Hamilton Pool
- Hike
- 0.25 mi each way
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
Vehicle entry needs a reservation: online reservation required every day. Entry fee: Reservation $12 per vehicle online (1 vehicle, 8 people max). Hamilton Pool is a creek pool on Hamilton Creek in Travis County, Texas.
Closures and warnings
Trail under the overhanging cliff at the pool is closed for falling-rock hazard; beach water access only when swimming is allowed. Status can change with bacteria tests or rain. As of September 28, 2026.
Swimming status depends on bacteria levels and recent rainfall; swimming is not guaranteed with a reservation. Water can drop below 50F in winter and spring. As of September 28, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Creek pool |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Lifeguards | No lifeguard; life vests provided while supplies last |
Access
| Hike | 0.25 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Parking | On-site parking at 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs; one vehicle max per reservation. |
| Fee | Reservation $12 per vehicle online (1 vehicle, 8 people max); day-use cash at gate $8 adult (13-61), $3 senior (62+). |
| Hours | Morning slot 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (exit by 1:00 p.m.); afternoon slot 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (exit by 6:00 p.m.) |
| Reservation or permit | Required |
| Reservation window | Online reservation required every day; morning or afternoon slot |
| Day-use cap | 8 |
| Managed by | Travis County Parks (Hamilton Pool Preserve) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | No |
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Portable toilets; no drinking water or concessions on site |
Rules
| Dogs | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Camping | Not allowed |
| Fires | Not allowed |
| Glass | Not allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Hamilton Pool open?
Trail under the overhanging cliff at the pool is closed for falling-rock hazard; beach water access only when swimming is allowed. Status can change with bacteria tests or rain. As of September 28, 2026. Swimming status depends on bacteria levels and recent rainfall; swimming is not guaranteed with a reservation. Water can drop below 50F in winter and spring. As of September 28, 2026. Hours: Morning slot 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (exit by 1:00 p.m.); afternoon slot 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (exit by 6:00 p.m.).
Can you swim at Hamilton Pool?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Hamilton Pool. Lifeguards: No lifeguard; life vests provided while supplies last. Swimming status depends on bacteria levels and recent rainfall; swimming is not guaranteed with a reservation. Water can drop below 50F in winter and spring. As of September 28, 2026.
How long is the hike to Hamilton Pool?
It's a 0.25 mi hike each way. The road in is paved. Parking: On-site parking at 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs; one vehicle max per reservation.
Do you need a reservation for Hamilton Pool?
Yes. A reservation or permit is required: Online reservation required every day; morning or afternoon slot.
Is there a fee at Hamilton Pool?
The fee is Reservation $12 per vehicle online (1 vehicle, 8 people max); day-use cash at gate $8 adult (13-61), $3 senior (62+).
What facilities are at Hamilton Pool?
Restrooms and picnic sites. No drinking water. Portable toilets; no drinking water or concessions on site.
What are the rules at Hamilton Pool?
Dogs are not allowed, camping is not allowed, fires are not allowed, and glass containers are not allowed.
Nearby
Sources
2
- https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hamilton-pool-preserve (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / waterbodyName, access.hikeDistanceMi, access.fee / access.permitRequired / access.reservationWindow / access.dayUseCap, access.hours, access.parking / access.amenities, rules.dogs / rules.camping / rules.fires / rules.glass, hazardNote, healthNote / swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed, swimmerNotes.lifeguardSeason)
- https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/about/faq (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.hours / reservation rules)