimming Holes Central Texas

Central Texas has brutal summer. Residents and visitors go to pools and other swimming holes to make this season a little more enjoyable.

It pays off to do some preparation if you venture to the best swimming spots in the region. Most swimming holes in Central Texas attract crowds. You have to make a reservation in advance.

Bring water shoes to protect your feet. Apply plenty of sunscreen even if it is cloudy. Wear a hat and drink plenty of water. Heat stroke and dehydration during summer are life threatening conditions.

Ongoing drought has presented a new set of challenges for swimming holes across Texas. Some of them have low water levels. Other have high bacteria or algae. These factors put swimming at risk.

Read the latest reviews for your top swimming holes on Google Maps. When in doubt, pick a different park to visit. And always have a car filled up and ready to go to not miss your time slot.

Take a look at this Best Swimming Holes in Central Texas Video List. And visit the YouTube channel for the latest videos.

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Safe realist travels!