Texans love their swimming holes, due to the fact that temperatures can reach about 100 degrees fahrenheit during the summer. A dip in the water brings much-needed relief from the hot Texas air, not to mention that swimming holes are also a great way to spend the day with friends or family – and snap a few Instagram photos while you’re at it.
Jacob’s Well is a long-standing spring that now serves as a popular swimming spot among locals. Beneath the creek is a cave that descends for about 30 feet, then cuts off and continues for about 120 more feet. Sadly, many cave divers have lost their lives exploring the cave, but it’s thanks to them and surviving cave divers that we know the depth of the cave today. Swimming is on a reservation-only basis due to the size of the actual spring, so make your plans ahead of time and arrive early.
Tonkawa Falls is about eight feet deep, with small cliffs you can jump off of into the water. However, it’s important to monitor the water levels online before jumping into the water as they do tend to fluctuate. Above all else, Tonkawa Falls is a peaceful spot to spend the day.
Blue Hole is one of the most beautiful swimming holes in Central Texas, complete with rope swings and large trees. Surrounding the water are hiking trails, clean bathrooms, and plenty of wildlife. Only a certain number of visitors are allowed each day to avoid overcrowding, so again, arrive early to ensure you can enjoy a day of swimming.
Located in Inks Lake State Park is a dedicated swimming hole called Devil’s Waterhole. On the lake itself you can canoe, kayak, or camp along the lake. Devil’s Waterhole is a rock-enclosed area dedicated to swimmers. The rocks are large enough to jump off of and there are even waterfalls scattered throughout the area.
Ratcliff Lake is located in the Davy Crockett National Forest about three hours north of Houston. The lake has a roped-off swimming area that also allows canoeing and paddle boarding. Bring a picnic, or spend the night at one of the lakes camp sites.
Perfect for spending the whole day at, Krause Springs has both natural and man-made pools fed with spring water. First check out the nearby grotto and waterfall, then spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or laying out at the beach next to the natural springs. You may even want to check out the garden at the entrance of the springs.
Garner State Park boasts the best of the Frio River. You can swim or tube down the river, and there are a couple of dedicated swimming areas along the way. The large cypress trees surrounding you can grow to 120 feet tall. The park is, unsurprisingly, most popular during the summer time, when you can enjoy swimming, camping, and nightly dancing.
