This is a very controversial statement but I love summers in the Texas Hill Country. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s very hot and August is awful, I don’t include August in my statement. However, if done right, May, June and July are really fun. However, I do believe you need to spend it swimming in the Texas Hill Country, or stay inside.
See, the thing is, I’m a water bug. So I’m happy in the river, at the beach, or in a pool. That’s why I’ve rounded up all the fun places you can swim to beat the Texas heat in the hill country.
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Where is the Texas Hill Country?
First things first, let’s talk about what I mean when I say “the Texas Hill Country”. I create a map to show you the area and the key places to visit. Please note this map is not to scale and not be used for getting you from place to place. It’s just to give you a general idea of the area.
Swimming in the Texas Hill Country
Now let’s get to the good stuff, where can you swim and what do you need to know about each of these places? I’m very lucky in that my family has property on the Llano River but there’s a lot of places I go swimming in the Texas Hill Country. For simplicity’s sake, I’ll use the map above to guide you to different swimming spots around the area. Starting at the top and going around clockwise.
I will note: do NOT get out of any river or lake on someone’s property. You do not have that right and you are trespassing.
Before heading out, be sure to check the water levels before you venture out to any natural water, you can do that on the LCRA website.
Llano
The Llano river runs right through the town and you can simply park in town and swim near the bridge. However, there are also other ways to get in the Llano. The Llano river is over 100 miles long but a lot of it is private land and as I said, you cannot trespass! Trust me, the land owners won’t be happy. Nevertheless, according to Texas Highways, there are public access points:
- Castell Crossing. At this location, you can fish and swim, but be sure to park in designated areas only. Check here for details on getting to this spot.
- Kingsland Slab RV Park. This is a low water crossing that’s popular for swimming with kids. There’s not a lot of shade so bring your hats and sunscreen. You can find direction on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
- Access the river through two parks in Llano: the Badu Park and Robinson City Park. These parks also have swimming pools if you’re looking for non-natural water.
Spicewood
Spicewood is a small town not far from Austin. It’s so close that it’s not on the map above but there are two places that I think deserve their own callout and really, Austin has plenty to talk about. Keep reading to get to that.
- Krause Springs is a family owned area with 32 springs, a natural pool and a man-made pool. There is a small entrance fee for day use and you can also camp overnight. It’s big, at 115 acres, it is open 9 am to 8pm in the summers.
- Pace Bend Park is a popular spot to camp on the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis. Currently, there is a $5 fee and they only accept cash.
Horseshoe Bay & Burnet
Another small area near Austin, I believe it deserves its own section as well. Horseshoe Bay and Burnet are right on the Colorado River and therefore certainly has swimming areas.
- Lake LBJ is huge and therefore has plenty of access points for the public for boating, swimming, and general merriment. Head here for a full list of access points where you can swim or enter with a boat. Some of the areas do have entrance fees.
- Inks Lake State Park is in Burnet and part of the Colorado River. The damn keeps the lake at pretty much the same levels throughout the year. It is a state park, therefore there is an entrance fee. You can also rent kayaks, paddle boats, and more.
Austin
Austin is a Mecca for swimming. There are natural swimming holes and places to find pools as well. We have a lot to get through so let’s get started. I’m staying IN Austin, I’ll get to small towns around Austin later. The pools I’ve decided to include are the ones that are open year around. There are a LOT of pools in Austin and to keep it from being too lengthy, I stayed with the ones open all year.
- Barton Springs Greenbelt is an iconic Austin spot. It is over 12 miles and has hiking trails as well as swimming. Here are the specific spots for public swimming access on the lower greenbelt (the upper greenbelt swimming holes can dry up in droughts which is always) :
- Twin Falls- Find it here: 3900 W. Frontage Rd
- Spyglass- this will take you to Campbell’s Hole swimming spot. Find it here: 1601 Spyglass Dr.
- Homedale- this will also take you to Campbell’s Hole. Find it here: 2010 Homedale Dr.
- Gus Fruh Access- this will take you to Gus Fruh area of the Greenbelt. Find it here: 2642 Barton Hills Dr.
- Loop 360 Access- this will take you to Twin Falls and Gaines Creek. Find it here: 3900 W. Frontage Rd
- For detailed descriptions of how to get to each of these spots, visit TexasOutside.com. Keep in mind, you will need to a hike a little to reach the swimming. You’ll also find a map and detailed parking directions.
- Trail End/Sculpture Falls Access- this will take you to an iconic sculpture waterfall but keep in mind you’ll need to climb up in order to get to it. Find it here: 1710 Camp Craft Road
- Barton Springs Pool is perfect if you want an iconic Austin spot but don’t want to go hiking or trying to find the exact spots. The pool is fed with the natural springs so it stays refreshing even in the hottest months.
- Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest pool in Texas making it a very historic place to swim! And no, it’s not named for the vodka. It’s open year around but be sure to check the website for costs and opening hours.
- Bartholomew Pool is another pool option but this one with slides!
- Big Stacy Pool: If you’re looking to do some laps, this one may be for you! This one is free so that’s really the best park.
- Springwoods Pool is another lap pool with a slide but this one does charge admission so be sure to the check the website or give them a call.
- McKinney Falls State Park is a lovely spot for some hiking then swimming after you’re nice and sweaty from the hiking.
- Bull Creek District Park is a small little city park with natural swimming holes. This one is kind of out there with rumors of car break ins so be careful.
- St. Edward’s Park is a lovely little spot with a small waterfall to keep the water moving.
- Emma Long Park is open year around and a great little place for swimming. You can even get season passes to save on summer swims.
- Hippie Hollow Park is the only clothing optional swimming in the area so brace yourself. Obviously not kid friendly but you can work on the perfect tan.
- Secret Beach isn’t really a secret anymore but it’s still a pretty un crowded option for swimming near Austin. Be sure to check the website for how to get there.
- Commons Ford Ranch is a large stretch of land with a barn that buts right up to the water. I’ve actually done family photos here in the past and it’s very un-crowded option.
Wimberley
- Cypress Falls Swimming Hole is a pet friendly and kid friendly swimming hole that you can purchase a day pass for. Be sure to check the website as they have weddings at this location and will close early.
- Blue Hole Regional Park is open by reservation only so be sure to book a spot ahead of time for your day pass for swimming. It’s ope for swimming May 1 to Labor Day.
- Jacob’s Well Natural Area is hit or miss. If there’s not been a lot of rain, then it won’t be a great place to swim but the natural swimming hole is something to be seen. They do close it periodically so definitely check the website.
- 7A Ranch is located on the Blanco river, they offer day passes for river access. You don’t get pool access but you can swim in the river. They also limit the day passes to first come, first served.
San Marcos
- John J. Stokes Park is five acres with a small area for swimming. A small waterfall keeps the water moving.
- Rio Vista Park is ideal for kayakers. You can paddle upstream to a swimming hole. It also has picnic tables, tennis courts, and basketball courts. With 17 acres, there’s plenty of room to play.
- Sewell Park is located on Texas State University campus so be prepared for students. The river runs through it so you can swim, kayak, or play frisbee in the open fields.
- Five Mile Damn Park is best visited when rain is plentiful. It can be dry in during a drought but does have the Blanco River running through it.
- San Marcos Activity Center is perfect for those who don’t want natural water and prefer a pool. Check the website for admission rates.
- Tube the San Marcos River for an iconic way to spend summer in the Texas Hill Country. Rent a tube from one of the outfitters or bring your own and float the day away.
- Son’s River Ranch is new to San Marcos but not new to the hill country. It has glamping cabins and tent camping right along the river. You can rent a cabana, kayaks, and paddle boards for the day as well.
New Braunfels
- Tube the Comal River by renting tubes from one of the outfitters or bring your own tube and park at Prince Solms Park. It’s $2 to float the river all day and $20 to park.
- Tubing the Guadalupe River is another choice a little outside of New Braunfels and a longer float. Check the website for outfitters.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark is my favorite way to beat the Texas heat. Get a membership for the best deal.
- Landa Park Aquatic Complex is open at noon on weekdays and 10am on weekends for public swimming.
- Das Rec Pools has indoor swimming for those wanting to avoid the s
- River Acres Park is my favorite place in New Braunfels to just be in the water. I love bringing chairs and a table and just setting up for the day. It used to be free to park but isn’t anymore, which is a bummer.
- Comal Park is outside of New Braunfels but on Canyon Lake with plenty of swimming.
- Texas Ski Ranch is for the adventurers. You can waterski, wake board and more.
San Antonio
- San Pedro Spring Park opens in mid-June for summer and is a cute swimming pool nestled among the giant trees.
- Aquatica San Antonio is a waterpark tied in with Sea World and boasts the most water in the area.
- Woodlawn Pool is located at Woodlawn park and has pavilions with picnic tables to rent for the day near the pool.
- Blanco State Park is a quick drive outside of San Antonio for natural river access and a damn with waterfall.
Boerne
- Boerne City Lake Park offers swimming, fishing, and kayaking. No motorized boats are allowed.
- Cibolo Conservation Center is a haven for photographers and a nice place to swim when not in a drought. They monitor the water to ensure safety, so check the website before heading out.
- Guadalupe River State Park is a little outside of Boerne but worth the drive. The river can be dry during droughts so check the website before heading there.
Kerrville
- There are several parks along the Guadalupe river in Kerrville. Note that swimming is at your own risk and should only be done when the water levels are flowing.
- Louis Hays Park has an interactive water fountain
- Lowry Park
- Tranquility Island
- Cypress Park
Johnson City
- Pedernales State Park has lots of fun hiking trails along the river where you can cool off if you get too hot!
Junction
- Main Llano River Tubing, Kayaking, Fishing: This map will show you both the main Llano River areas you can swim, etc and the South Llano River as well.
- South Llano River State Park has a spring fed river that’s slow moving, making it perfect for families.
But wait there’s more!
Honestly, I’ve really only scratched the surface on swimming in the Texas hill country. Download the Texas Hill Country Travel App for more of the area.
Or check out a fun kayaking tour to get your own guide.
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