Blue Hole
Blue Hole in Wimberley, about 50 minutes from Austin: swim reservations, half-day pass prices, rules on tubes and dogs, trails and the best time to go.
Near Austin
Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool Preserve near Austin needs a reservation every day. Fees, time slots, swimming rules, the hike and the best time to visit.
Buescher State Park
Buescher State Park near Smithville, about 50 minutes from Austin: trails, camping, cabins, lake fishing, dog rules, fees and the drive to Bastrop.
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Camp Huaco Springs
Camp Huaco Springs is a private campground on the Guadalupe River at the First Crossing on River Road, in Comal County about 4 miles from Gruene and about 50 minutes from San Antonio. It’s best for tubing, river swimming and riverside camping, with tent sites, an RV park and three cabins. Pets are allowed only in the RV park, so
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Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: the 0.8-mile Summit Trail, day passes that sell out, tent camping, climbing rules, dog limits and $8 entry.
Krause Springs
Krause Springs in Spicewood: spring-fed swimming hole and pool, tent and RV camping, $11 entry, no pets, and the November to February closure.
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park, about 1.5 hours from Austin: Devil’s Waterhole cliff jumping, camping loops, cabins, dog rules, fees and when to book.
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Bastrop State Park
Bastrop State Park near Austin: Lost Pines trails, camping, CCC cabins, dog rules, fees, pool status and the best time to visit. Plan the trip here.
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Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin: weekend day passes, $5–$10 entry, camping, the off-leash Turkey Creek Trail and the swimming beach.
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Lake Somerville State Park
Lake Somerville State Park sits on Somerville Lake between Austin and Houston, split into the Birch Creek Unit near Somerville in Burleson County and the Nails Creek Unit near Ledbetter in Lee County. It’s about 1 hour 45 minutes from Austin and best for quiet lakeside camping, horse camping and birding. The two units are a 50-minute drive apart, so
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Blanco State Park
Blanco State Park, about an hour from Austin and San Antonio: swimming at the CCC dams, trout fishing, campsites, screened shelters, fees and dog rules.
Lake Whitney State Park
Lake Whitney State Park, about 1.5 hours from Dallas: lakeside camping, screened shelters, cabins, swimming, striper fishing, fees and dog rules.
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