Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park
Swimming hole in Balmorhea, Texas · Spring
In the West Texas desert near Balmorhea sits a genuine marvel: the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool.
Typical season: Year-round — the spring water holds 72–76°F in every season.
About Balmorhea State Park
In the West Texas desert near Balmorhea sits a genuine marvel: the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. More than 15 million gallons of San Solomon Springs water flow through it every day, keeping 1.3 acres of clear water at 72–76°F in every season. The pool covers up to 25 feet of depth and holds 3.5 million gallons — big enough to share with scuba divers, snorkellers and the desert fish that live here.
Getting in is easy: level, paved paths lead from the parking area to steps down into the water. Beyond the pool, restored cienegas — desert wetlands — shelter endangered fish including the Comanche Springs pupfish, and the CCC-built San Solomon Springs Courts offer motel-style rooms alongside 34 campsites. Reserve ahead in summer; this desert oasis fills up.
Key facts
Highlights
- The world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool — 1.3 acres, up to 25 feet deep, 3.5 million gallons
- More than 15 million gallons of San Solomon Springs water flow through daily at 72–76°F
- Restored cienegas, home to endangered desert fish including the Comanche Springs pupfish
Access & fees
Entry is $7 per day for ages 13 and older, with children 12 and under free — and that is the whole cost of swimming, since the pool charges nothing extra. Scuba divers pay one additional $5 dive fee. Day passes are issued for two entry times, 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., and early entry is not allowed. Book day use and campsites in advance: the park often reaches capacity from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on holidays.
Stay safe
- There is no lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk
- Swimmers younger than 15 must be supervised at all times
- The pool is up to 25 feet deep — weaker swimmers should stay in the shallow areas and know their limits
- Day passes come with set entry times (8 a.m. and 3 p.m.) — early entry is not allowed, so time your arrival
Map & location
FAQs
How much does Balmorhea cost?
$7 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under are free. Swimming is included in entry — only scuba divers pay extra ($5 dive fee).
Can I swim at Balmorhea in winter?
Yes. The spring water holds 72–76°F year-round, so the pool is swimmable in every season. Weekdays in spring and autumn are the quietest times.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended for both day use and camping — the park often reaches capacity from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on holidays.
Editorial review & methodology
Every listing is researched from official land-manager sources, including park, county and state pages, and each fact is re-checked against the named source before publication.
Each page shows its last-verified date, so you can see how recently the details were checked.
If you spot something out of date, corrections are welcomed via the contact page, and you can read more in how we verify.
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Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Fee
$7 per day ages 13+; children 12 and under free
Nearest town
Balmorhea
Best season
Year-round; spring water 72–76°F
GPS
30.983746, -103.786523
Nearby spots
Garner State Park — ~258 miDevil’s Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park — ~321 miPedernales Falls State Park — ~330 miSources & updates
Last verified: 29 October 2026
Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Researched by: Swim Hole Finder team