Shallowater TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Shallowater, Texas.
1. Lubbock KOA
FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAMPING RETREAT
Lubbock KOA offers a refreshing swimming area perfect for families looking to escape the Texas heat. Visitors can enjoy the well-maintained pool facilities while taking advantage of the campground's numerous amenities. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both overnight campers and day visitors seeking aquatic recreation near Shallowater.
2. Caprock Canyons State Park
SCENIC CANYON SWIMMING
Caprock Canyons State Park features Lake Theo, a 120-acre reservoir where visitors can swim and cool off surrounded by stunning red canyon walls. The park is home to the official Texas State Bison Herd and offers more than 90 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails for outdoor enthusiasts. After a day of exploration, the refreshing waters provide a welcome respite from the Texas heat while offering spectacular views of the rugged canyon landscape.
3. Barton Springs Pool
HISTORIC NATURAL SPRING
Barton Springs Pool is a three-acre natural limestone pool fed by underground springs that maintain a refreshing 68-70 degree temperature year-round. Located within Zilker Park, this beloved Austin landmark has drawn swimmers for generations with its crystal-clear waters and grassy surroundings perfect for sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy the unique experience of swimming in a natural spring while still being within the heart of Texas' capital city.
4. Deep Eddy Pool
OLDEST SWIMMING POOL
Deep Eddy Pool is the oldest swimming pool in Texas, originally a swimming hole in the Colorado River before being converted into a resort in the 1920s. The spring-fed pool maintains a comfortable temperature and features a large shallow end that's perfect for families with young children. Its historical significance and refreshing waters make it a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking relief from the Texas heat.
5. Krause Springs
ENCHANTING NATURAL OASIS
Krause Springs is a stunning privately-owned property featuring 32 springs that feed into natural swimming holes and man-made pools surrounded by lush gardens. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing spring waters, relax under century-old cypress trees, or take a plunge from the rope swing into the crystal-clear waters. The combination of natural beauty, butterfly gardens, and the soothing sounds of the waterfall creates a magical atmosphere that makes this spot one of Texas's most beloved swimming destinations.
6. Balmorhea State Park
DESERT OASIS POOL
Balmorhea State Park features the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool, covering 1.3 acres and holding 3.5 million gallons of crystal-clear water. Swimmers can enjoy the unique experience of sharing the waters with small fish and other aquatic life while gazing at the stunning desert landscape surrounding the pool. The constant 72-76 degree temperature makes it a perfect year-round destination for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling in the heart of West Texas.
7. Blue Hole
PRISTINE SPRING-FED SWIMMING
Blue Hole is an iconic natural swimming spot surrounded by ancient cypress trees and featuring some of the clearest, most pristine waters in Texas. Visitors can cool off in the spring-fed waters, swing from rope swings, or relax on the grassy banks under the shade of towering trees. This beloved swimming hole is the centerpiece of Blue Hole Regional Park, which offers additional recreational amenities including hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities.
8. Hancock Springs Free Flow Pool
HISTORIC NATURAL SPRING POOL
Hancock Springs Free Flow Pool is one of the few remaining free-flowing natural spring pools in Texas, continuously refreshed by spring water that maintains a constant 69-degree temperature. The historic pool, built in 1911, features a unique design where fresh spring water constantly flows through, creating a refreshing swimming experience. Visitors appreciate both the cool relief from summer temperatures and the nostalgic atmosphere of this century-old swimming destination.
9. Inks Lake State Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE RECREATION
Inks Lake State Park offers visitors a sparkling blue lake with designated swimming areas perfect for cooling off in the Texas Hill Country. The park's Devil's Waterhole area features a small canyon where adventurous swimmers can enjoy cliff jumping into the deep, cool waters. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking through the colorful granite outcroppings that create a stunning backdrop for this popular waterfront destination.
10. Lake Tejas
THRILLING WATERSLIDE DESTINATION
Lake Tejas features a massive 100-foot waterslide that delivers thrills along with cooling relief at this spring-fed lake in East Texas. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach area, rent inner tubes and paddleboats, or bring their own non-motorized watercrafts to explore the scenic waters. The family-friendly destination offers additional amenities including volleyball areas, diving boards, and a separate children's swimming area with smaller slides, making it perfect for water enthusiasts of all ages.
Shallowater Things To Do
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