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TEXAS SWIMMING HOLES

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ON STATE MAP BELOW: BLUE = swimming hole, RED = hot spring


See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in these states.

COLORADO BEND S. P. BALMORHEA S. P. CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH HOUSTON AREA CHINATI HOT SPRINGS TONKAWA SPRINGS KERRVILLE AREA LLANO AREA PEDERNALES AREA SAN MARCOS AREA BLANCO S. P. GARNER S. P. AUSTIN AREA LUCKENBACH NEW BRAUNFELS AREA SAN FELIPE SPRINGS

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AUSTIN AREA
[3 PLACES]
(AUSA)

PHOTOS BELOW TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS AUSTIN, GEORGETOWN
STATE TX
WATER Varies (see below)
TYPE Varies (see below)
DESCRIPTION Several swimming places near Austin. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA Varies (see below)
SANCTION Varies (see below)
FEE Varies (see below)
ACTIVITIES Varies (see below)
FACILITIES Varies (see below)
PHONE Varies (see below)
CAMPING Varies (see below)
BATHING SUITS Varies (see below)
DIRECTIONS All directions are from Austin.

BARTON SPRINGS [BART]: The most well-known centerpiece of all the Central Texas swimming holes is Barton Springs, in Zilker Park, right in downtown Austin. A huge, spring-fed pool (cool, 70 degree water) with concrete sides and natural bottom. Diving boards. Fee to swim $3.00 (2007). Barton Springs info and photos . To get here: from downtown Austin, take Lamar Boulevard (RT 343) south across town lake then turn west (left) on Barton Springs Road. At Robert E. Lee Drive, you have two options. You may turn left onto Robert E. Lee, go up a hill for about a quarter of a mile, and just past a baseball field, next turn into a gravel parking area. LAT, LON lat=30.26386, lon=-97.77133(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified. Very confident. Updated 7/22/07.


BARTON CREEK [BARC]: Upstream of Barton Springs is the Barton Creek Greenbelt Park and trail. There are several well used swimming holes in Barton Creek in this linear streamside green belt park. It is a good hike anytime but if you want to swim better get there in the Spring of after some rains as the creek is pretty dry later in the summer. If the flow is good, you can also tube (or even kayak) on this section of creek. LINK TO TUBING ADVICE.

Have a good look at this PARK MAP . The swimming places are clearly marked, as are the access points. Be prepared to hike, none of the swimming holes are real close to the access points. You can hike up from Barton Springs in Zilker Park but it is a long way to the swimming holes this way. Better to use the map and pick an access point closer to one of the swimming holes. Here are some notes on the swimming holes (beginning at Zilker Park and proceeding west):

Cambell's Hole: Great swimming hole for people and dogs alike. LAT, LON lat=30.2584, lon=-97.7844 (source: Web Site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.

The Flats: No detailed information.

Gus Fruh Pool: Use Gus Fruh Park access point. Nice private spotLAT, LON lat=30.24795, lon=-97.7929(source: Web Site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.

Twin Falls: Very popular hole, you may see lots of cars parked south of here on the Mopac feeder road. LAT, LON lat=30.248897, lon=--97.812878 (source: Web Site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.

Sculpture Falls: Great pool downstream of falls, pretty secluded spot.

BLUE HOLE GEORGETOWN [BLUG]: Traditional swimming place on the San Gabriel River right in downtown Georgetown. Dams create the pools and there is a cliff to jump from and small rapids to tube and play in. You can swim here and walk into downtown. To get here from Austin, take I-35 north to Georgetown and take Exit 259 and take South Austin Ave. through downtown. At the north end of town, just before you cross the bridge over the South Fork San Gabriel River, turn west (left) on 2nd Street and follow signs to the Blue Hole Park. LAT, LON lat=30.64314, lon=-97.68144(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 6/22/07.

HIPPIE HOLLOW COUNTY PARK [HIPP]: The only officially clothing optional public park in Texas! Park and swimming area on Lake Travis west of Austin. See WEB SITE for all information. Entrance fee, must be 18 or older to get in. About 1/2 hour drive from Austin. Gets crowded on warm summer weekend days - people get turned away once the parking area is full, so get there early. From downtown Austin, take West Koenig Ln west, becomes Allandale Rd then becomes RR Rd 2222. Continue west on RR Rd. 2222, across RT 360, and cross RR Rd. 620. From the intersection of RR 620 and FM 2222, turn south (left) on RR 620 and go 1.3 miles then turn north (right) on Comanche Trail and travel 2 miles. Park entrance is on your left. LAT, LON lat=30.41445, lon=-97.886(source: map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified. Very confident. Updated 5/2011.
CONFIDENCE Varies (see above)
VERIFIED Varies (see above)
DATE UPDATED 5/2011



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BALMORHEA S. P.
(BALM)

SEE LINK BELOW FOR PHOTOS TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS ODESSA, PECOS, ALPINE
LAT, LON lat=30.944350, lon=-103.783258(source: By Another) (accuracy:general area)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE TX
WATER San Solomon Spring
TYPE Spring-fed pool
DESCRIPTION The park's main attraction is a large (77,053 sq. ft.) artesian spring pool that is open daily and fed by San Solomon Springs. The pool differs from most public pools in several respects: the 1 3/4-acre size, the 25-foot depth and the 72 to 76 degree constant temperature. It also has a variety of aquatic life in its clear waters. With a capacity of more than 3 1/2 million gallons, the pool has plenty of room for swimmers, while offering a unique setting for scuba and skin diving. See web site for details: BALMORHEA S. P.
AREA Balmorhea S. P.
SANCTION Official
FEE Yes - see web site
FACILITIES Full facilities in State Park
ACTIVITIES Swimming, Scuba Diving
PHONE 1-800-792-1112(State Park)
CAMPING At site, reservations available. There is also a historic "court" - like a motel.
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From Odessa, take I-20 west then I-10 east. The park is located 4 miles southwest of Balmorhea on State Highway 17, in Toyahvale. Take the Balmorhea exit off I-10 (exit #206); FM 2903 south to Balmorhea; State Highway 17 east 4 miles to the Park. From I-10 eastbound, take Toyahvale/Ft. Davis exit (exit #192); Ranch Road 3078 east approximately 12 miles to the park.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 10/4/2004



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BLANCO S. P.
(BLAN)

PHOTO
PHOTO
TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS BLANCO
LAT, LON lat=30.089, lon=-98.424(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
STATE TX
WATER Blanco River
TYPE River/dam
DESCRIPTION This is right in "downtown" Blanco, where the whole town comes out on hot days to picnic, fish and swim. Camping too. The Blanco River is dammed up (well, actually, a low water bridge where the river goes over the top) making a deep swimming place. web site
AREA Blanco S. P.
SANCTION Official
FEE None
FACILITIES Full facilities in State Park
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE unknown
CAMPING At site
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From San Antonio, go about 45 miles north on RT 281 to the town of Blanco. Can't miss the river.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED Yes
DATE UPDATED 10/4/2004



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CHINATI HOT SPRINGS
(CHIN)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS ALPINE, MARFA, PRESIDIO
LAT, LON lat=30.0238, lon=-104.6473(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE TX
WATER Hot spring
TYPE Hot spring
DESCRIPTION Way out in West Texas - Beautiful commercial hot springs with camping, lodging and food. Day use of springs also (fee). see website.
AREA None
SANCTION Official, commercial
FEE Yes, see web site
FACILITIES All facilities
ACTIVITIES Hot tubbing
PHONE 432-229-4165
CAMPING Camping at site, lodging also.
BATHING SUITS Unknown (probably optional)
DIRECTIONS From Alpine, take RT 90 west to Marfa then RT 2810 (Pinto Canyon Rd.) south then see map on website for further directions.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 12/28/2007



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COLORADO BEND S. P.
(COLO)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS SAN SABA, LAMPASS
LAT, LON lat=31.05955, lon=-98.50471(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
STATE TX
WATER Colorado River
TYPE River
DESCRIPTION Very remote State Park in central Texas. Said to be "a spring-fed oasis of lush green vegetation and crystal clear water. Like driving out of West Texas, blinking your eyes and finding you're in Jamaica." Several very fine swimming holes, in spring fed creeks. Also features spectacular cave tours and a waterfall tour (ranger-led tours only, reservations recommended.) Ask at the office about the swimming places. All facilites are at the State Park, including very beautiful camp sites at site. web site
AREA Colorado Bend S. P.
SANCTION Unknown
FEE Unknown
FACILITIES Full facilities in State Park
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE unknown
CAMPING At site
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From Austin: take RT 183 northwest to Lampasas. The park is west of Lampasas, southeast of San Saba. From the intersection of US Highways 281 and 183 in Lampasas, take FM 580 west 24 miles to Bend and follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance. From San Saba, take US Highway 190 about 4 miles to FM 580 and follow the signs 13 miles to Bend; follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance. The headquarters and main camping are 6 miles past the entrance on the gravel road (unmarked County Road 442). (Access road subject to flooding.)
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 10/2/2004



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CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH
(CRYS)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS TEXARKANA, MAUD
LAT, LON lat=33.32606, lon=-94.38214(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE TX
WATER Crystal Springs
TYPE Spring-fed pool
DESCRIPTION Spring-fed swimming place, commercial, with water rides and a 350-foot-long beach of white sand.
AREA Crystal Springs Lake
SANCTION Official
FEE Yes
FACILITIES All facilities
ACTIVITIES Swimming, sliding, diving
PHONE 903-585-5246
CAMPING Camping at site
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From Texarkana, take RT 67 west 20 miles (through Maud); Crystal Springs will be on the right side of the highway.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 7/2/2007



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GARNER S. P.
(GARN)

PHOTO
PHOTO
TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS SAN SABA, LAMPASS
LAT, LON lat=29.583, lon=-99.739(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
STATE TX
WATER Frio River
TYPE River
DESCRIPTION On a beautiful stretch of the Frio River, Garner S.P. has family camping, swimming and fun for all ages. The swimming area has a concrete "dock" for jumping and sunning and a rope swing hangs invitingly from a nearby tree over the water. web site
AREA Garner S. P.
SANCTION Unknown
FEE Unknown
FACILITIES Full facilities in State Park
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE unknown
CAMPING At site
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From San Antonio, go west on RT 90 about 80 miles then north on RT 83 about 20 miles to Garner S.P..
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED Yes
DATE UPDATED 10/2/2004



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HOUSTON AREA
[2 PLACES]
(HOUA)

NO PHOTOS TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS HOUSTON, BEAUMONT
STATE TX
WATER Varies (see below)
TYPE Varies (see below)
DESCRIPTION Several swimming place in parks near Houston. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA Varies (see below)
SANCTION Varies (see below)
FEE Varies (see below)
ACTIVITIES Varies (see below)
FACILITIES Varies (see below)
PHONE Varies (see below)
CAMPING At Village Creek S. P. and Huntsville S. P. There may be other Texas State Parks in this area with camping. To make camping reservations: Texas State Parks.
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS All directions are from Houston or Beaumont.

VILLAGE CREEK S. P. [VILL]: Hike 1 mile in State Park to sandbar swimming area on Village Creek. WEB SITE. Phone: 409-755-7322. Camping. Fee. LAT, LON lat=30.2497, lon=-94.1765(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. From Beaumont, take RT 69/96 north; take Mitchell Road exit onto Mitchell Road (just before the RT 69/96 split). Go approximately .4 mile on the access road and turn east (right) onto Mitchell Road. Then turn immediately north (left) onto FM 3513 (Village Creek Parkway). Go approximately 2 miles and turn East (right) on Alma Drive. Cross the railroad tracks (veer to the left) and go .5 mile to park entrance. Very confident. Not Verified. Updated 12/28/07.

HUNTSVILLE S. P. [HUNT]: Swim in a roped-off area of Lake Raven - beautiful clear water lake in forested area adjacent to Sam Houston N. F.. There are alligators in the far reaches of this lake but there have not been reported problems with people. Do not swim at dusk or dawn. WEB SITE. Phone: 936-295-5644 . Camping. Fee. LAT, LON lat=30.6156, lon=-95.5341(source: web site) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. From Beaumont, take I-45 north to Huntsville. The park is 6 miles southwest of Huntsville on Park Road 40. Very confident. Not Verified. Updated 12/28/07.

CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 12/28/2007



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KERRVILLE AREA
[8 PLACES]
(KERA)

PHOTOS BELOW TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS KERRVILLE, INGRAM, HUNT
STATE TX
WATER Varies (see below)
TYPE Varies (see below)
DESCRIPTION Several swimming places near Kerrville. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA Varies (see below)
SANCTION Varies (see below)
FEE Varies (see below)
ACTIVITIES Varies (see below)
FACILITIES Varies (see below)
PHONE Varies (see below)
CAMPING Varies (see below)
BATHING SUITS Varies (see below)
DIRECTIONS All directions are from Kerrville.

KERRVILLE [KERR]: Downtown Kerrville has a park right along the Guadalupe River. There is hiking, picnicking and swimming in very deep water (good swimmers only) behind a dam here at the river right in the midst of town. To get there: From San Antonio, take I- 10 northwest to RT 16 then into Kerrville. Take RT 16 south in the downtown, cross the bridge over the river then take an immediate right into Louise L. Hays Park. LAT, LON : lat=30.04636, lon=-99.14297(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. No camping at the site, for camping right near Kerrville, try the Kerrville-Schreiner S. P., just 3 miles from downtown, also along the Guadalupe River, with boat launching and swimming in the river. Has cabins also. To get to the camping place, take loop 534 just southeast of Kerrville. KERRVILLE PHOTO 1 - KERRVILLE PHOTO 2 Verified. Very confident.

BRINKS CROSSING [BRIN]: Just southeast of Kerrville, a free swimming spot with trees and a sandy beach on the Guadalupe River. From Kerrville take RT 27 southeast (aka: Memorial Blvd., San Antonio Hwy). At the Kerrville Airport turn south (right) on Colvin Ranch Rd. E. then go right on Center Point River Rd.. The beach is right here where Cedar Point River Rd crosses the Gaudalupe River. LAT, LON lat=29.95430, lon=-99.07913(source: map ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident.

MEDINA [MEDI]: South of Kerrville, further south on RT 16, a bridge crosses the Medina River near Medina where there's a great swimming hole. From Kerrville take RT 16 south past Medina. Swimming hole is at a low-water crossing of the Medina River on RT 16 between Medina and Bandera. LAT, LON lat=29.73614, lon=-99.12208(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident.

INGRAM DAM [INGR]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. The dam gets mossy and real slippery and folks slide down the dam face into the pond at the bottom. To get here, from Kerrville (above) take RT 27 west to Ingram. In Ingram, go left on Riverview Rd. and right on River Park Rd. (I think) and find the dam and you are there. LAT, LON lat=30.06928, lon=-99.23336(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/12/06.

SCHUMACHERS CROSSING [SCHU]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. Has waterfalls, roadside park and shallow or deep swimming. LINK TO PHOTO. To get here, from Ingram (above) continue west on RT 39 toward Hunt. (You will be running alongside the Guadalupe River and there may be other swiming places along here.) Before you come into Hunt, there is a bridge where RT 39 crosses the river (about where Cave Spring Rd goes off to the right) is a park with a broad, low dam and swimming places. LAT, LON lat= 30.067215, lon=-99.322007(source: map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 5/2011.

HUNT CROSSING [HUNT]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. Has rope swing, county park and boat launch. To get here, from SCHUMACHERS CROSSING (above) continue west a very short way on RT 39 toward Hunt to where RT 39 crosses the river again (near the intersection of RT 39 and FM 1340) and below this bridge is the park and swimming place. LAT, LON lat=30.07002, lon=-99.33259(source: map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 5/2011.

WAGON WHEEL CROSSING [WAGO]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. Not so popular as some of the others. Flat rocks, good for sunning and picnicking, slow water, nice for kids. To get here, from Hunt take FM 1340 west about 8 miles to a crossing of the Guadalupe River near the Wagon Wheel Ranch. No better directions. LAT, LON lat=30.06178, lon=-99.4457 (source: map) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 5/2011.

THE FLATS [FLAT]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. Not so popular as some of the others. Flat rocks underwater with grooves or tubs for sitting and cooling. To get here, from WAGON WHEEL CROSSING (above) just go another .5 mile on FM 1340. No better directions. LAT, LON lat=30.05361, lon=-99.4467 (source: map) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 5/2011.

MO RANCH [MORA]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. This from a fan in 2011: "You don't have to be a Presbyterian! Nor do you have to be part of a conference. And you don't have to stay at the facilities - there is a nominal ($10. per person) daily fee. I looked around on their website and found the answers to these and other questions at WEB SITE ".

"As for the swimming hole: boy, do they! There is a large water area off the Guadeloupe river that they have dammed up, but that is just the beginning. Along that area (last time I was there), they have a rope swing, a platform and a sled thing that you climb up and slide down the track out and over the water. It's pretty old-fashioned but wild fun. There is still more. At the edge of the property, there is an area of "rapids" (as they call them)- really fissures in the rock of the river (which is clear and not very deep at most points, by the way). These natural formations in the rock form little "hot tubs" for the clear, warm water that is streaming by from the (very) nearby hot springs source. The water also cascades through some "chutes" that the kids love to slide through with the water. Very, very, very fun, I'd have to say. Canoes and boats are also available to row around at no extra charge." To get here, from THE FLATS (above) continue west on FM 1340 about 1.75 miles to signs. Address: 2229 FM 1340. Phone: 800-460-4401. LAT, LON lat=30.06070, lon=-99.47180(source: map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 5/2011.
CONFIDENCE Varies (see above)
VERIFIED Varies (see above)
DATE UPDATED 5/2011



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LLANO AREA
[2 PLACES]
(LANA)

PHOTOS BELOW TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS JOHNSON CITY, MARBLE FALLS, LLANO, KINGSLAND, BURNET
STATE TX
WATER Varies (see below)
TYPE Varies (see below)
DESCRIPTION Several swimming places near Llano and Burnet. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA Varies (see below)
SANCTION Varies (see below)
FEE Varies (see below)
ACTIVITIES Varies (see below)
FACILITIES Varies (see below)
PHONE Varies (see below)
CAMPING Varies (see below)
BATHING SUITS Varies (see below)
DIRECTIONS All directions are from Johnson City.

LLANO SLAB - KINGSLAND [LLAS]: Traditional swimming place on the Llano River in Kingsland. Here, the river is wide and mostly shallow with a few deep places to cool off in. If you go, TAKE YOUR TRASH OUT WITH YOU! To get here from Johnson City, take RT 281 north to Marble Falls then FM 1431 west (left turn) through downtown Kingsland then turn west (left) on Ranch 3404 and go to the Llano River where the swimming hole is. LAT, LON lat=30.68231, lon=-98.48369(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 6/22/07.

DEVILS WATER HOLE [DEVI] In Inks Lake S. P., there are many small falls fed by Spring Creek and a part of the dammed-up Colorado River where one might jump into the deep water. Inks Lake S. P. . LAT, LON : lat=30.7322, lon=-98.3739(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Johnson City, go north on RT 281 through Marble Falls to Burnet, then 9 miles west on RT 29 then 3 miles south on Park Road 4 to Ink Lake S. P.. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 6/22/07.

CONFIDENCE Varies (see above)
VERIFIED Varies (see above)
DATE UPDATED 10/2110



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LUCKENBACH
(LUCK)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS FREDERICKSBURG, LUCKENBACH
LAT, LON lat=30.17894, lon=-98.75506(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE TX
WATER South Grape River
TYPE River
DESCRIPTION Swimming place in the South Grape River in Luckenbach near the Luckenbach Inn Bed and Breakfast. No further details.
AREA None
SANCTION Unknown
FEE Unknown
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE Unknown
CAMPING None at site
BATHING SUITS Unknown
DIRECTIONS From San Antonio, take I- 10 northwest to RT 16 northeast to Fredericksburg. In Fredericksburg, take RT 290 east then RT 1376 southeast to Luckenbach. Look for the Luckenbach Inn Bed and Breakfast and the South Grape River. The swimming place is somewhere near here.
CONFIDENCE Pretty confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 10/2/2004



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NEW BRAUNFELS AREA
(NEWB)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS SAN ANTOINIO, NEW BRAUNFELS
LAT, LON lat=29.705, lon=-98.153(source: Topozone) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE TX
WATER Guadalupe River
TYPE River
DESCRIPTION A traditional German town, right on the Guadalupe River, with lots of river tubing and water park activities and other tourist attractions. Mostly commercial, with a fee. Some of the commercial parks and outfitters are: Schlitterbahn Water Park, Rio Rafting, River Sports Tubes.
AREA None
SANCTION Official
FEE Mostly - see web sites
FACILITIES All facilities
ACTIVITIES Swimming, tubing, water slides
PHONE See web sites
CAMPING None at site
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From San Antonio, take I-35 northeast to New Braunfels.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED Partially
DATE UPDATED 10/2/2004



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PEDERNALES AREA
[3 PLACES]
(PEDA)

PHOTOS BELOW TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS AUSTIN, JOHNSON CITY, BEE CAVE
STATE TX
WATER Varies (see below)
TYPE Varies (see below)
DESCRIPTION Several swimming places near Pedernales Falls, west of Austin. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA Varies (see below)
SANCTION Varies (see below)
FEE Varies (see below)
ACTIVITIES Varies (see below)
FACILITIES Varies (see below)
PHONE Varies (see below)
CAMPING Varies (see below)
BATHING SUITS Varies (see below)
DIRECTIONS All directions are from Austin.

PEDERNALES FALLS S. P. [PEDE] To get here from Austin, take RT 290 west through Dripping Springs and Henley then Ranch 3232 north (right turn) to Pedernales Falls S. P.. LAT, LON : lat=30.3392, lon=-98.2566(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Several fine swimming places:

There is a pretty, staircase falls in the Pedernales River river here. Swimming is allowed in the river downstream of the falls, but no swimming at the falls itself. A nice camping area too, well wooded with small scrub trees. Swimming in the river behind camping area also. PEDERNALES FALLS S.P.-RIVER HOLE PHOTO

For a very secluded little swimming place here, there is a trail to "primitive camping", a nice easy wide trail. On this trail, at about 3/4 mile (pass the .5 mile sign, ight at the 6.5 mile sign in opposite direction) off to the left of the trail is a creek with a little ravine and nice cozy secluded deep pools at the bottom good for swimming. Mountain biking is popular on this trail, you can also primitive camp back in there. PEDERNALES FALLS S.P. - CREEK HOLE PHOTO Verified. Very confident.

KRAUSE SPRINGS [KRAU] This is a privately owned swimming and camping place in Spicewood. Features a waterfall covered in ferns with a swimming hole below the falls and a spring-fed swimming pool. A rope swing under shady cypress trees. LINK TO KRAUSE SPRINGS INFORMATION Fee is $4.00 to swim (in 2007). Has picnic tables, toilets - swimming, jumping. To get here from Austin: take RT 71 west, cross the Pedernales River, drive 7 miles, turn right on Spur 191 at the Exxon Station, right on County Road 404 and look for a sign on the left directing you to this private park. LAT, LON : lat=30.48061, lon=-98.14550(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 7/22/07.


HAMILTON POOL [HAMI] A most beautiful swimming place in a natural spring in a remote box canyon, with ferns all around and clear, clean, cool water. Waterfalls and cascades. Owned by Travis County - entrance fee. Steep hike of 1/4 mile. Web sites: HAMILTON POOL 1 , HAMILTON POOL 2. Is occasionally closed to swimmers - call ahead (512)264-2740. Parking lot holds only 75 cars and when it's full you have to wait until somebody leaves. That happens a lot on weekends, so come early. Water quality problems sometimes cause closure - call ahead - 512.264.2740. LAT, LON : lat=30.342, lon=-98.126(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Austin, take RT 71 west 38 miles, through Bee Cave, then turn left on Hamilton Pool Road. The park entrance is thirteen miles. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/12/06.
CONFIDENCE Varies (see above)
VERIFIED Varies (see above)
DATE UPDATED 10/2110



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SAN FELIPE SPRINGS
(SANF)

NO PHOTO TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS DEL RIO
LAT, LON lat=29.37350, lon=-100.88367(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE TX
WATER Spring
TYPE Spring/pool
DESCRIPTION Spring-fed pool in Horseshoe City Park in Del Rio. Link to photos and information. Unknown if there is a fee.
AREA Horseshoe City Park
SANCTION Official
FEE Unknown
FACILITIES Unknown
ACTIVITIES Swimming
PHONE Unknown
CAMPING None at site
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From San Antonio, take RT 90 west to the Mexico border, about 160 miles, to Del Rio. No more detailed directions.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 6/22/2007



swimmingholes.org


SAN MARCOS AREA
[2 PLACES]
(SANA)

PHOTOS BELOW TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS SAN MARCOS, WIMBERLEY
STATE TX
WATER Varies (see below)
TYPE Varies (see below)
DESCRIPTION Several swimming places near San Marcos, south of Austin. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA Varies (see below)
SANCTION Varies (see below)
FEE Varies (see below)
ACTIVITIES Varies (see below)
FACILITIES Varies (see below)
PHONE Varies (see below)
CAMPING Varies (see below)
BATHING SUITS Varies (see below)
DIRECTIONS All directions are from San Marcos.

SAN MARCOS [SANM]: Not exactly in the hill country, but between San Antonio and Austin, on I-35, is the town of San Marcos and the spring-fed San Marcos River. In the city of San Marcos there is Sewell Park with tube rentals and man-made falls. The water is crystal clear and very cool. One of the most popular sections is the Cheatham Street Dam (Rio Vista Falls) in Rio Vista Park LINK TO INFO AND PHOTOS. From Aquarena Springs to the interstate highway, the San Marcos River is a great swimming hole and float trip. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2. LAT, LON lat=29.89008, lon=-97.93400(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident.

BLUE HOLE WIMBERLEY [BLUW]: A multi-generation local treasure (and preserved as such), the Blue Hole at Wimberley has recently re-opened as a city park and Blue Hole Campground. Blue-green Cypress Creek flows under Cypress trees through a naturally beautiful, shaded area with swimming and a rope swing. Unknown if there is a fee to swim. Friends of Blue Hole - information and photos . To get here, from San Antonio, take I-35 northeast to San Marcos then Ranch 12 northwest to Wimberley. In Wimberley, take Deer Lake Rd. (Old Kyle Rd. ?)east (right turn) the Blue Hole Lane north (left turn) to the Blue Hole Campground. LAT, LON lat=30.00431, lon=-98.09053(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 6/22/07.

CONFIDENCE Varies (see above)
VERIFIED Varies (see above)
DATE UPDATED 10/2110



swimmingholes.org


TONKAWA SPRINGS
(TONK)

SEE LINK BELOW FOR PHOTOS TO STATE MAP
TO HOMEPAGE
TOWNS NACOGDOCHES
LAT, LON lat=31.82663, lon=-94.60611(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate)
LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE TX
WATER Tonkawa Springs
TYPE creek/Springs
DESCRIPTIONLong-time, historical spring-fed swimming hole, now part of a privately owned park and campground. The swimming hole, which is 68 degrees year round (similar to Barton Springs, in Austin) has been drawing outdoor enthusiasts for decades to its cool water and flowing creeks. Great family fun place, you can swim even if you dont camp, for a small fee. PARK WEB SITE .
AREA None
SANCTION Official
FEE Yes, see web site link
FACILITIES All facilites
ACTIVITIES Swimming, jumping
PHONE (936) 564-8888
CAMPING At site.
BATHING SUITS Required
DIRECTIONS From Nacogdoches, go north on on RT 259 then go east on CR 1087 for 4.5 miles then turn right (south) on CR 153 to the entrance about 100 yards.
CONFIDENCE Very confident
VERIFIED No
DATE UPDATED 2/2010


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