Quick FactsOverview
About Blue Hole Regional Park
Blue Hole Regional Park, Texas is a city-managed park in Wimberley fed by the spring-clear waters of Cypress Creek and shaded by old-growth cypress trees. The park covers 126 acres and is administered by the City of Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department. The swimming area is open seasonally from May 1 with paid advance reservations and a daily capacity limit.
The Blue Hole has a long history as a swimming destination. The Dobie family opened the site to the public in the 1920s, and it remained in private hands until the Village of Wimberley completed its acquisition in 2005. The city then developed the site as a regional park, preserving the natural cypress corridor while adding grassy swim lawns, trails, restrooms, and recreational facilities. The park received the American Society of Landscape Architects Texas Chapter Honor Award in 2011 for its design and restoration work.
All park areas other than the swim zone, including trails, the playground, picnic areas, and sports courts, are free and open to the public year-round. For visitors seeking soaking pools in Texas with genuine spring water in a family-oriented Hill Country setting, Blue Hole is one of the most popular and well-managed options within an hour of Austin.
Location & Access
Getting to Blue Hole Regional Park
Blue Hole Regional Park is located at 100 Blue Hole Lane in Wimberley, Texas, within the town and easily reached from RR 12. From Austin, take US-290 West then south on RR 12 into Wimberley; the park entrance is signed from the main road. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes. From San Antonio, take I-35 North to RR 12 North into Wimberley; allow around 50 to 60 minutes.
The parking lot is approximately a three-minute walk from the swimming area, with overflow parking adding five to ten minutes. No difficult terrain is required to reach the swim lawn. The park is open daily from 8am to dusk. Reservations for the swim area must be made online through the Wimberley Parks and Recreation booking system. The swim area regularly sells out on summer weekends, so advance booking is strongly recommended. For visitors seeking hot springs near Wimberley, Blue Hole is the primary destination in town and needs no hiking experience to access.
The path from parking to the swim lawn is paved and accessible. Restrooms and showers are on site. No glass is permitted in the park. Smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout the property including the parking lot. Once checked in with a wristband, re-entry to the swim area is allowed within the reserved time slot.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Blue Hole Regional Park Is Suitable For
Blue Hole Regional Park suits families with children of all ages, groups, and day-trippers from Austin who want a supervised, well-managed spring swimming experience in a scenic Hill Country setting. The park offers multiple depth zones from one foot to over 18 feet, rope swings for older swimmers, grassy swim lawns, and picnic table rentals for groups. Lifejackets are available at no extra charge on a first-come basis.
The park is not fully wheelchair accessible to the water. While the parking lot and entry areas are paved, the swim lawn and creek edge involve natural terrain. Visitors with mobility limitations can access the trails, pavilion, playground, and picnic areas, which are easier to navigate. Contacting the park before visiting to ask about current accessibility conditions is advisable.
Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times. Children 13 and older may swim unsupervised. No lifeguard is on duty, so all swimming is at the visitor's own risk. The park provides lifejackets at no extra cost for those who want them. For families seeking family hot springs near Wimberley with a day-trip level of commitment, Blue Hole Regional Park is the most accessible and fully developed spring swimming destination in the Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Blue Hole Regional Park
Blue Hole Regional Park is a site where visitors should be mindful of water hazards despite the managed setting. There is no lifeguard on duty at any time. All swimming is at the visitor's own risk. Pool depth ranges from one foot near the edges to over 18 feet in places, and visitors unfamiliar with the layout should orient at the shallower areas first. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Lifejackets are available for free at the park entrance on a first-come basis.
The bottom of the creek is rocky and can be slippery, particularly in areas with algae growth. Water shoes are recommended by frequent visitors and provide meaningful grip in the shallower sections. The rope swings are popular but require swimmers to be comfortable in open water before using them.
If lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius, the swimming area is evacuated and closed for a minimum of 30 minutes. If the swim area is closed for 50 percent or more of a reservation window, day pass holders receive a full refund. The swim area can also be closed for special events. Checking the park's website before traveling is advisable on days with storm potential.
Pets are not allowed in the swim area. No glass is permitted in the park. No smoking or vaping is allowed anywhere on the property, including the parking lot. Alcohol consumption is allowed in a designated area only. Picnic tables near the water may be rented during the reservation checkout process. All trash should be disposed of in the on-site bins, and the swim lawn should be left clean for other visitors.