Swimming holes in Texas
Sourced below, last checked November 4, 2026. Confirm with the managing agency before you go.
In early November most famous Texas swimming holes are closed or off season. Balmorhea's spring pool is open, Devil's Waterhole at Inks Lake is open but unguarded, and Barton Springs in Austin is free and lifeguarded. Hamilton Pool is shut for bacteria, Krause Springs is in its winter break, and Blue Hole reopens in May.
| Spot | Run by | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Pool | Travis County | Swimming closed (bacteria); reservation required |
| Krause Springs | Private | Usually closed Nov 1 to Feb 15 |
| Blue Hole, Wimberley | City of Wimberley | Swim season over; reopens May 1 |
| Balmorhea State Park | TPWD | Pool open |
| Devil's Waterhole | TPWD | Open, unguarded; hunt closures Dec and Jan |
| Lake Texoma beaches | USACE and TPWD | Beach openings set by the Corps project |
By city
Near Dallas
Paluxy River, Lake Mineral Wells, Cleburne.
Dallas lake beaches
Cedar Hill, Ray Roberts, Tawakoni, Eisenhower.
Near Austin
Barton Springs, McKinney Falls, Pedernales Falls.
Near San Antonio
Guadalupe River, Garner on the Frio.
Rules in every Texas state park
| Where to swim | Designated areas only [1] |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | None on duty [1] |
| Life jackets | Strongly recommended for children and weak swimmers [1] |
| Pets and glass | Not allowed in swimming areas [1] |
| Leash | 6 ft or shorter; pets not allowed in buildings [1] |
| Alcohol | Public display or drinking is prohibited [1] |
| Algae | People and pets should avoid contact with algae and low-flowing shallow water [2] |
| Floods | Leave right away if the water rises, turns muddy or changes [2] |
| Day passes | Weekend passes sell out at busy parks such as Inks Lake, so buy ahead [3] |
Private and city sites set their own rules, so read each spot page. Neighboring states: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri.
Common questions
Which Texas swimming holes are open in November?
As of November 4, 2026: Balmorhea's pool, Devil's Waterhole at Inks Lake, and Barton Springs Pool. Hamilton Pool, Krause Springs and Blue Hole are closed for swimming.
Do Texas state parks have lifeguards?
No. TPWD says to swim in designated areas only and that no lifeguards are on duty.
Sources
- TPWD: State park rules. Last checked November 4, 2026.
- TPWD: Swimming safety. Last checked November 4, 2026.
- TPWD: Inks Lake park alerts. Last checked November 4, 2026.