Beyond Barton Springs: 10 Secret Central Texas Swimming Holes

Everybody knows about Barton Springs Pool. In fact, too many people know about Barton Springs Pool, especially if you’ve ever had to find parking within a five-mile radius. As such, here are ten swimming holes in Central Texas that are just as enjoyable, but way less crowded.

1. Blue Hole (Wimberley)

This swimming hole is under shady cypress trees with crystal clear water; it's the Beyoncé of Central Texas swim holes. Beautiful, reliable, and never short of a crowd.

2. Krause Springs (Spicewood)

This swimming hole features a waterfall, rope swings, and that magical fairy-garden vibe you see in picture books. It would not surprise me to see a Disney princess pop out and start singing.

3. Belton Lake

This swimming hole is big enough to have boats, but is still great for floating in close proximity to a cooler full of "hydration." Just don't lose your flip-flops, they'll float away.

4. Chalk Ridge Falls (Belton)

This spot includes scenic areas for a walk in the combination of shallow wading while finding trails. Extra points if you find the waterfall and don’t stub your toe on a rock.

5. Tonkawa Falls (Crawford)

A small swimming hole only locals know about, so you get to enjoy it away from the tourists. Bring snacks, and a towel that means nothing.

6. Stillhouse Hollow Lake (Harker Heights)

Good for a lazy swim or kayak. Pro tip-stay ahead of the parking lot being a Mad Max reboot or on a Saturday when you might not get there early enough.

7. San Gabriel River (Georgetown)

Located in Blue Hole Park in Downtown Georgetown, transitioning into beautiful cliffs, slow meandering water, and far less selfie sticks than any average spring or swimming hole you know.

8. Buescher State Park Lake (Smithville)

A very low traffic, hidden gem with paddle boat rentals, shallow wading places, and secluded spots where folks who float really don’t want to witness the cannon-ball contest.

9. Blanco State Park (Blanco)

This gem has waterfalls, picnic tables, and smooth close to non-existent currents for kids, or adults pretending they actually know how to swim. You will actually not see anyone around the place; even during weekends.

10. Lampasas River (Lampasas)

Local favorite moderately shallow for kids, or deeper pools for folks that want to, um, float the stress away. Take a lawn chair, and snack, and you will see at least one golden retriever experiencing life at its finest.

Whether you are looking for wading, floating or diving, there is definitely a swimming hole in Central Texas that won’t involve fighting half of Austin to enjoy. Central Texas offers plenty of options, just don’t saturate the market or we will have yet another Barton Springs swimming hole.