Blue Hole Regional Park is home to one of our most popular local swimming holes and is just a short 40-minute drive south of Austin in the charming town of Wimberley. Cool off in the refreshing, spring-fed waters in the shade of giant cypress trees on an awesome little daytrip. The City of Wimberley manages the beautiful natural swimming hole within a 126-acre preservation that also includes trails and picnic areas. Before you pack up the family and head out for a swim, here’s what to know before you go…
Reservations Required: Most importantly, you need to be aware that Blue Hole Regional Park has a reservation system for visiting during the summer months. While reservations are for swimming only (not for other amenities in the park), we did see folks being turned away on our recent visit who didn’t realize the need to book ahead (so disappointing). So first, click here to book your swim time. You can choose from either 2 time slots per day: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 2 – 6 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 4-12, and free for ages 0-3.
What To Expect: If it’s your first time going to Blue Hole, take note that this park is easy to visit. Unlike other area swimming holes that require hiking to get to the water, at Blue Hole you’ll find ample parking and short paved pathway in. You’ll simply check in at a front desk and get wristbands for everyone in your group. You can take a stop in an actual bathroom with changing space (if needed), then walk right into a big sunny picnic grove to spread out your towels (or even pop-up tents) right next to the cypress creek. The cold water is very shallow on one end, making it easy for younger kids to get in and out. In the deeper areas, you’ll find folks on a variety of floats and inner tubes, and there are ladders to help you get in and out of the water.
The most exciting feature of Blue Hole is the rope swings! You’ll find the two rope swings: one for kids and one for adults. Nothing beats that feeling of jumping in and making a big splash. There’s a strong community spirit there, too. So even if it’s your first time on a rope swing, folks will encourage you and give you a confidence boost to go for it.
What to Bring:
- Take along some water shoes for the kids since the bottom is rocky & slippery.
- Bring what you need to set up your “home base” in the grass — blanket, small tent, towels, etc. Camp chairs and 12’x12’ or smaller pop-up shade tents are allowed.
- Pack a picnic! All that swimming will surely work up an appetite. Ice chests with picnic lunches are totally allowed. (Just no glass containers or alcohol.)
- Bring floats or inner tubes! (On our first visit that was the one thing we hadn’t thought of and really wished we brought with us.)
What to Leave at Home:
- Don’t bring those furry family members. No pets allowed in the swimming area. (Only service animals are allowed.)
- No BBQ grills are allowed; there are BBQ pits in other areas of the park
- No fishing.
- No smoking.
For more info about Blue Hole Regional Park, visit the City of Wimberley website and check out the park’s Facebook page.
We hope you have a great time!
