As summer drags on and the days get hotter and hotter, many of us are looking to cool off. I’ve put together a list of the best Houston area swimming holes, all within 2 hours of Houston. These range from deep swimming holes to wading creeks, so no matter how you prefer to swim, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for other fun things to do near Houston? Check out our 10 Best Day Trips From Houston.
This list of places to swim in Houston is sorted by closest to farthest from downtown Houston.
Houston Area Swimming Holes
Lake Longhorn
2391 Gun Range Road, League City, TX 77573 (35 minutes from Downtown Houston)
Lake Longhorn is a privately managed lake that serves as a scuba diving and triathlon training facility. If you just want to swim or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, you can do that here as well. With over 30 acres of land surrounding the lake, you can plan to spend the day at this Houston area swimming hole.
You must fill out a waiver and they recommend doing that at home, as the office is a small trailer and you’ll be stuck filling it out in the heat otherwise. You also must have a personal swim buoy or they will make you purchase one there. Here’s an affordable option.
Lake entry is $15/person and kayaks and stand-up paddle boards can be rented for $15 for the day.
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
25840 FM 1485, New Caney, TX 77357 (35 minutes from downtown Houston)
While not the best choice if you want to actually swim, (and while some might doubt my choice to include this on a list of Houston area swimming holes), you can definitely cool off in the shallow waters of Peach Creek at Lake Houston Wilderness Park. Children will love splashing around and swinging from the various tree swings along the creek.
Entry is $3 for ages 13 and up.
Double Lake Recreation Area
301 FM 2025, Coldspring, TX 77331 (1 hour from downtown Houston)
The Double Lake Recreation Area at the Sam Houston National Forest was closed for a while, due to COVID, but is now open! Swim, fish, or paddle at this lake nestled in the forest.
Scott Ridge’s Swim Site
13274 Scotts Ridge Rd, Montgomery, TX 77356 (1 hour from downtown Houston)
Located on the west side of the Sam Houston National Forest, with access to Lake Conroe, this Houston area swimming hole offers day-use passes for $5 per vehicle per day, or use of the boat launch for the same price.
The boat launch is open year-round and the swimming area is open from April through September.
Woodsy Hollow Campground
248 Woodsy Hollow Rd, Goodrich, TX 77335 (1 hour from downtown Houston)
This campground and RV park on Sleepy Hollow Lake offers day passes for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boating. It’s a great, affordable option for swimming near Houston.
Entry is $5 per person for swimming, or $10 per person for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Huntsville State Park
565 Park Road 40 West, Huntsville, TX 77340 (1 hr 12 minutes from downtown Houston)
Huntsville State Park is home to Lake Raven, another great place to go swimming near Houston. You can swim, fish, and paddle in Lake Raven. It’s worth it to note that the swimming area is a bit small and can get crowded. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are available for rent.
Entry is $7 per person above age 13.
Remember, advance registration is recommended at all state parks, as they can fill up fast, especially on the weekends.
Lake Livingston State Park
300 State Park Rd 65, Livingston, TX 77351 (1 hr 12 minutes from downtown Houston)
Lake Livingston is one of the largest lakes in Texas, and a great place to cool off. The park also rents canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards at the park office or via Paddle EZ self-service rentals for $18/hr. You pay on your phone and get a code to unlock the boat.
Entry is $5 per person aged 13 and up.
Wolf Creek Park
21 Wolf Creek Park Road, Coldspring, TX 77331 (1 hr 13 minutes from downtown Houston)
Wolf Creek Park is a quiet park in Coldspring, TX. It serves as a beautiful campground, but also offers day passes for visitors looking to swim in Lake Livingston. Kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals are also available. The swimming area is a large, roped-off area that is deep enough to swim, but stays relatively shallow, making this Houston area swimming hole a great place for kids.
Entry is $5 per person.
Menard Creek
6439 Holly Grove Rd, Livingston, TX 77351 (1 hour 26 minutes from downtown Houston)
A little off the beaten path, this creek offers a cold, refreshing respite from the Houston heat.
Lake Somerville
14222 Park Road 57 Somerville, TX 77879-9713 (1 hour 30 minutes from downtown Houston)
Lake Somerville is a beautiful park with hiking trails, campgrounds, and lake access. This Houston area swimming hole has a large section of shallow water, perfect for younger kids. Just be aware, because it’s rather shallow, the water can get rather warm in the dog days of summer. I recommend hitting up this Houston swimming hole May-July rather than, say, August.
Entry is $4 per person age 13 and up.
Martin Dies Jr. State Park
634 Park Road 48 South Jasper, TX 75951 (2 hours from downtown Houston)
The swimming area at Martin Dies Jr. State Park is located in the Hen House Ridge Unit and is open from sunrise to sunset.
Entry is $4 per person age 13 and up.
Davy Crockett National Forest
TX-7, Ratcliff, TX 75858 (2 hours from downtown Houston)
Ratcliff Lake in Davy Crockett National Forest offers a small swimming area.
Entry is $5 per vehicle per day.
Have you enjoyed any of these Houston area swimming holes? Let us know in the comments!
