Forget Barton Springs: 5 Secret Texas Swimming Holes to Try

There’s no denying that Barton Springs gets most of the tourist attention—the Instagram posts, the tourist articles, the summer crowds packing every inch of the pool.

But Texans who actually know their swimming holes understand that while Barton Springs is lovely, it’s neither the clearest, coldest, nor most beautiful water in the state.

These five swimming holes offer something better than what Barton Springs offers.

Some require more effort to reach, others involve respectful access to less-publicized locations, but all deliver superior swimming experiences for those willing to look beyond Austin’s most famous attraction.

1. Devil’s Waterhole — Burnet (Inks Lake State Park)

This deep swimming hole in Inks Lake features a 15-foot jumping rock and clear water that stays surprisingly clean despite being part of a larger lake.

The name sounds more ominous than the reality — it’s a family-friendly swimming spot that locals have enjoyed for generations.

The state park setting means facilities, camping, and other amenities that swimming holes on private land often lack.

2. Blue Hole — Georgetown

Not to be confused with Wimberley’s Blue Hole, Georgetown’s version offers deep, impossibly blue water fed by springs along the San Gabriel River.

The swimming hole features rope swings, cliff jumping spots, and shade from massive cypress trees, creating a perfect Hill Country swimming experience.

Access can be tricky as the city occasionally closes it when capacity is reached or during drought conditions, making this still feel like a secret locals protect.

3. Krause Springs — Spicewood

This privately-owned natural springs complex features multiple pools cascading down a hillside, a manmade waterfall, and camping under old-growth trees.

The 32 springs feeding the pools maintain constant 68-degree temperatures year-round, and the property’s private ownership means better maintenance and facilities than many public swimming holes.

The admission fee keeps crowds more manageable than free swimming holes, and the camping option allows multi-day spring experiences.

4. Hamilton Pool Preserve — Dripping Springs

A collapsed grotto creates a 50-foot waterfall pouring into an emerald pool surrounded by limestone cliffs dripping with ferns and moss.

The dramatic geology and stunning beauty make this one of Texas’s most photographed swimming holes, which also means reservations are required year-round and book up quickly.

The waterfall flows best after rain, though the grotto remains beautiful even when water levels drop during dry periods.

5. Gorman Falls Swimming Area — Bend (Colorado Bend State Park)

While the spectacular Gorman Falls itself doesn’t allow swimming, the Gorman Creek and Colorado River in this remote state park offer pristine swimming spots that few visitors ever see.

The park’s isolation two hours from Austin and primitive facilities keep crowds minimal despite the exceptional swimming and dramatic waterfall nearby.

The challenging hike to Gorman Falls means most visitors never explore the less-publicized swimming areas accessible from other park trails.

Finding Your Own Secret Spot

The best swimming holes are the ones you discover yourself, share with friends, or stumble upon while exploring Texas rivers and creeks.

These five represent starting points rather than exhaustive lists, and locals across Texas guard their favorite spots jealously for good reason.

Which Hill Country swimming holes have you discovered that deserve protection through respectful access rather than publicity?

Share your experiences with maintaining these special places while keeping them from becoming the next overcrowded Barton Springs.