Hamilton Pool Preserve
Sourced below, last checked November 4, 2026. Confirm with Travis County Parks before you go.
Hamilton Pool is a grotto with a roughly 50 ft waterfall, run by Travis County west of Austin. You need a reservation every day of the year, then you pay a cash entry fee at the gate. Even when swimming is open, rockfall risk keeps part of the pool off limits.
| Manager | Travis County Parks (county preserve, 232 acres) [1] |
|---|---|
| Swimming now | Closed for high bacteria; earliest possible reopening Sat, Nov 7 [1] |
| Reservation | Required daily; $12 per vehicle, one vehicle, up to 8 people; bookable online through November 2026 [1] |
| Entry fee (cash only, at arrival) | $8 ages 13 to 61; $3 ages 62+; free for 12 and under and for veterans with a 50%+ disability rating [1] |
| Time slots | 9:00 am to 12:30 pm (out by 1 pm) or 2:00 to 5:30 pm (out by 6 pm) [1] |
| Changes | Reschedule by midnight before your date; fees are non-refundable; bring photo ID [1] |
| Pets | Not allowed anywhere, including inside vehicles [1] |
| Lifeguard | None; life vests are offered while supplies last [1] |
| Walk in | Quarter-mile steep trail, about 30 minutes round trip [1] |
| Water temperature | Can fall below 50°F in winter and spring [1] |
| Facilities | Portable toilets only; no drinking water or food sales [1] |
| Not allowed | Glass, drinking alcohol in public, drones, tobacco, cooking [1] |
| Status line | 512-854-2581, updated daily at 8:30 am [1] |
| Address | 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 [1] |
How a visit works
Book first, then drive. The county sells a vehicle reservation online for one of two daily windows, morning or afternoon, and each window has a hard exit time half an hour after it ends. At the gate you pay the per-person entrance charge, and the county takes cash only for that part, so carry small bills for everyone in the car.
From the lot the path drops steeply to the grotto. Plan sturdy shoes and water, since none is sold on site. Children and weak swimmers can borrow a life vest if any remain.
Why it closes so often
After a decent rain, runoff can push bacteria up and close swimming, as it has now. Falling rock from the ceiling of the grotto is the other recurring reason, which is why the under-cliff trail is shut and only a section of water opens even on good days. Call the recorded line after 8:30 am on the day you go.
Nearby alternatives in the Austin area are on our Austin swimming holes page; the statewide list is on the Texas hub.
Common questions
Can you swim at Hamilton Pool right now?
No. As of November 4, 2026 the county lists swimming as closed for high bacteria after rain, with Saturday, November 7 as the earliest possible return.
Do you need a reservation for Hamilton Pool?
Yes, every day. The reservation is $12 per vehicle and the separate entrance fee is paid in cash on arrival.
Can I bring my dog to Hamilton Pool?
No. Pets are banned throughout the preserve and may not wait in a car.
Sources
- Travis County Parks: Hamilton Pool Preserve. Last checked November 4, 2026.