The Best Swimming Holes in Austin

Campbell’s Hole

A hidden gem along Barton Creek, Campbell’s Hole offers a laid-back alternative to Austin’s busier swimming spots. Tucked between Zilker Park and Barton Hills, this natural swimming hole is perfect for anyone looking to cool off in nature without the crowds. From lounging on the sun-warmed rocks to splashing in the clear creek or exploring nearby trails, Campbell’s Hole offers a quiet retreat tucked away in the middle of the city.

Entrance Fee: Free
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Directions: Access the trail from the Spyglass Drive entrance or the Barton Creek Greenbelt trailhead at Zilker Park. Follow the trail until you reach the wide bend in the creek.
Pro Tip: After heavy rains, the water can get high and fast-moving, so check conditions before you go. Bring water shoes if you plan to explore the rocky creek bed.

Tom Hughes Park

Tucked away on the north shore of Lake Travis, Tom Hughes Park is a scenic spot perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and catching breathtaking sunsets over the water. The park's rugged limestone terrain and steep trails lead down to clear, rocky swimming areas that offer a more secluded experience compared to other Lake Travis parks. It's a favorite among locals seeking a tranquil escape amidst nature.

Entrance Fee: $5 per person; $3 for seniors (62+); free for children 12 and under and disabled veterans (50%+ disabled). Cash only. 

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to civil twilight (approximately 8:55 p.m. today). Closed from November 1 through March 31. 

Directions: Located at 12714 Hughes Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732. From downtown Austin, take Ranch Road 620 to Marshall Ford Road, then turn onto Hughes Park Road. The park entrance is at the end of Hughes Park Road. 

Pro Tip: The trails are steep and can be challenging, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Swimming areas are rocky—water shoes are highly recommended. Be aware that the park may close during hazardous trail conditions, especially after rain. Also, note that there are no pets, glass containers, or public display of alcohol consumption allowed in the park. 

Jessica Hollis Park

Just below Mansfield Dam, Jessica Hollis Park offers a quiet spot to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenic shores of Lake Austin. Known for its crisp, cold water, often colder than Barton Springs, this tucked-away park is a favorite for those looking to cool off without the crowds. With shaded picnic areas and easy lake access, it’s a peaceful place to spend a summer afternoon.

Entrance Fee: $5 per adult; $2 for seniors, military, and disabled visitors; free for kids 12 and under

Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset

Directions: Located at 14100 Low Water Crossing Road, the park is off Ranch Road 620—just turn onto Low Water Crossing Road, and the entrance will be on your right.

Pro Tip: The water here is fed from the bottom of Lake Travis, so it stays especially chilly, perfect on a hot day. Just keep in mind that swimming is allowed, but not within 50 feet of boat ramps, and there are no lifeguards on duty.

Big Stacy Pool

A cherished gem in the Travis Heights neighborhood, Big Stacy Pool has been welcoming swimmers since 1937. This spring-fed, geothermal pool maintains a comfortable temperature of around 80 degrees year-round, making it an inviting spot for both recreational swimmers and lap enthusiasts. If you're looking to cool off on a summer day or enjoy a warm swim during cooler months, Big Stacy is the place to be.

Entrance Fee: Free

Hours: Recreational swim hours run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, with special hours on holidays like July 4.

Directions: Located at 700 East Live Oak Street, Big Stacy Pool is easily accessible from downtown Austin. Head south on South Congress Avenue, turn left onto East Live Oak Street, and the pool will be on your left.

Pro Tip: For a more relaxed experience, try visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons when crowds are thinner. The water’s steady warmth, thanks to geothermal heating, makes it a year-round favorite.

Hill of Life Dam

Tucked away at the northern end of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Hill of Life Dam offers a serene swimming spot for those willing to tackle the trail. After a moderately challenging hike, you'll find yourself at a tranquil pool formed by the dam, perfect for a refreshing dip amidst nature. The clear, shallow waters and surrounding limestone formations make it a favorite among locals seeking a peaceful spot.

Entrance Fee: Free

Hours: Open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Directions: Begin at the Hill of Life Trailhead located at 1710 Camp Craft Road in Austin. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. The trail descends steeply for about half a mile; once at the bottom, head right to reach the dam.

Pro Tip: The trail can be steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. It's best to visit early in the day to avoid the heat and crowds.

Barton Springs Pool
A local favorite in Austin, Barton Springs Pool has been the place to be since its inception in 1837, and it’s drawn everyone from free-spirited hippies to congressmen to famous film directors. The spacious pool offers great views of Downtown Austin, and you can always count on the water being a brisk 68 degrees. If you haven't been to Barton Springs Pool, we recommend cooling off there this summer. 

Entrance Fee: It varies depending on whether you are an Austin resident and by age. Swimming is free from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Directions: Take Barton Springs Rd from downtown Austin and turn left into the park entrance. For newcomers, it's just on the other side of the road from the massive field at Zilker Park.
Pro Tip: A lot of things are prohibited at Barton Springs Pool, so go with as little on your person as possible.

Hamilton Pool Preserve
This historic swimming hole is another treasure beloved by Austinites. Located three-quarters of a mile upstream from the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills over a 50-foot waterfall, forming the natural pool in a steep box canyon. You’ll want to make a reservation online.

Entrance Fee: $12 per vehicle (1 vehicle max, 8 people max), or $8 per adult (Ages 13-61)

Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Directions: From Downtown Austin, take Highway 71/290 (Ben White Blvd) west and hang a right onto Highway 71 at the "Y." Follow that for eight miles and then turn left onto Hamilton Pool Rd.
Pro Tip: If it hasn't rained recently, take the path to the left when the trail to Hamilton Pool forks. It will lead you to a spot where the Hamilton Creek and Pedernales River meet. It also provides some gorgeous scenery!

Barton Springs Spillway
A popular spot for owners to bring their dogs is Barton Springs Spillway, also known as Barkin’ Springs. This is a great little spot to enjoy the brisk water of Barton Springs Pool without paying the entrance fee, and you can have your own food and drinks. Bring your tube, jump in the cold water, and enjoy the day for free!

Entrance Fee: None
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Directions: Head to Barton Springs and stay east of the actual pool area outside of the gates.

Pro Tip: Barton Springs Spillway can get very crowded. Instead of going during busy hours, visit during off-hours for a more relaxing experience.

Twin Falls
The baby brother to Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls is one of the best swimming holes in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This swimming hole comes equipped with a rope swing, a jumping rock, plenty of sun and shade, and your fair share of hippies. It can get fairly crowded on the weekends, so try to visit Twin Falls away from peak hours!

Entrance Fee: None
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Directions: From downtown, take Highway 71/290 West to the exit for Highway 360. Take 360 to the light where it intersects with Mopac Loop 1 and turn left onto the South Mopac access road. Don't merge onto the highway. Stay right and park close to the trailhead. Head down to the creek and stay right toward Twin Falls for about five miles. If you're feeling lost, check out the maps at the entrance and they'll tell you where to go.

Pro Tip: The Twin Falls swimming hole is dry most of the summer, but in early fall (September/October), it's a beautiful swimming hole after a big rainfall. 

Deep Eddy Pool
While not as popular as Barton Springs Pool, Deep Eddy Pool is also a notable and historic swimming hole that provides locals with a fantastic spot to swim during the summer. It’s actually the oldest swimming pool in Texas! Since the Colorado River provides the water for this man-made pool, you can always bet on water temperatures being around 70 degrees. If you're looking to wade in the water or swim laps, Deep Eddy Pool is the swimming hole to visit. 

Entrance Fee: They vary by age and if you are a resident. For example, an Austin resident adult will pay $5 a day, and a non-resident will pay $9. See their website for full costs.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Directions: Head west on 6th Street from downtown Austin and cross under Mopac Loop 1. Here, 6th, 5th, and Cesar Chavez converge to form Lake Austin Blvd. Just after the intersection at Mopac, turn left onto Deep Eddy Ave.

Pro Tip: During the summer, Deep Eddy Pool provides Splash Party Movie Nights, showing family-friendly films on an inflatable screen! Check their website for showtimes.

West Lake Beach
West Lake Beach is a great place to take your family and friends to cool off and hang out. Located along Lake Austin, just north of the Lake Austin Dam, It features a roped-off swimming area that gets up to six feet deep. More of a private marina and less of a beach, this spot requires a reservation but is peaceful and kid-friendly. 

Entrance Fee: $8 for adults and $5 for kids under 11
Hours: Saturday 10 a.m.to 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and open during the week by special arrangement
Directions: From Mopac, take 15th/Enfield Rd west to Lake Austin Blvd. Turn left onto Lake Austin Blvd, then a quick right onto Red Bud Trail. Follow Red Bud Trail until you get to the intersection of West Lake Dr. (a gas station is on the corner). Follow West Lake Dr for 1.9 miles and keep right at the split. Follow it along the water to West Lake Beach.
Pro Tip: You can only enter and access West Lake Beach by making a reservation. It is often rented out for private events, so make sure to reserve ahead of time. Their phone number is (512) 327-9004.

Sculpture Falls
Moderately hidden away down a one-mile hike in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Sculpture Falls is one of the choice spots for Austin natives to cool off during the summertime (though it's rather gorgeous all year round). You'll find people doing everything from relaxing in the water to throwing a football to canoeing after heavy rainfall!

Entrance Fee: None
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Directions: Take Highway 71/290 West from downtown and exit at Highway 360 North. Take a left onto Scottish Woods Trail off of Hwy 360 until it meets 1710 Camp Craft Rd. Park your car on the street and walk up the road until you see the entrance to Greenbelt Trail. Follow the stony steps down about a mile, making sure you always fork to the right. Once you hit the bottom, take another right and keep on walking. Follow it down until you hear people or running water.
Pro Tip: Only go if it has rained in Austin recently because Barton Creek tends to dry up during summer droughts. As a general rule of thumb, wait a couple of days for the bacteria to clear from the water after a heavy rain.

McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls is one of the closest state parks to central Austin, where you can actually enjoy a nice swim. It's also great for hiking, camping, and simply catching a break from the city. If you're looking for a nearby but more remote swimming hole in Austin, McKinney Falls is sure to be a good choice!

Entrance Fee: Check website for fees and to make a reservation
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (unless you're camping)!
Directions: From Downtown Austin, take I-35 south to Highway 71/290 East (Ben White Blvd). Exit for Montopolis Dr. Take a right on Montopolis Dr, left onto Burleson Rd, and then right onto McKinney Falls Pkwy. You'll see signs for the park.
Pro Tip: Take the path to the Lower Falls for better swimming!

Bull Creek
Bull Creek weaves in and out of Highway 360 for 12 miles, beginning in north central Travis County and ending in Lake Austin, where it merges with the Colorado River. That being said, there are a lot of incredible spots along Bull Creek. If you're looking to explore some fantastic trails and swimming holes in Austin that don't get as much attention, Bull Creek might just be your new favorite spot!

Entrance Fee: None
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Directions: Take Highway 360 north from downtown until it hits Spicewood Springs Rd. Once on Spicewood Springs Rd, take an immediate right onto Old Spicewood Springs Rd and follow that down until you see trailhead parking on the left.
Pro Tip: Choose to get lost in this beautiful creek system! After a little exploring, you'll find many trails to follow. They usually lead to some pretty awesome and unexpected swimming holes and secluded spots. See if you can find the abandoned car!

Hippie Hollow
Hippie Hollow is a "clothing optional" park located in the gorgeous Hill Country of Lake Travis. This beautiful park is situated among 109 acres of pristine land, only 20 miles from downtown Austin. This self-proclaimed "safe, nudist atmosphere" is a beautiful spot to take a dip and spend an afternoon right outside of the city.

Entrance Fee: $8.00
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Directions: From Downtown Austin, go north on Mopac Loop 1 until you reach RM 2222. Head west on RM 2222 until it turns into Bullick Hollow Rd. Continue on Bullick Hollow Rd until you reach Oasis Bluff Dr. Take a left on Oasis Bluff, then a right on Comanche Trail.
Pro Tip: Since this park is clothing-optional, it is for 18+ only! Make sure to follow Hippie Hollow's park rules. If you don't know the park rules, check out their website!

St. Edward's Park
St. Edward's Park is a hidden gem in Austin. Not only is it beautiful and perfect for those looking to hike, bike, and run, but it has some amazing swimming holes, too. If you're the wandering explorer type, St. Edward's Park was made for you. After a heavy rain, it's hard not to find a swimming hole here!

Entrance Fee: None
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Directions: From downtown, head north on Mopac Loop 1. Take the exit toward Highway 183 North (Research Blvd). Follow 183 for about a mile and then turn left onto Highway 360 (Capital of Texas Highway/Great Hills Trail). Turn right onto Spicewood Springs Rd., and you'll see the park entrance on your left.
Pro Tip: It's easy to get lost in St. Edward's Park. When you're going down the trail, merge to the right until there is a huge open field. Follow that path to the right and straight for about a half-mile. When you see another dirt path, take a left, then enter Rope Swing Heaven!

Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Arguably the only swimming hole in Austin with a true "beach" shorefront, Emma Long Park sits along Lake Austin providing cool water to swim year-round, even when the water level is relatively low. Though it can get crowded during the summer, finding your spot to enjoy the water along the long strip of land is fairly easy!

Entrance Fee: $5 per day/vehicle, Monday through Thursday, and $10 per day/vehicle Friday through Sunday and holidays
Hours: 8 am – 4 pm: Monday-Sunday, October - April, and 8 am - 7 pm: Monday - Sunday, May - September
Directions: From Downtown Austin, take Mopac Loop 1 north. Exit for RM 2222 (Northland Dr) and turn left. Follow 2222 through the hills, cross Highway 360 (Capital of Texas Highway), and turn left onto City Park Rd. Follow it four miles, and you'll dead-end into the park.
Pro Tip: Walk up the river about half a mile to escape where the majority of the crowd swims and find your own private swimming hole to enjoy!

Bob Wentz Park
Bob Wentz Park is located in the scenic Hill County of Lake Travis basin. This water-recreation hotspot is popular for windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, and swimming during the summertime. The sandy shoreline of Bob Wentz Park provides pedestrians with a beautiful spot to sunbathe, play volleyball, go for a peaceful walk, or just spend a lazy summer afternoon with friends!

Entrance Fee: $5 per person
Hours: 8 am to 6 p.m.
Directions: From downtown Austin, go south on Mopac Loop 1 until you reach RM 2222. Go west on RM 2222 until it turns into Bullick Hollow Rd. Continue on Bullick Hollow Rd until you reach Oasis Bluff Dr. Take a left on Oasis Bluff until you reach Comanche Trail. The destination will be on your right.
Pro Tip: Parking often reaches capacity during peak summer months, so be prepared to wait up to an hour if you don't get there early. They operate on a "five in, five out" basis!

Pace Bend
This area boasts over nine miles of shoreline, which means that there's plenty of swimming to be had. Pace Bend is also great for the avid cliff jumper. The limestone cliffs of Lake Travis form the perfect setting to enjoy cliff jumping into Lake Travis!

Entrance Fee: $5 per person
Hours: Day use is from sunrise to sunset, but Pace Bend also offers overnight use.
Directions: From Downtown Austin, take Highway 71 West for about 20 miles, then head north on FM 2322, and then hang a right onto Grisham Trail.
Pro Tip: Pale Face is one of the more notorious spots to jump. Be aware that the climb back up is pretty difficult. Also, keep an eye on water levels. Pace Bend is known for being a great place to cliff jump, but with changing water levels, you've got to take extra caution when picking your spots.

Reimer's Ranch
Reimer's Ranch is an open parkland located along the Pedernales River, and it's actually the largest parkland acquisition in the history of Travis County. Mostly known for its rock climbing, Reimer's has an awesome beach area where swimmers go to swim, soak, and sunbathe!

Entrance Fee: $5 per person
Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset
Directions: From downtown, take Highway 71/290 West (Ben White Blvd) toward the "Y." Veer right and take Highway 71 West at the split. Stay on 71 for eight miles and then turn left onto Hamilton Pool Rd (FM 3238) in Bee Cave. The park entrance is located a little over 10 miles along Hamilton Pool Rd, and it's about 2,000 feet before the Hamilton Pool park entrance.
Pro Tip: The earlier you leave the house, the better. During prime swimming months, Reimer's gets busy with climbers, bikers, and swimmers! It is also cash only.

Lake Pflugerville
With many family-oriented activities to engage in, Lake Pflugerville offers fishing, swimming, jogging, canoes, kayaks, and windsurfing. There are also seven fishing piers and a 3-mile trail for walking or jogging. If you want to participate in some athletic events, Lake Pflugerville has 3k and 5k races, triathlon competitions, and non-motorized boating activities!

Entrance Fee: Free
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Directions: Take TX 130 North and exit 431 to Pecan Street. Then turn left onto Weiss Lane. Lake Pflugerville should be straight ahead.
Pro Tip: Children 16 and younger can fish without a permit. Motorized power boats and glass bottles are prohibited. The park’s pavilion can be reserved for celebrations and can accommodate 125 people. Reservations must be made in person at the Pflugerville Recreation Center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.!

San Marcos River
Three words: Snorkeling. In. Texas. The San Marcos River is a great place to enjoy crystal-clear water! There are countless swimming holes located along this 75-mile river and several riverside parks as well. A local favorite is the Rio Vista Dam access point, which features a three-tier swimming hole. The river system extends from San Marcos down to Luling, TX, and there is an array of activities to take part in throughout.

Entrance Fee: Free
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Directions: From downtown Austin, head south on I-35 toward San Marcos. Exit for Aquarena Springs Dr., and you will be in the heart of San Marcos.
Pro Tip: Floating is by far the most popular activity on the river, but if you're interested in finding a new place to take a dip, make a day of it and get some great BBQ while you're in Luling!

Mansfield Dam Park
Located adjacent to the Mansfield Dam on the main body of Lake Travis, this popular boating spot is also a fantastic spot for swimmers. Providing a roped-off swimming area away from boats for pedestrians, this beautiful park is perfect for those looking to escape the city for an afternoon to clear their minds. You can also scuba dive here, and there are things like sunken ships to look for.

Entrance Fee: $5 per person
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Directions: From downtown Austin, go south on Mopac Loop 1 until you reach RM 2222. Go west on RM 2222 until it turns into RR 620. Turn left onto RR 620 N for about four miles until you reach Commanders Point Dr. Keep going until it turns into Mansfield Dam Rd, and you reach your destination on the left.
Pro Tip: When the water on Lake Travis gets low, many new islands appear. Bring your tube and a camera, and let your inner explorer run free!

Pedernales Falls
If you are looking to escape the city and enjoy a quiet afternoon in a scenic spot with a beautiful river, look no further than Pedernales Falls! Unlike most of the places mentioned on this list, Pedernales Falls caters to those seeking more of a reflective afternoon than a social one. That's not to say you can't enjoy a fantastic day with your family or friends, though! The actual swimming area is a strenuous ¼ mile, and swimming isn’t allowed in the actual falls area. 

Entrance Fee: $6 for ages 13 years and up
Hours: Sunrise to sunset. If you arrive after 10 p.m., contact the park before 5 p.m. to get the gate code.
Directions: Just like heading to Hamilton Pool, take Highway 71/290 (Ben White Blvd) west from downtown. This time you'll stay straight onto Highway 290 toward Dripping Springs. Follow 290 through Dripping Springs (approximately 25 miles) and then turn right onto RM 3232 for six miles. Turn right onto Co Rd 201 (Pedernales Falls Rd) and take your first left onto Park Rd 6026. Please note this is a partially restricted road.
Pro Tip: Drive a little farther past the swimming area to get to the falls. The hike is worth the view!

Rio Vista Park
Rio Vista appeared on top-ten lists of area swimming holes even before an extensive refurbishment, which turned Rio Vista Park into an excellent place to go tubing, white water rafting, kayaking, or just to enjoy a swim upstream. The park also provides other amenities such as restrooms, hike and bike trails, ball courts, and picnic areas!

Entrance Fee: None
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Directions: Take I-35 south to San Marcos and take exit 204B. Follow the service road for close to a mile, then turn right on S CM Allen Pkwy, then another right on Cheatham St, and a left onto Reynolds St.
Pro Tip: If Rio Vista Park is too packed, there are some other great swimming areas immediately upstream or downstream from Rio Vista. (You can also get to some secret swimming holes through the wildlife habitat park across the street from Rio Vista.)

Comal River
The Comal River is one of the most popular swimming and tubing spots in the state. If you haven't spent a day tubing down the Comal, you really can't call yourself a Central Texan. New Braunfels is the most popular point from which to embark on the Comal River, and several tube rental companies offer tubes, rafts, river shuttles, and more. Check out Texas Tubes, Landa Falls, and Corner Tubes for specific rates and tube rentals!

Entrance Fee: No entrance fee, but tube rental is dependent on the tube company.
Hours: Depends on the tube company
Directions: The majority of the tubing is done in Downtown New Braunfels. Once you're there, you'll easily be able to navigate to your desired tube outfitter.
Pro Tip: Go with a large group and bring your own tubes. You'll save money by not having to rent. After a relaxing and fun ride, there are plenty of places to eat and drink in New Braunfels.

Blanco State Park
Blanco State Park is a beautiful park with a lush, scenic river, perfect for enjoying a day away from the city during the summertime. Since the water comes from the Blanco River, you can almost always count on it being a brisk 70 degrees. Though not as popular as the San Marcos River or the Guadalupe River, you can rent tubes and canoes to take down the river if you're looking for a little more adventure!

Entrance Fee: $5 for adults, free for kids, must reserve passes online
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Directions: From Downtown Austin, take Mopac Loop 1 toward Highway 71/290 W. Turn right at 290 W and continue for roughly 25 miles until you hit FM 165. Turn left and continue on FM 165 for roughly 15 miles until you reach Chandler St (signs for Texas 163 Loop). Turn right on Chandler St and continue until you reach State Hwy P23. Turn left and keep a slight right on Park Road 23. Blanco State Park is on your left.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for some quality reflective time, the western part of the park is usually nowhere near as crowded as the rest of it.

Krause Springs
One of Texas's best-kept secrets, Krause Springs, is a breathtaking private spring located in Spicewood, 30 miles outside of Austin. Located in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, Krause Springs has 32 springs on its 115-acre property, with one large natural swimming hole where most people spend their time. With great water levels and temperatures year-round, you never have to worry if the swimming will be great!

Entrance Fee: Adults are $10 and children are $6
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Directions: Located in Spicewood, take Highway 71 west from downtown Austin and hang a right at the "Y." Stay on 71 for 25 miles until you see Texas Spur 191 and turn right. Take another right onto 404 (Mike Wall Ln) and take your first left onto Krause Springs Rd.
Pro Tip: Krause Springs is on private property, so if you're over 21, feel free to enjoy an adult beverage worry-free!

Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake is a bit farther from Austin and the farthest we recommend you drive, considering we're trying to make it easy for you to get your swim on without having to drive to the beach. Inks Lake is a stunning Highland Lake located in the city of Burnet. Inks Lake State Park is a beautiful site to catch some rays in the water, and the levels stay fairly consistent, so you can swim all year.

Entrance Fee: $7 for adults, free for kids, reservations recommended
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Directions: From downtown, take Mopac Loop 1 north. Take the exit for Highway 183 North/Research Blvd. Continue on 183 through the tolls for a little over 20 miles, then turn left onto Highway 29 West and drive 30 miles through the town of Burnet. Take a left onto Park Road 4 West, and you'll see the park entrance on the right.
Pro Tip: This place is gorgeous! If you're going to go, we recommend making it a weekend. Bring a tent and a rod and enjoy the lake and surrounding trails. Also, be sure to check out Devil's Waterhole on the north shore of Inks Lake!

Guadalupe River State Park
The Guadalupe River has it all, with endless spots to swim, wade, tube, canoe, and just enjoy a hot summer day. While the river can get low during really dry months, you can almost always count on the water being a brisk 68 degrees and high enough to swim. While this spot is a little bit of a longer drive than an hour from Austin, we'd be remiss not to include it on the list. Try to make a day of it and visit nearby Boerne or Spring Branch, Texas!

Entrance Fee: $7 for adults, free for kids, reservations recommended
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Directions: From Austin, take I-35 south toward New Braunfels and exit for Highway 46 West. Follow 46 for 25 miles across Highway 281 and turn right onto State Park Road 31. Follow Park Road 31 for about five miles, and you'll see the park entrance on your right.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for some of the best tubing in Texas on the Guadalupe River, check out Lazy L & L!

Sewell Park
Sewell Park sits on a stretch of the San Marcos River that winds through the Texas State University campus, making it a favorite spot for Texas State University students, who can often be seen sunbathing, picnicking, and playing Frisbee. Sewell Park is a great place to float the afternoon away on a tube or practice your snorkeling technique, as the visibility is generally high!

Entrance Fee: None
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Directions: Take I-35 south to San Marcos and take exit 206. Follow the service road as it curves to the right and continue on Aquarena Springs Dr. After a little over a mile, this becomes University Dr, and Sewell Park is directly on the left.
Pro Tip: This portion of the river has some plant life on the bottom that can reach the surface at certain times of the year, so if that puts you off, call ahead to ask about the conditions before making the trip!

John J. Stokes Park at Thompson's Islands
While this city park is a fantastic place to cast off your kayak and paddle downstream on relatively calm water, John J. Stokes Park is also a wonderful swimming hole, particularly the spot just downstream from the first bridge you'll cross as you enter the park. Just east of I-35, this San Marcos River park is popular with locals!

Entrance Fee: None
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Directions: Take I-35 south toward San Marcos and take the Hwy 80 exit east toward Lockhart. Turn right on River Rd, and just after the road loops to the right, take a left onto CR 299/Cape Rd. The park is a short distance down the road.
Pro Tip: The concrete structure that forms the waterfall can get very slippery, so be careful if you venture that way!

Camp Huaco Springs
Get to Camp Huaco Springs early because this prime stretch of the Guadalupe River is a very popular place for swimming, tubing, trout fishing, and kayaking, though you might have quite a few tubers to contend with. Located just outside New Braunfels, Camp Huaco is well-run and offers about a mile of riverfront for sunbathing and relaxing.

Entrance Fee: Call for current information: 830-625-5411
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Directions: Take I-35 south toward New Braunfels and take exit 190B. Take a right on Post Rd, another right on Gruene Rd, a left onto Common St, and the first right onto TX-46E. After about a mile and a half, turn right on River Rd, which forks right after about two miles. Camp Huaco is roughly a mile after the fork on the right.
Pro Tip: There are a couple of places where it's easy for swimmers to be swept downriver or for tubers to get flipped from their tubes, so be sure to ask for some guidance on how to avoid that and hang on to your beverage!