Balmorhea State Park
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Bring your snorkeling gear and swim with the fish! -
Take a plunge into one of the world’s largest spring-fed pools. -
Stay in a historic motel and explore the flora and fauna of the cienegas. -
Set up camp in the desert with a view of mountains. -
You'll leave refreshed after a visit to this iconic oasis. -
Experience a pool built more than 80 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
A Cool Oasis in the High Desert
Dive into the crystal-clear water of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. Swim, scuba dive, or just relax under the trees at this historic park in arid West Texas.
Things to Do
The Civilian Conservation Corps built Balmorhea State Park in the 1930s. Nearly 80 years later, people are still cooling off at our park.
Swim, scuba or skin dive, camp, geocache, study nature and bird watch. Explore our restored cienegas (desert wetlands), home to endangered fish and other wildlife.
The park has picnic sites, an outdoor sports area and a playground. Rent our group hall for your next family gathering.
Stay overnight at one of 34 campsites. Or reserve a room at the San Solomon Springs Courts, motel-style retro lodging built by the CCC.
Swim
The pool is open daily; swimmers pay only the park entry fee. No lifeguard is on duty.
Swimmers younger than 15 must be supervised at all times by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult over the age of 17. Pets are not allowed in the fenced pool area.
More than 15 million gallons of water flow through the pool each day, gushing from the San Solomon Springs. The pool is up to 25 feet deep, covers 1.3 acres, and holds 3.5 million gallons of water. The water temperature stays at 72 to 76 degrees year-round.
Get involved
We welcome volunteers! Visit our Volunteer page to find out how you can help, or ask at park headquarters.
Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
Protect
Part of our mission is to protect this precious desert resource. You can help! Please respect the park and its heritage. Pick up trash, leave artifacts where you find them, treat historic structures gently, and admire but don’t harass wildlife.
Shop
Shop the park store for swimming and snorkeling accessories, t-shirts and souvenirs.
Ranger Programs
We offer programs on the nature and history of our park. Check our Events page for upcoming programs. Contact the park in advance to arrange a program for your group.
Ask at headquarters about borrowing a Junior Ranger Explorer Pack for the kids!
Teachers: This is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.
Civilian Conservation Corps: The CCC built the swimming pool, San Solomon Courts, bath houses and most park facilities in the 1930s. To learn more, visit our History page.
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