Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas

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Hamilton Pool Preserve

Swimming hole in Dripping Springs, Texas · Spring

Few swimming holes in Texas look like this one. A 50-foot waterfall pours into a jade-green pool sheltered under the curved roof of a collapsed limestone grotto.

Typical season: Late spring to early autumn for swimming — swimming is condition-dependent year-round.

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About Hamilton Pool Preserve

Few swimming holes in Texas look like this one. A 50-foot waterfall pours into a jade-green pool sheltered under the curved roof of a collapsed limestone grotto, and the short canyon trail down to the water is part of the adventure — steep, narrow and rugged, with uneven steps. The preserve covers 232 acres of the Balcones Canyonlands, so a visit mixes a swim with canyon hiking, picnicking and birdwatching in Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat.

Plan the day simply. There is no running water, electricity, drinking water or food for sale at the preserve — just parking, picnic tables and portable toilets. Bring everything you need, wear shoes that can handle the trail, and treat the swim itself as a bonus: the water can close on any given day, even with a reservation, while the grotto and falls are worth the trip on their own.

Key facts

Address24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
GPS coordinates30.342372, -98.126755
Water typeSpring
FeeTwo-part fee — a $12 online reservation fee per vehicle (1 vehicle max, 8 people max), plus an entrance fee paid on arrival: $8 per adult (13–61), $3 per senior (62+), free for children 12 and under. Cash only at the preserve; cards are not accepted. All fees are non-refundable. A reservation is required every day of the year, and swimming is never guaranteed with a reservation — bacteria levels or recent rain can close the water. Water access is currently limited to the beach area only because of a falling-rock hazard, and the trail under the overhang is closed
Nearest townDripping Springs
Best seasonLate spring to early autumn for swimming; swimming is condition-dependent year-round, and the pool’s water level stays fairly constant even in drought
Access difficultyModerate — a 0.25-mile (0.4 km) trail from the parking lot to the pool; steep, narrow and rugged with uneven steps, about a 30-minute round trip
LifeguardNo — no lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk. Life vests are provided while supplies last
CampingNo — camping is prohibited; day use only
ActivitiesSwimming (conditional), hiking, picnicking, guided hikes, birdwatching, educational programs
FacilitiesParking, picnic tables, portable toilets. No running water or electricity at the preserve, and no drinking water or concessions — bring drinking water

Highlights

  • 50-foot waterfall pouring into a jade-green pool under a collapsed limestone grotto
  • Part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve — Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat
  • 232-acre preserve with canyon trails above the pool

Access & fees

You must book a reservation online in advance — they are required every day of the year, in two daily periods (9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2:00–5:30 p.m.). The reservation costs $12 per vehicle (one vehicle, up to 8 people), and you pay the per-person entrance fee when you arrive: $8 for adults, $3 for seniors, free for children 12 and under. The preserve takes cash only, cards are not accepted, and all fees are non-refundable. Water access is currently limited to the beach area only, due to a falling-rock hazard.

Stay safe

  • There is no lifeguard on duty — you swim at your own risk; life vests are provided while supplies last
  • Water access is currently limited to the beach area only — keep out of closed areas under the overhang
  • The trail is steep, narrow and rugged with uneven steps — wear sturdy footwear
  • Swimming can close without notice because of bacteria levels or recent rain — check conditions before you go

Map & location

Get Directions

FAQs

Do I need a reservation for Hamilton Pool?

Yes. Reservations are required every day of the year and are booked online in advance, for either the morning (9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) or afternoon (2:00–5:30 p.m.) period.

How much does it cost?

$12 per vehicle for the online reservation, plus an entrance fee on arrival — $8 per adult, $3 per senior (62+), and free for children 12 and under. Cash only; cards are not accepted.

Is swimming guaranteed with a reservation?

No. Bacteria levels or recent rain can close the water even if you hold a reservation. At the moment, water access is also limited to the beach area because of a falling-rock hazard.

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: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

Fee$12 reservation per vehicle, plus $8 per adult on arrival

Nearest townDripping Springs

Best seasonLate spring to early autumn

GPS30.342372, -98.126755

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Sources & updates

Last verified: 29 October 2026

Source: Travis County Parks

Researched by: Swim Hole Finder team

Methodology: How we verify listings →

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