Swim at Hamilton Pool Preserve

Amazing place

This is an amazing spot for swimming and take great pictures, water is great for kids, this place remember me a little the Cenotes back in my country Mexico. Highly recommended!

Hyped-up Swimming

In my opinion, it was a pretty place, but the amount of people killed the nature vibe. It was fun to get in and swim around, however, and a nice place to just hang out. Hiking to the pool took about 10 minutes. Once you're at the pool, your activity choices are to sit or swim. The beach was completely full of people. I did not go down the river trail, but that is another option. I probably would not consider it worthwhile to go back, since it was a $10 reservation fee and then $15 to get into the park. Having to make a reservation 2 weeks ahead is also inconvenient, though completely understandable. It was a good one-time experience.

If In Texas It's A Must

My boyfriend and I are on a month long road trip from Florida to Oregon. Hamilton pool was our first stop and we were amazed. Being early June the pool wasn't to crowded. You need a previously made reservation to go, but I would recommend making the stop. The bacteria levels were high the day we visited due to the heavy rain they had, so we weren't aloud to swim. But don't let that detour you. The waterfall was very full due to the rain, even causing more dropping from the top. Everyone in the park was very friendly and the staff was very helpful towards any questions we had. The trails were surrounded by beautiful wild flowers, trees and rushing water. Hamilton pool changed my mind on what I thought of Texas.

For People Who Want To See Something Unique

Has a very interesting feel to it. It is definitely quite the experience to walk around and relax, but not to swim. The water is ice cold and not enjoyable. Good if you just want to see it.

Go in the off season

If you are more into photography than swimming (like myself) I would absolutely recommend going in the off season to avoid the crowds. Definitely a beautiful spot and worth a trip even when crowded. However, starting on May 1, reservations will be required to enter the preserve. So if you want to visit and see this gorgeous place in person, you will need to plan accordingly!

Crowded But Awesome

Crowded but super cool. Worth checking out no matter what but if you can try to go at a less popular time I'd recommend it.

A great spot No doubt

This is constantly featured as a top 10 swimming hole in the world. And while it is amazing I would suggest you get there super early. In the summer it can get really crowded but it is really a unique place. If it is super full head down to West Cave Preserver to see what a similar swimming waterfall looks like when it has been preserved.

Awesome Place To Hang Out

Hamilton Pool was so pretty and although we didn't get to swim because the bacteria levels were high, it was still beautiful and perfect for a hot day. The trail is a bit rocky but pretty easy for people of all ages. The water is a gorgeous emerald green color and it's very relaxing hearing the river as we hiked. Get there early and call ahead to see if you can swim.

Very cool and worth the trip. Be sure to call ahead to ensure open- they are closed a lot for bacteria levels being high.

Time It Carefully

This is an obvious must-do if in the hill country. In season, bring your trunks; off-season, bring your camera. However, you'll want to time it carefully. If there hasn't been a lot of rain, flow can drop to almost nothing, and the water becomes very muddy and green. If you come late in the day in mid-summer (especially weekends) the crowds are serious. This is more of an issue with parking, as the parking lot is limited capacity, and once it fills up, you can only wait until someone leaves to be allowed to enter the park (though they might make exceptions for motorcycles). Come in the morning, and you will find the water a lot less murky, and have it more yo yourself.

Must see gem in Texas! Less busy in the off-season such as the winter. There is also a trail you can take the opposite way of Hamilton Pool and there are little mini-pools you can swim in as well if you are there on a crowded day.