Texas is actually home to thousands of natural springs that are scattered throughout the state.
Some are well worth a visit.
Others…not so much.
To save you time, we’ve done all the hard work for you to come up with this ultimate list of the 12 best natural springs in the whole of Texas.
These natural springs truly are the best of the best and feature crystal clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere.
We’ve even included a few hidden gems that most people don’t know about!
These tend to be super quiet and not crowded at all.
1. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a hidden gem located in Huntsville, just over an hour north of Houston.
This place is famous for its stunning turquoise waters which looks like something out of a tropical paradise.
It’s not what you’d expect to find in Texas!
The lagoon gets its eye-catching color from the natural limestone at the bottom which makes it a really unique spot for swimming.
People come here mainly for scuba diving, as the clear, blue water offers excellent visibility for exploring underwater life.
Besides diving, you can also enjoy snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing on one of the sandy beaches that surround the lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon also has picnic areas and volleyball courts so it’s the perfect spot for a day out with family or friends.
Plus, training courses are available for those interested in learning how to scuba dive with professional instructors ready to teach beginners.
2. Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park is a beautiful outdoor area located in Spring Branch, which is about 40 minutes north of San Antonio.
This park is famous for the Guadalupe River that flows through it which offers cool, clear waters that visitors love.
People mainly come here to swim in the river, relax on its banks and enjoy the peaceful nature around them.
Besides swimming, you can also go canoeing or kayaking down the river which is a pretty exciting adventure.
For anyone that would prefer to stay on land, the park also has miles of trails for hiking and biking so you can explore the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
There are spots for picnicking too so you can stop for lunch whilst being surrounded by nature.
Fishing is another popular activity here as the river is full of fish just waiting to be caught.
3. Krause Springs
Krause Springs is a magical spot hidden in Spicewood, about 30 miles west of Austin.
This place is famous for its 32 natural springs which all feed into both a man-made pool and a natural pool giving visitors a choice of where to swim.
The water in these pools is crystal clear and cool so it’s the perfect place to escape from the Texas heat.
Krause Springs is set in a beautifully landscaped area with lots of tall trees and greenery. It really makes you feel like you’re in a secret garden.
And for anyone who loves a bit of adventure, there’s even a rope swing over the water!
People come here not just to swim but also to camp under the stars as the site offers camping spots for tents and RVs.
There are also picnic areas throughout where you can enjoy a meal together in the great outdoors.
4. Blue Hole Regional Park
Blue Hole Regional Park is a stunning natural area located in Wimberley, right in the heart of the Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio.
This park is famous for its stunning Blue Hole swimming area which is a clear, spring-fed pool surrounded by ancient cypress trees that offer lots of shade.
Many people flock here during the summer to swim in the refreshing waters, rope swing into the pool and relax on the grassy areas around the pool.
Besides swimming, the park has over 4 miles of trails for hiking and walking.
This gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Texas countryside.
There’s also a playground for kids to enjoy meaning it’s a great spot for family outings.
You can also play basketball or volleyball on the courts provided which adds even more fun to your day at the park.
Picnic areas are available here so be sure to bring along some food to enjoy under the trees.
Please note that reservations are required for the swim area only but all other recreational areas including the hiking trails do not require reservations.
5. Tyler State Park Lake
Tyler State Park Lake is a beautiful spot located within Tyler State Park which you’ll find in the piney woods of East Texas, near the city of Tyler.
This park is well-known for its 64-acre spring-fed lake which shines like a jewel among the tall pine trees. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
The lake is a favorite for people who love to fish, as it’s stocked with bass, catfish and crappie, making for some exciting catches.
You can also rent boats or bring your own canoe or kayak to explore the peaceful waters at your own pace.
Swimming is another popular activity and there is a designated area for people to splash and play in the clean, clear water.
For those who’d prefer to stay on land, there are more than 13 miles of trails winding through the forest. These are perfect for hiking, biking and nature watching.
Numerous camping spots around the lake offer a chance to stay overnight and wake up to the sounds of nature.
6. Jacob’s Well
Jacob’s Well is an incredible natural wonder located near Wimberley, right in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
It’s famous for being one of the longest underwater caves in Texas and for its stunningly clear, cool waters that bubble up from the ground.
The well is actually the opening of a deep cave that plunges straight down for about 120 feet! It’s a fascinating spot for adventurous swimmers and divers.
During the hot summer months, people come from all over to jump into its refreshing waters or just float and relax.
Swimming is the main activity here but you do have to make a reservation beforehand because it’s so popular.
Around Jacob’s Well, there are also hiking trails that let you explore the beauty of the natural area and see some local wildlife.
Please note that swimming at Jacob’s Well is only permitted from May 1st to September 30th.
7. Rio Vista Park
Rio Vista Park is an exciting spot located in San Marcos which is just 30 minutes south of Austin. You’ll find the park right in the heart of the city.
This 14-acre park is famous for the Rio Vista Falls which are a series of small waterfalls on the San Marcos River. It’s a popular place for fun and relaxation.
People love coming here to tube and kayak down the river, enjoying the cool water and the scenic views along the way.
The park also has a great swimming area where families and friends often gather to cool off and have a good time.
For those who like a bit of adventure, the rapids created by the falls offer a fun challenge for kayakers and tubers.
There are also many picnic areas and pavilions so it’s a great place for birthday parties, barbecues or just a casual day out in the sun.
The park also features a playground for kids making it a hit with families.
8. Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a famous swimming spot located in Zilker Park in the city of Austin.
It’s known for its large natural spring-fed pool, which is about three acres in size.
The water in Barton Springs Pool stays at a cool temperature of about 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
This makes it perfect for swimming any day of the year, even when it’s really hot outside.
People love coming here to swim laps, relax in the water or just lounge around on the grassy slopes surrounding the pool.
Besides swimming, there are plenty of other things to do like sunbathing, picnicking and people-watching.
The pool is also a habitat for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander which are pretty rare.
Because of its natural beauty and cool clear waters, Barton Springs Pool attracts visitors from all over the state.
9. Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a stunning natural wonder located in Dripping Springs, just a 45-minute drive from Austin.
This preserve is famous for its beautiful 50-ft waterfall that cascades over a limestone outcrop into a crystal-clear pool below.
The pool was actually formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to erosion.
Many people come to Hamilton Pool Preserve to swim in the refreshing waters, take amazing photos and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
Hiking is another popular activity as there is a short trail that takes you around the pool and up to a scenic overlook.
Picnicking is allowed in designated areas so many people bring lunch to enjoy in this beautiful setting.
Because the preserve is a protected natural habitat, you do need to make a reservation to visit, especially during the busy summer months.
10. Hancock Springs
Hancock Springs is one of the oldest natural spring-fed swimming pools in Texas.
You’ll find it in Lampasas which is a small town in the central part of the state, just over an hour north of Austin.
This hidden gem is known for its cool, clear waters that have been drawing visitors for centuries, with many believing in the healing properties of the spring water.
The pool itself is free-flowing, which means the water runs through it without chemical treatment, so it offers a refreshing and natural swimming experience.
Hancock Springs is also surrounded by many old, large trees that provide plenty of shade for those hot summer days.
Besides swimming, you can also enjoy the peaceful park setting, have a picnic or just kick back and listen to the sounds of nature.
The springs even have a historic pavilion that has seen many community gatherings over the years.
Although it’s not as famous as some of the bigger springs in Texas, Hancock Springs offers a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
It’s a wonderful place to cool off, soak in natural spring water and enjoy a day out in the beauty of Texas.
11. Lake Tejas
Lake Tejas is a fun and family-friendly lake located in Colmesneil, which is in the eastern part of the state. It’s just under 2 hours northeast of Houston.
This 14-acre lake isn’t just any lake – it’s known for its clear waters and a wide variety of activities that everyone can enjoy.
One of the coolest things about Lake Tejas is its giant 100-ft long water slide that sends you splashing into the lake. This is a big hit with kids in particular!
There’s also a high dive and a floating dock for anyone who wants to jump and dive straight into the water.
For anyone looking for a more relaxing day, you can also just float around on tubes, swim in the designated swimming areas or relax on the sandy beaches surrounding the lake.
Beyond the water, there’s also a volleyball court and picnic areas so you can play a game or enjoy a meal with a view of the lake.
Camping is available too, with spots for tents and RVs, making it easy to stay overnight and enjoy more lake time.
12. Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park is located in the middle of the West Texas desert, near the tiny town of Balmorhea.
This park is famous for having the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, which covers 1.3 acres and is up to 25 feet deep in some places.
The cool, crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and even scuba diving!
It really is a unique oasis, right in the heart of the hot desert.
You can even see fish and turtles swimming around in the pool which makes you feel like you’re swimming in a natural aquarium.
Around the pool, there are plenty of spots for picnicking so you can enjoy a whole day of fun under the sun.
There are also places to stay overnight, including a motel and campsites, so you can wake up right next to the beautiful water.
The park isn’t just about the pool though, there are also trails for those who enjoy nature walks and bird watching.
