Swiming Holes

7/31/2019 Swiming Holes

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Independence Tit

Explorewww.IndependenceTitle.c


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Bastrop

AustinAREABarton Creek

arton Creek is part of the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone and the most beautifulrban natural area in the U.S. Access points to the creek are at Zilker Park, Loop 360ast of Loop 1, Barton Skyway at Spyglass, Gus Fruth Park on Barton Hills Drive,amp Craft Road at the end of Westbank Drive, and Loop 1 south of Loop 360.reenbelt and parks are alcohol-free areas. There are several popular spots on thereek, but these are the most popular.

Barton Springs Pool In Zilker Park

his gorgeous swimming hole is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Austin. Thepring-fed water is a consistent 68 degrees year-round. Showers, restrooms, a snackar, playground, picnic tables, and canoe rental are available. Fee.

www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm

Blanco State Recreation Areamall dams make this park a scenic wonderland on the usually shallow Blanco River.offers camping, picnicking, fishing, restrooms, showers, and paddleboats. It's aneal stop on a day trip to the historic area. One mile south of the old Blanco

ourthouse on US281. 830/833-4551. Fee.

Bull Creek District Parkn often overlooked greenbelt, Bull Creek in North Austin is one of the nicest parksutside of the central city area. An alcohol-free park. Access to the creek is from ake and bike trail that follows much of its winding course. The park is betweenM2222 and Spicewood Springs Road along Loop 360, and the main entrance is offM2222 at the end of Lakewood Drive. www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bullcreek.htm

Camp Ben McCulloch Parkurchased by the United Confederate Veterans in 1904 as a reunion campground, theamp is located 22 miles from Austin near Driftwood. Take TX290 south to FM1826.s a beautiful, shaded park, but inconsiderate users have made litter a real problem.amping is allowed in unmarked sites along Onion Creek. The Salt Lick Barbecue iscross the road from the park entrance. www.campbenmcculloch.com

Campbell's Holebout a mile upstream from Barton Springs Pool on Barton Creek Greenbelt. Alsoccessible from Spyglass Road. It's a wonderful location with a deep pool that has

water most of the year and small rapids upstream when the creek is running. It usedo give visitors the illusion of being lost in the country, but now the cliffs are capped

with condos.

Emma Long Metropolitan Parkmma Long Metropolitan Park is located 6.2 miles off FM 2222 on City Park Road. Theark is on the shores of Lake Austin, and consists of a total of 1150 acres, 70 of whichre developed. It's a great place, but crowded every weekend during swimming

eason. The park features camping, restrooms, cold showers, a playground, hike andke trails, and boat ramp. Three miles of winding shoreline make it a popular placeor fast boats. Fee. www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/emmalong.htm

Fritz Hughes Parkust below Mansfield Dam, take Low Water Crossing Road off FM 620 and go left at theY" in the road on Fritz Hughes Park Road. Fritz Hughes has a playground and nice picnicrea, but not a great swimming area. If you go straight at the "Y" you get to the old low

water crossing where the water is usually running pretty swift, and is more popular withshermen than swimmers. Sunrise to civil twilight (dark). Travis County Park.

www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/fritz_hughes.asp

Gus Fruh Parkne of the best parks and swimming holes on the Barton Creek Greenbelt, it has

white water around big boulders and deep pools. It's accessible by a rough, steepimb from Barton Hills Drive or a long walk on the greenbelt hike and bike path.

Lake AustinConstant level lake with colder than usual water. The 1,830-acre Lower Colorado

Authority lake flows 20 miles up the Colorado River from Austin and Tom Miller D

Mary Quinlan ParkTake FM620 to Quinlan Park Road. This small, moderately visited park offers 5.8 of rolling hills with 200 feet of shoreline access, including the only public boat ramseveral miles. Day use. http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/mary_quinlan

McKinney Falls State ParkIf you live in Austin, you should visit this park at least once a year. The parcamping, hiking trails, and summer cabins for rent. From Ben White Boul(TX71) go east of IH-35 take Burleson Road south to McKinney Falls Parkway.

Milton Reimers Ranch ParkEleven miles from TX71 at 23610 Hamilton Pool Rd. and a mile before you g

Hamilton Pool Preserve. Closed Mon. & Tues., open Wed.-Sun., 7am-dark. Beaprivate park with shallow rapids and deep pools, favored by fishermen. Fee.www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/reimers_ranch.asp

Pedernales Falls State ParkAbout 30 miles south of Austin off TX290. Pedernales contains white water ogradual slope and deep, slow-moving pools at the bottom of the "falls." Accethe river from the parking lot is a rugged, steep climb. The park offers camshowers, restrooms, hook-ups, and hiking trails. 830/868-7304. Fee.

Percy Pennybacker Bridge (Loop 360 Bridge or Bull Creek Park) Located just under the Percy PennybBridge, there is a three-acre grassy area where picnicking is allowed. The boatand park are for day use only, and rest rooms are available.

Selma Hughes ParkTake FM620 to Quinlan Park Road below Mansfield Dam. Selma Hughes Parrestrooms and picnic tables. It's a small park, but scenic, with a nice, sandy

bottom and plenty of shade trees. Day use only. Travis County Park. Open sunrcivil twilight (dark). http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/selma_hughes.a

Westlake BeachThis privately owned park has a shaded picnic area, marina, concession sdiving platform, playground, showers, and beach and water volleyball. Great for family reunions or birthday parties. Day use only. Fee. 2509 Westlak512/327-9004. www.westlakebeach.com

Twin FallsTwo small waterfalls empty into a small pool. Its a better place to people watch thswim. Accessible from the entrance off the access road of Loop 1 just south of Loo

.

Built by the LCRA in 1965 as a 900-acre power plant cooling pond, the la

popular for fishing and camping. Swimming is not bad, but most of the bankmuddy and the water is not really cold.

Bastrop State ParkFrom Austin take TX71 east to Bastrop and TX21 to park entrance east of Nestled among the "lost pines" of Texas, the park has a swimming pool, hiking camping, and a golf course, and is a great place to camp or rent a cabin. The ponBastrop and Buescher state parks are not open for swimming. 512/321-2101. Fwww.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/bastrop/

HamiltoPool Preserv

Austin Ar

One of the most beautiful public parks in the county. Acquired by Travis Coun

1985, the site has been a popular spring-fed swimming hole since the early 19

The property was once owned by the brother of the 10th governor of Texas. The

is in a box canyon fed by a 45-foot waterfall with a sandy beach and giant boul

A nature trail follows Hamilton Creek about a mile to the Pedernales River.

9am-6pm every day, no one admitted into the park after 5:30pm (hiking trail

open year-round); admission is limited to 100 people. Water quality is care

monitored. From TX71 West turn left at Hamilton Pool Rd. (FM3238) and go 13 m

to the park. No glass, fishing, cooking, or pets are allowed in the park. It is be

call ahead before making the trip, 512/264-2740. Fee.

AREA


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Inks Lake

LakeMarble Fall

Canyon Lake

North Shore Parkorth Shore Park on 900-acre Lake Bastrop has features to appeal to campers,nglers and nature lovers. A boat ramp with a boat dock and fishing pier provideshing and access for water-based recreation. There are also picnic areas that

nclude tables, grills, a sand volleyball court, tetherball courts and a play area. Restooms and showers are available for park visitors. The North Cove Group Arearovides a partially shaded site for groups of up to 50. This group area includes a

arge grill, picnic tables, and a large serving table. During the peak seasons of springnd fall, and for all holidays, facilities book out early. Fee.

South Shore Parkhis park in the lost pines was remodeled in 1998. There is a nice beach in the dayse area with a playground, boat ramp, volleyball court, and hiking trail. Campingtes are semi-secluded, many on the water's edge. Take TX71 east to Bastrop andoop 150 to TX21; the park is a mile past the state park. LCRA. Fee.

his 8,240-acre Corps of Engineers-maintained lake northwest of New Braunfelsffers seven parks on the lake. Parks on the lake are generally well-maintained andffer showers, water, restrooms, picnicking, a marina, camping, hook-ups, boat ramps,nd other amenities furnished by local concessionaires. About an hour from Austinnd 15 minutes from New Braunfels. www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/canyon/

Parks on the north side of the lake, accessible from FM306:Canyon Parkhere is a swimming beach at the entrance open 9am-7pm during summer months.he park also has camping, a marina with a restaurant, a boat ramp, and a dumptation. Fee.

Jacob's Creek Parkhis day use park is open 7am to 9pm. The park has a large swimming beach andood water access from the rest of the park, restrooms, a boat ramp, tables, and aailing area. There is another swimming area near the boat ramp at the end of Oldancock Road, the first right off the park road from FM306. Fee.

North Parkocated at the north end of the dam. Campers only, no day use facilities. Thewimming off of the banks is not bad. No pets allowed on the beaches. Fee.

Potter's Creek Parkhis is a small swimming beach on a small peninsula with covered picnic tables. Theark also has camping and a boat ramp. Potter's Creek Store is at the park entrance offf FM306 at Canyon Lake (the town). This is one of the nicest parks on the lake. Fee.

Parks on the south side of the lake, accessible from FM2673:Comal Parkhis very nice day use park has a beach, boat ramps, a playground, and restrooms.

o pets in the beach area. Three miles off FM2673 at Startzville. Fee.Cranes Mill Parkhis is a primitive camping park at the end of FM2673 with an adjacent marina andshing pier, and good swimming spots from the low bank. Fee.

Guadalupe River State Parkpened in 1983, the 4,232-acre park was purchased for canoeists after a legislativeelegation's cars were towed from a low water crossing while they were canoeinghe upper Guadalupe River. With just over a mile of river frontage, the park is not only

a great place to swim, canoe, and tube, but is also uncommonly beautifuleven for this scenic area of the Hill Country. Off TX46, 37 miles

west of New Braunfels, the park has three camping areas,trails, and a day use area with great swimming. The

park includes the Honey Creek Natural Areawhich is open only for guided tours on

Saturdays at 9am. For campingreservations, call 830/438-2656.

Small 780-acre impoundment with most of the six miles of Colorado River withcity of Marble Falls. The lake inundated the falls that gave the city its name. Pofor fishing and boating, most of the shoreline has steep cliffs and is inaccessib

Marble Falls City Parks The city operates three parks next to each other on the north shore of the lakeof US281. Lake Side Parkhas a swimming pool and picnic tables, but a steepinto the water. Johnson Park has a playground, ball fields, an amphitheahorseshoe pitching club, and a picnic area with swimming near the boat rampCreek Parkis mainly a picnic park, but swimming is allowed in the creek next boat ramp.

Max Starke DamJust below the dam are flat rocks and a steady flow of water popular with fishebut not a bad swimming hole. Watch out for a sudden increase of release frodam. Very steep climb down to the water. No facilities. Follow the signs to theoff of US281 south of town.

One of the smallest of the Highland Lakes, Inks Lake is three miles long and c803 acres. The lake offers excellent year-round fishing.

Inks Lake State Park"Devil's Hole," at the northeast corner of the lake where a creek empties intoone of the most scenic swimming holes in the state. The creek cascades ovestep levels to the lake where it empties into a small canyon walled in by pink gcliffs. Don't overlook the other coves on the lake with more gentle, sloping, gbanks. West of Burnet off TX29, the park has shelters, camping, showers, restrboat rental, a grocery store (seasonal), a boat ramp, and fishing piers. 512/793-Fee. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/inks/

Robinson ParkLlano's city park is on the riverbank with lots of shade and swimming spots. dam crosses the river, making for a great play area. The park also has fishplayground, a golf course, restrooms, showers, a swimming pool, and 100 RV

Use is free if you don't use electric hook-ups. Take the road on the north side courthouse west to the park. 915/247-4158.

Rock-A-Way ParkPrivate campground on the west side of the lake at TX29. It has a dock and boat A large cliff shades the campground from the afternoon sun and it is possible toa boat at the bank. Next door to Catfish Barge, a great cafe. Fee. 254/793-2314

The Llano SlabOne of the great swimming holes in Central Texas, where the Llano River runsgranite outcroppings at a low-water crossing. The water creates a sandbar istroughs, deep pools, and wide shallows. No facilities. At the end of FM3404, 1.5 miles off FM1431 on the western edge of Kingsland.

OverlookPark

Canyon Lake

Off the South Access Road from Sattler at the south end of the

am; there is a great view of the dam. Access to the water is

y rough trails, but a nice swimming area is at the end of the

am. There is a walking path across the top of the dam. Day

se only.


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LakeGeorgetown

Lake Travis

Lake LBJ

Lake Granger

n North Fork of the San Gabriel River, four miles west of I-35 at Georgetown viaM2338. The 1,310-acre lake is well-stocked with channel cat and smallmouth bassecord 5.88 lbs.). The Good Water Trail goes around the upper three-quarters of the

ake. Annual passes are available from the park headquarters.Cedar Breaks Park

imilar to Jim Hogg Park (see below). It's off FM2338 past the Corps of Engineers'eadquarters and across the dam on the south side of the lake.

Jim Hogg Parklso located on the north side of the lake. There is no designated beach, but it hasamping, drinking water, a boat ramp, showers, restrooms, and picnicking. Thentrance to the park is off FM2338 west of Georgetown.

pened in 1981, the 4,400-acre Corps of Engineers' lake, on the San Gabriel River

orth of Taylor, is primarily a fishing lake. Willis Creek Park offers camping andcnicking areas. Taylor Park has areas for camping and picnicking, as well as aking trail. Swimming is allowed, but not encouraged at either park.

Friendship Parkn the northeast end of the lake. From Granger and TX95, take FM971 east. The smallay use park has picnic tables and a swimming beach.

Wilson H. Fox Parkn the south side of the lake. From Centerville and TX95, take FM1331 east. Foxlows camping and has fishing docks, a picnic area, and a swimming beach.

Most of the shoreline is privately owned, making access to this pristine and narrowake difficult. Originally called Granite Shoals Lake, the 6,375-acre, 22-mile-long lakerated excellent for fishing.

Cottonwood Resource Areat Wirtz Dam, this is mainly a boat ramp and observation area. It is the only publicoat ramp on the southeast side of lake. Access to the swimming and fishing areaelow the dam should be allowed later this summer after they complete work on theam. From US281 at the south end of the bridge over Lake Marble Falls, take FM2147o Wirtz Dam Road. LCRA.

The most popular of the Highland Lakes that stair-step up the Colorado RiverAustin. The lake winds through steep, scenic hills for 65 miles with 270 mishoreline. At its widest point it is 4.5 miles across and 190 feet at its deepeMansfield Dam. The lake is formed by Mansfield Dam on FM620. Built in 194dam took 1.75 million cubic yards of concrete to build it up to 266 feet tall and than a mile long with 24 floodgates, making it one of the largest masonry structuthe world. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has eight primitive recrareas on the upper end of Lake Travis. When the land along the river was purcfrom landowners, they quite often sold full parcels rather than small sections offrontage. This gave the public large areas of former pasture land that has now opened as parks. Four of the primitive parks require daily permits of $3 per davehicle and can be purchased at the honor boxes at the park entrance. By and largget a nicer, cleaner park for the money. Annual passes may be purchased at the 3701 Lake Austin Blvd., or through the mail. For information on the LCRA parks, cParks, Lands, and Conservation Department at 512/473-4083 or 800/776-Ext.4083 or http://www.lcra.org. LCRA day use parks are open from mid-Septethru mid-April from sunrise to sunset. Travis County also operates several parks athe lake; their number is 512/473-9437. www.laketravis.com

Arkansas Bend ParkTake Lohmans Crossing Road from Jonestown (FM1431) to Sylvester Ford Road. park with two big coves with lots of cliffs and secluded spots. Arkansas Bend has aramp, restrooms, camping, hiking trails, and picnic tables. Travis County Park. Fewww.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/arkansas_bend.asp

Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point

7144 Comanche Trail off FM620. The lake level determines how big this park ispopular sailing area features camping, restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, ntrails, showers, a boat ramp (restricted to sailing craft) and sailboat rental (seas512/854-7275. Travis County Park. 8am to civil twilight (dark). Pets not allowed onswimming area. Fee. www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/bob_wentz.asp

Camp ChautauquaA former recreation area for Air Force personnel at Bergstrom. The entrance toBend Park is now leased to nonprofit groups by the county as a campground. It stlots of recreation facilities, a boat ramp, fishing pier, and meeting shelters. Swimis available from the rocky shore. Fee. 512/264-1752.

Camp Creek Primitive AreaThis park is 600 acres off of FM1431 at the end of County Road 343 on the northof the lake. It covers a small area, but has good swimming spots. It also has a running through the campground. The park features a hiking trail, boat ramp, tagrills, and restrooms.

Cypress Creek ParkAt the intersection of FM2222 and FM2769 (go west until FM2222 ends). This pone of the first to be affected by low lake levels. There are separate areas for daand camping, and the park has a boat ramp, restrooms, and picnic tables. Travis CPark. Fee. www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/cypress_creek.asp

Dink Pearson Park3011 Lohmans Ford Road off of FM1431 in Lago Vista. A great place to swim, butcrowded, especially on weekends and holidays. The park has picnic tables, aramp, and restrooms. Last few miles of winding road to park offers panoramic vof the lake, but it's no place to be if you've been drinking too much oryou're in a hurry. Sunrise to civil twilight (dark). Travis CountyPark.www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/dink_pearson.asp

Gloster BendPrimitive

Russell Park has the best beach of theparks on the Corps of Engineers' lake,of Georgetown. Day use only. Itrestrooms, showers, a boat ramp,drinking water. No pets in beach areaFrom FM2338, take FM3405 and County Road 262 to park.www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/georget

RusselPark

La

Georgeto


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New Braunfel

Areaff FM1431 at the end of Singleton Road on the north side of Lake Travis, about six miles

west of Lago Vista, this LCRA recreation area is limited to daytime hours and vehiclesmust stay on designated roads and parking areas. Nice swimming areas, but you haveo carry everything from the parking lot to the water. Boat ramp is open 24 hours. Fee.

Grelle Primitive Areahiking trail winds around this 400-acre park. The park is on the south side of the lake;om TX71 take Spur 191 into Spicewood, make a right on County Road 412, and followabout a mile past Krause Springs. The park has a nice, low shoreline with lots of openpaces, shaded camping spots, and restrooms. Fee.

Hippie Hollow (McGregor Park)his is the only clothing-optional beach in the state. Its rock ledges are great places tounbathe and picnic, and it has restrooms and hiking trails. Take FM620 to Comanche

rail and follow around to the park. Travis County Park. Must be 18 years old or older tonter. Day use only. Pets are not allowed. Fee. www.hippiehollow.com

Krause SpringsA beautiful private park chosen as one of the best swimming holes in Texas by TexasMonthly. It has a spring-fed swimming pool, waterfall, creek swimming area, camping,estrooms, and showers. Take TX71 west to Hollingsworth Center (Spur 191) topicewood. Make a right at the four-way stop in Spicewood. Fee. 830/693-4181

www.krausesprings.net

Mansfield Damn the south or west end of the dam off FM620 (depending on how you look at it). The

water tends to be a little colder here because it is deepest near the dam. This area isopular with scuba divers. The park allows camping and has restrooms, picnic tables,rinking water, a boat ramp, and nature trails. Walk across the dam from the observationrea. Travis County Park. Day use is 8am to civil twilight (dark). Boat Ramp is Sunrise tovil twilight (dark).Fee. www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/mansfield_dam.asp

Muleshoe Bend Primitive Area a bend in the river that looks like a muleshoe, this is the largest of the primitive parks.rom TX71, turn on Paleface Ranch Road, then take FM404, turn at FM414 (at the signor Country Music Miniature Donkeys). The park has lots of low shoreline and shadedamping areas, but it seems like a lot of the trash in the lake washes up here. It hasestrooms. Fee.

Narrows Primitive Areahis LCRA natural area is open for day use only, on the south side of Lake Travis. Vehiclesre required to stay on designated roads and parking areas. Off TX71, follow FM410/411hrough Spicewood. Has a boat ramp that is open 24 hours.

Pace Bend Park (Paleface Park)With more than 1,300 acres and nine miles of shoreline, this park off TX71 at the end ofM2322 is one of the most popular swimming holes in Travis County, especially for itsiffs, overhangs, and coves on the west side of the four-mile-long peninsula. Theastern shore is more of a gentle slope. Twenty-two named coves with picnic facilities

make it a favorite meeting place for large and small groups. Paleface has restrooms,

rinking water, boat ramps, camping, a playground, and a jet ski course (seasonal). Thene-mile center strip of the park is a wildlife preserve with hiking trails. Travis Countyperated. 512/854-7275. Fee.www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/pace_bend.asp

Sandy Creek Parkhis park was built on rocky cliffs overlooking the lake. It has a boat ramp, restrooms,amping, drinking water, picnic tables, and hiking trails. 9500 Lime Creek Road, takeM2222 to FM 2769 and travel 4 miles to the town of Volente. In Volente, turn right ontome Creek Road and follow Lime Creek Road 6 miles to the park entrance.

www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/sandy_creek.asp

Shaffer Bend Primitive AreaOff of FM1431, on north side of the lake, take County Road 343A to the end of theand make a hard right. The park has a scenic view of the river valley, lots of wateacreage with a low, gradual shoreline, and allows camping.

Tom Hughes ParkTurn off FM620 on Marshall Ford Road to Park Road, which winds to the park osouth end of Mansfield Dam. There is a steep climb to the water. Restroomavailable. Travis County Park. Day use only. Pets are not allowed. Fee.

Turkey Bend (East)Primitive Area an equestrian/hiking trail winds over 400 acres, and it has restroomfire rings. At the Burnet/Travis County line on the north side of the lake off of FMat the end of Shaw Drive (a beautiful drive in itself). Fee.

Windy Point Park

This privately owned park caters to scuba divers with a more than 100-foot drartwork on the bottom. The campground has showers and water. Next door toWentz Park at the end of Comanche Trail. 512/266-3337.

An old German town 48 miles south of Austin on I-35, New Braunfels was settledconfluence of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. The Corps of Engineers added CLake west of town, and the area became the water sports capital of Central TexaComal River is completely contained within the city limits and is on record as thshortest river in the world. North and east of town, the Guadalupe River has beone of the greatest water recreation areas in the state, second only to the Texas

Old Mill StreamThis tube concessionaire claims to have "the longest tube ride on the Comal RStart a the stand below the bridge at the entrance to Landa Park and Landa Streetof downtown. Fee.

Cypress Bend ParkOn the Guadalupe River at the end of Peace Avenue, a few blocks off Common across from the fair grounds and behind the cemetery. This is a nice, shaded parpicnicking, swimming areas, and playgrounds. Day use only.

Landa Park (Hinman Island)This city park containing a large portion of the Comal River was a private recrarea from 1896 to 1936. Picnicking, playgrounds, and golf are available. Portions196-acre park are closed to auto traffic on weekends. Wade in the shallow chanear Comal Springs, the headwaters of the river (free), or swim in the spring-femillion-gallon pool or Olympic-size pool (fee) behind Wurstfest Halle. Enter the paLanda Street west of the traffic circle around Main Plaza. Day use only.

Prince Solms ParkThis is the city's main swimming spot, named for the town's founding fatherpopular destination for people looking to take a water ride on the Comal River, apark features the City Tube Chute. Also on the grounds are picnic areas, tube facilities, showers and other recreational areas.

River RoadThis 20-mile stretch of scenic, winding country road following the Guadalupe Rprobably the most popular tubing and canoeing area in the state. There are ampplaces to launch tubes, canoes, or just swim, but parking is at a premium and beof private property. Concessionaires along the river will rent or sell almost anythinis worth paying for the shuttle or guide service. The river flow rate through the aavailable from the Corps of Engineers' hotline, 830/964-3342 (200-4is the best for canoeing). From I-35, take Loop 337 (TX46) west tsecond stoplight after you cross the Guadalupe River and folloroad around to the river. Call the Chamber of Commerce foof outfitters and campgrounds, 800/572-2626.

Lake Travis

Shore Club

Volente Beacholente Beach has received a facelift and a new name.hore Club Volente Beach (SCVB) is located on the shoresf Lake Travis and is the perfect getaway for children anddults alike on a hot summer day. They have pools forhildren and an adult only pool with a swim up tiki bar.CVB also has their own sandy beachfront and 3 volleyballourts (2 lighted, 1 not). Although SCVB offers an upscaleasual restaurant specializing in hand-cut steaks, fresheafood and a beach bar & grill with the best burgers onhe lake, picnics are permitted. So load up the cooler andn out (No alcohol, no glass & no uncooked food are permitted).hey have plenty of food options for the kids as well. Boat

nd wave runner rentals are also available. Park Fees.www.shoreclubtx.com


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San AntonioAREA

San Marcos

New Braunfels: Voted the Number #1 Park in the World. This w

amusement park is fed by the Comal River with two areas

includes tube chutes, hot tubs, refreshments, and swimming p

This is the river ride without nature. Bring picnic baskets an

chests; Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not allow

Galveston: Experience daring slides, endless rivers, kid-frie

play pools and a giant surfing wave. Your family will be thrille

South Padre Island: Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark on bea

South Padre Island is the tropical destination for family funpark has interconnecting water rides and slides, a huge 5-stor

Sandcastle, thrilling uphill water coasters, a man-made su

wave, and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico!

Schlitterbah

GalvestoNew Braunf

& South Padre Isla

www.schlitterbahn

San Marcos City ParkTake the Aquarena Springs Drive exit from I-35 west to the light at the left turn bStrahan Coliseum, take a right before the railroad tracks, and then follow the behind the coliseum. Great place to start a tube trip on the San Marcos River. Hasrental and shuttle service. Day use only.

Leisure Resort on the San Marcos RiverA private camp southeast of San Marcos off of I-35 on TX80 in the village of FenOn the San Marcos River in an old pecan grove, the campground has fishinhook-ups, camping, a playground, restrooms, showers, and a small store that sessentials. It also has a meeting room with a kitchen and group pavilion. Reservarecommended during the summer months. Fee. 512/213-0112www.leisureresort.net

McAllister ParkSite of an old Girl Scout Camp. West of I-35 and off C.M. Allen Parkway. McAllistea nice wooded area with the river winding through it, picnic areas, and muddy bPark behind the ballfields at I-35 and C.M. Allen, in the parking lot across froCheatham Street Dam or under I-35 from the access road. Day use only.

Pecan Park RetreatTake I-35 to TX80 east 1.8 miles to County Road 101, make a right and the first lefCounty Road 102 and follow to the gate. Check in at the house to the right of thebefore entering. This is a working pecan orchard that doubles as a campgrAlcoholic beverages are not allowed in the camp. Great swimming is available anis a great place to start or end a canoe trip. Owner Tom Goynes is a river rat fromback and is a great source of information on river conditions. Fee. 512/392-6171

Rio Vista ParkTake Aquarena Springs Drive east from I-35 until it becomes C.M. Allen Parkway. Fthe parkway to the park entrance on the left. Rio Vista has picnic tables and restr

Day use only.

Sewell ParkSewell Park is one of the most inviting and relaxing spaces on the Texas State CaThe spring fed crystal clear San Marcos River runs through the park and remaidegrees year round. You can relax outdoors while taking advantage of two volleyball courts, open spaces for frisbee, an outdoor basketball court, and and grilpicnic tables great for cookouts. The park also offers ample open space for Frisunbathing, and picnicking. You'll also find the Outdoor Center here, nestled undtrees. Sewell Park is available for reservation by Texas State University organizaonly. www.campusrecreation.txstate.edu

Shady Grove Campgrounds& Spencer's Canoe LiveryTake I-35 to TX80, then east to a right on to FM1979 at Martindale. Amenities inriverfront camping, canoe and tube rental, showers, restrooms, and store. Als

sponsors of the annual Texas Water Safari canoe race from San Marcos to the Fee. www.spencercanoes.net

The FallsSwimming is permitted in the small park below Joe's Crab Shack, but parking ca real problem. At Aquarena Springs Drive and Sessom Drive Day use only.

Medina LakeMedina Lake is a popular retreat for fishing, boating, picnicking and water sports. Facilities

clude a boat ramp, swimming area and restrooms. There are a number of private guestabins, guest ranches and private campgrounds in the vicinity of the lake. Take Stateighway 16 east to Pipe Creek and then F.M. 1283 south. Public access to the lake isvailable from Bandera County Park on the north side of the lake at the end of Park Road7 in Plum Creek Cove. www.edwardsaquifer.net/medina.html

San Antonio Springsistorically the state's 6th largest spring, San Antonio Springs emerge on the campus ofcarnate Word College in downtown San Antonio and flow through Brackenridge Park.

San Pedro Springsan Pedro Park, also known as San Pedro Springs Park, the oldest park in Texas, is in Sanntonio between San Pedro Avenue and Harp Street, facing the San Antonio Collegeampus. Today the park comprises forty-six acres of land.

Woodlawn Lake ParkWoodlawn Lake Park is a beautiful 62-acre facility located just north of downtown andwest of Interstate 10 on Cincinnati Street. The lake is available for fishing andon-motorized boating. Rentals at the park include the party house, pavilion, gym andoftball field.

he San Marcos River, selected by river guides as one of the most beautiful rivers in thetate, originates in San Marcos at Aquarena Springs and joins the Blanco River east ofown. Tubing on the river in town is often crowded, but exciting. Out of town, a canoe isecommended because of the distance between access points, which are limited to twoublic sites and where the Farm-to-Market roads cross the river. The narrow riverhannel is often obstructed with small dams and old mills. The banks are generallyteep, muddy, and heavily vegetated. An annual canoe race, the Texas Water Safari,tarting from San Marcos to the coast is held in June and is touted as "the toughestanoe race in the world."

Five Mile Damorth of San Marcos on the Blanco River. Take the Yarington Road exit from I-35 justouth of Kyle. Follow access road to the "Y" in the road and take a right at (FM2779). Theark is at the first left. Boating is available above the dam. Show only your best friendshis spot. Day use only. Hays County Park..

Cheatham Street Damhe opposite bank from the dam in Rio Vista Park. There is an unloading zone at theurb; park across the street or in Rio Vista Park. This is a great place to watch the Texas

Water Safari canoes go over the dam, or to shoot it yourself in a tube. From I-35 takeopkins to a left (south) on Cheatham, and follow to the river. Day use only.

AREA


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WilliamsonCOUNTY

Wimberley

TEXAS

Gulf Coast

SeguinLake Dunlapart of the Guadalupe River reservoir system, running from New Braunfels to the Dunlapam, Lake Dunlap is seven miles long, making it the longest of the reservoir lakes. It is

deal for fishing, boating, and skiing. Located on the outskirts of McQueeney.

Lake McQueeneyake McQueeney is located in Guadalupe County approximately two miles west ofeguin. From San Antonio, take IH-10 East or IH-35 North to McQueeney FM 725 exit.ake FM 725 to Happy Haven Road and follow Terminal Loop Road to the Marina.

oating, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing.Lake Placidake Placid is a reservoir on the Guadalupe River managed by the Guadalupe-Blancoiver Authority. Formed by dam construction in 1928. Its a half mile southwest ofeguin. Although less well-known than some of the other lakes, Lake Placid is anxcellent residential lakefront community for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Wave Poolhe Seguin city pool in Max Starcke Park generates artificial waves every 15 minutes,nd has a wading pool. Located south of downtown on Austin Street. (Business TX123)ee. www.seguintexas.gov/parks_recreation/detail/wave_pool/

he Gulf Coast with more than 375 miles of coastline, this is the best swimming hole inhe state.

Corpus Christihere are beaches downtown along Shoreline Boulevard, but if you've taken the time to drivehis far, go all the way to Padre Island National Seashore. www.visitcorpuschristitx.org

Galvestono to the beaches, Stewart and Apffel, along Seawall Boulevard, for lots of company. Formaller crowds, head to the beaches south of town on FM3005 or take a ferry ridecross the bay. There are also beaches and camping at Galveston Island State Park.

www.galveston.com

Matagorda IslandWant a primitive and secluded beach experience? The only way to get to this island is byerry from Pt. O'Connor. Administered by the state parks department, the island has nolectricity, concessions, telephone, or drinking water.www.matagordaisland.com

Port Aransast the northern tip of Mustang Island, there are 18 miles of beaches going south towardadre Island. To avoid the crowds, try the undeveloped beaches across the harborhannel on St. Jo's Island. Catch the Jetty Boat ferries at Woody's Sports Center.

www.portaransas.org

Rockporthere is a shallow beach area in downtown. Rockport has better prices on hotels and

food than most resort towns, but not as much to do. Don't let it fool you because itis more popular as a bird watching area than a swimmer spot; there's

still fun to be found here. www.cityofrockport.com

South Padre IslandLife is a beach. What used to be a little resort

town has become a huge resort town withhigh-rise hotels lining the beach. Still, it

has 34 miles of some of the best

beaches in the state.www.sopadre.com

Surfside BeachThis tiny seaside community and its neighbor across the bay inlet, Quintana, usedthe resort destinations of the Gulf Coast. Now they're nearly forgotten seaportretain the charm of less-crowded beaches. Check out the beaches and cottagFollets Island or San Luis Pass County Park along FM3005 (the Blue Water Higtoward Galveston. In Quintana, try the beach at the county park. For information, cSouthern Brazoria County Visitor and Convention Bureau at 800/938-4853.

The San Gabriel River crosses several county roads within the county and offers secluded swimming holes, but beware of crossing private property and where yoyour car.

Blue Hole ParkNot to be confused with Blue Hole near Wimberley. The north bank of the river is acliff; the south bank is a new park with picnic tables and port-a-potties. The cireally spruced up this scenic area, changing it from a makeshift hangout to a firscommunity park. The one-way road through the park offers a peek at the condand a small unloading zone. Parking is at the lot at Third and Rock Streets. No caand no glass beverage bottles larger than a quart are allowed in the park. The dam makes a great waterfall. From the courthouse, take Austin Avenue (US81) turn left on Third St., just before the South San Gabriel River bridge, and take a rigRock Street. www.parks.georgetown.org/blue-hole/

The Blanco River cuts through this tiny hamlet 45 minutes south of Austin on FM1shops and art galleries are great destinations for a day trip through the Hill CoQuaint restaurants offer German and American food. On the first weekend of the ma huge flea market is held west of town on FM2325.

Blue HoleThis swimming hole, on a heavily wooded creek that empties into the Blanco Rivefirst built by the Army in 1941 to provide R&R for soldiers from San Antonio. Becaits popularity and costs, the owners now charge a "membership" fee, pluadmission fee for day use and overnight camping. Northeast of Wimberley off FMpast the church and cemetery. 512/847-0025. www.blueholeregionalpark.co

Little ArkansasA beautiful stretch of the Blanco River, the name refers to its "backwoods" settingArkansas is isolated by steep hills, canyon bluffs, and guarded by vertical canyonFrom FM3237 east of Wimberley take Flight Acres Road (CR173) several miles thresidential areas. Turn onto CR174 and cross the Blanco River and follow it semiles (even after it turns into a dirt road), crossing the river three times tcampground. Fee. 512/847-2767

Old Hwy. 12 BridgeA favorite of locals, it's the old bridge over the Blanco River, east of Wimberley first left past the river. Now closed to vehicular traffic, parking is at a premium area on weekends. Beware of private property.

LakeMqueeney

Seguin

ake McQueeney is located in Guadalupe County,

pproximately two miles west of Seguin. From

an Antonio, take IH-10 East or IH-35 North to the

McQueeney FM 725 exit. Take FM 725 to Happy

aven Road and follow Terminal Loop Road to the

Marina. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing and

shing.


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Swiming Holes