Austin, Texas, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of swimming, but the city has a great variety of opportunities to cool off in the water. Locals and visitors are sure to find the perfect spot among these top places to swim in Austin.
5 Great Places To Swim in Austin, TX
Whether you want to visit public pools, manmade lakes, or natural swimming holes in Austin, the capital city delivers. These five top swimming spots in Austin offer fun, relaxation, and the chance to make memories in the water.
1. Barton Springs Pool
Part public pool and part natural beach, the Barton Springs Pool attracts people from every walk of life. It is consistently ranked as one of the best outdoor activities in Austin, and for good reason. The pool is fed from natural springs that keep it at a consistent temperature of 68 to 70 degrees throughout the year. If that wasn’t enough, the three-acre pool is located within Zilker Park, where you can access the city’s nature center, botanical garden, and hike and bike trails.
2. Deep Eddy Pool
This is the oldest swimming pool in Texas, so it’s a great stop for history buffs visiting the Capital. It was built in 1915 near a large boulder that creates an eddy in the river, which is the source of its name. The attendants fill Deep Eddy Pool each morning with water from the natural springs. Because it’s a man-made pool, you won’t have to think twice about whether there are alligators in the water.
3. Lake Travis
If you are looking for swimming lakes in Austin, Texas, or just want a little more space to spread out while you swim, head over to Lake Travis. Both Bob Wentz Park and Mansfield Dam Park are great swimming spots in Austin with an amazing variety of water-based activities for you to enjoy, including:
- Boat ramps
- Fishing
- SCUBA diving
You can enjoy swimming in the park’s sheltered cove or, if you prefer a slightly different perspective, enjoy the underwater dive park at Mansfield Dam Park. It features four dive platforms and a trail course — all underwater! Both facilities have covered shelters, picnic tables, and restrooms.
4. McKinney Falls State Park
An expansive state park within city limits seems almost too good to be true, but Austin has a way of surprising visitors. McKinney Falls State Park has camping, geocaching, fishing, and, you guessed it, swimming for visitors. You should be aware that water levels and currents in Onion Creek can vary with rain, so pay attention to notices posted within the park before going in the water.
5. Campbell’s Hole
This little-known gem of a swimming hole easily rivals the more famous Austin swimming places. Located in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, it offers free access to cool, refreshing water. Campbell’s Hole is both kid and pet friendly, but it is also weather dependent. During times of drought, the water levels may be too low to swim safely, so use your judgment before jumping in.
The Perfect Place to Explore the Top Places To Swim in Austin
Austin, TX, has so many amazing and unique places to visit, play, and explore. Whether you are visiting for a couple of nights or a whole month, Austin RV Park has you covered. We offer spacious sites and a secure campus just minutes from the best places to swim in Austin. Contact us for current rates.