Swim Season Frequently Asked Questions

Swim Season is just around the corner! May through September is the busiest time of the year for Blue Hole Regional Park. We see over 60,000 visitors just for swimming during that time period. With such an influx of visitors we understand that visiting the park can seem a little bit hectic, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we’ve put together this extensive list of frequently asked questions. After reviewing these questions, you’ll be able to visit the park during swim season like a pro! If you have any additional questions please reach out to us at parks@cityofwimberley.com or call 512-660-9111.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

• Where is Blue Hole Regional Park located?
  • The park is located in Wimberley, Texas. 333 Blue Hole Lane Wimberley, TX 78676.
• What are the hours of operations?
  • Blue Hole Regional Park hours are 8 a.m. to Sunset. The park amenities including hiking, biking, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sport fields are open and free during those set hours. The park gate closes and locks at sunset. Anyone park staff is unable to find in the park at closing time will be locked in the park and will need to call the Sheriff’s Department to be let out of the park.
  • Swim hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (everyday May through September 4th and weekends in September)
    AM time slot is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    PM time slot is 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Do you accept walk ups for swimming?
  • No – reservations must be made in advance to enter the swim area. These reservations must be made online as we do not have the ability to make reservations on-site for you. Reservations are not required to enter the park itself, just the swim area during the swim season.
• Do I need a reservation if I don’t want to swim?
  • A reservation is only required to enter the swim area during the swim season. There is no admittance to the swim area without a reservation. This includes people who do not plan to swim. If you would like to view the swim area, but do not wish to make a reservation, we suggest you visit our Overlook Trail which offers a view of the swim area from above the bluff.
• Why is Blue Hole open when Jacob’s Well is closed?
  • Jacob’s Well is the primary spring source of water into Cypress Creek. However, Cypress Creek has many seeps and springs in the creek bed downstream from Jacob’s Well. Because of this, the Blue Hole swimming area may remain open even if Jacob’s Well is closed.
• Is the water safe to swim in?
  • The water quality is tested regularly by trained professionals. To see these test results please visit this site and click “Water Quality Data” in the Notes section of the webpage. Swimming access at Blue Hole is contingent on precipitation and groundwater flow. If bacteria and/or visibility conditions become unsafe, swimming will be suspended. We will monitor those conditions daily and update information on our website and social media pages.
• What’s the inclement weather policy?
  • Blue Hole does not close for rain. If lightning comes within a 10-mile radius, the swimming area will be evacuated and closed for 30 minutes. If the swimming area is closed for 2 hours or more during your reservation, day pass holders will receive a full refund. Please be advised the entire park, including the swim area, is subject to closure during severe weather and for special events approved in advance by the City of Wimberley.
• Is there an age limit?
  • Any children 12 or under must be supervised by an adult (18 years or older) at all times. Children 13 and up may be unsupervised. All swimming is at your own risk and no lifeguards are on duty. Parents/guardians are responsible for the actions of their children.
• Do Wimberley residents get any discounts or perks?
  • Yes – Wimberley residents have the ability to purchase season passes beginning March 1st. Non-residents may purchase season passes beginning April 1st. Wimberley residents also get a discounted price for day passes. Additionally, only Wimberley residents may participate in the Wimberley Nights program.
• Is parking free?
  • Yes – the parking lot is about a 3-minute walk from the swimming area. Overflow parking is about a 5-10 minute walk from the swimming area. The City of Wimberley is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.
• How deep is the water?
  • It depends on the area. The depth ranges from 1 to 18+ feet.
• Are there lifeguards on duty?
  • No – all swimming is at your own risk.
• Do you provide lifejackets?
  • Yes – lifejackets are available at no extra cost. Lifejackets are available on a first come, first served basis. Please return the lifejackets when you are finished swimming. You are welcome to bring your own lifejacket.
• Can I bring a kayak or stand-up paddleboard?
  • No – there are no watercraft (including inflatable watercraft) launch sites at Blue Hole Regional Park. Please visit this link to learn more about nearby public river access sites.
• Can I bring an inflatable float like a tube?
  • Personal small inflatables are allowed in the swim area. Large rafts, or other extra-large inflatables are not allowed. Please be respectful to all people in the swim area.
• Can I bring a pop-up canopy or umbrella?
  • Yes – as long as it is smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet. No stakes are allowed to be inserted into the swim lawn.
• Can I bring chairs?
  • Yes – you are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and other picnicking equipment.
• Can I bring my dog?
  • No pets are allowed on the swim lawn. This is an ecologically sensitive area. Service animals are welcome and must remain on leash and may not enter the water. Guests are required to pick up after their service animals.
• Can I bring a speaker for music?
  • Yes, however, all music must be kept at a low volume. You are sharing a contained space with over 200 other people. If staff receives a complaint about loud music, you will be asked to turn it down.
• Can I bring food and drinks?
  • No alcohol. No glass. No personal grills. Permanent grills are available first come-first serve outside of the swim area. All other food and drinks are welcome. Small coolers are welcome. Please dispose of all trash appropriately.
• Do you sell t-shirts and other merchandise?
  • Yes – this merchandise (shirts, hats, towels, etc.) is available for purchase at the check-in window. Cards only – no cash.
• Can I jump from the trees?
  • Absolutely not. The trees that line the swimming area are hundreds of years old and we want to respect them as best as we can. Anyone seen climbing trees will be removed from the swim area, with no refund for day passes or season passes. No exceptions.
• Are there any snakes in the water?
  • Cypress Creek is full of wonderful wildlife! This includes various species of fish, turtles, and yes – snakes. Snakes are cautious of people and do not like to be in areas with people nearby. Because the Blue Hole swim area is a busy place, it is very rare a snake is seen in this area. Do not deliberately touch any wildlife.
• Is fishing allowed?
  • No fishing is allowed in Blue Hole Regional Park– for information about where to fish nearby please visit this link.
• Are there restrooms or changing facilities?
  • There are restrooms and changing facilities near the swim lawn. There are no showers available in the park.
• Is there a storage facility where I can store my items while I swim?
  • No – we recommend leaving all valuables at home. The City of Wimberley is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.
• Are there picnic tables?
  • • Yes – the picnic tables are available to rent during the check out process when purchasing a day pass. For season pass holders, picnic tables are available to rent depending on availability at the time of your visit. Ask the attendant on duty for additional information.
• What’s the weather like?
  • To view current and future weather for Blue Hole Regional Park please visit this website.
• Can I smoke/vape?
  • No – you will be asked to leave if you are smoking or vaping in the park, this includes the parking lot.
• Once I’ve checked in for my reservation can I leave the swim area and re-enter?
  • Yes – as long as you are still wearing your wristband re-entry is allowed during your allocated time slot.

DAY PASS QUESTIONS

• When can I begin buying day passes?
  • March 1st for Wimberley Residents and Non-Residents.
• How much does it cost to buy a day pass?

• If I buy a day pass, can I swim all day?
  • If you would like to swim all day, you need to reserve both the AM and the PM time slots.
    AM time slot is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    PM time slot is 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    The swim area is closed to day pass holders from 1-2 p.m.
• How do I make a reservation for a day pass?
  • Visit this website. We are unable to accept walk ups. A reservation must be made online in advance. We are unable to make your reservation for you.
• I made my day pass reservation for the wrong day – can I edit it?
  • Due to system limitations, reservations cannot be edited once created. You will need to cancel your reservation and book another reservation for the correct day.
• How do I cancel my day pass reservation?
  • There is a link located in your email that will allow you to cancel your reservation. Reservations cannot be canceled less than a week before the date and time that the reservation is scheduled.
• Do I get a refund if I cancel my reservation?
  • Day pass reservations can be canceled for a 75% refund up to a week before the date and time of the reservation. Reservations cannot be canceled less than a week before the date and time that the reservation is scheduled.
• If the swim area is closed by the City of Wimberley, do I get a refund for my day pass?
  • Yes – if the swim area is closed by the City of Wimberley for any reason all day passes will be refunded.
• When can I begin buying season passes?
  • March 1st for Wimberley Residents
    April 1st for Non-Residents

SEASON PASS QUESTIONS

• How much does a season pass cost?

• How do I purchase a season pass?
  • Visit this link. We are unable to accept in person or over the phone payment for season passes.
• Do I need to pick up my physical season pass card?
  • Yes – the physical season pass card must be shown for entry each time you come to swim. We do not mail out season pass cards. You must pick up the season pass card in person. Please pick up the pass the first time you come to swim for the season.
• Do I need to show an ID when I pick up my season pass card?
  • At the time you pick up your season pass card your ID will be verified to match the name on the season pass. Your picture will be taken and attached to your profile in our system.
• Do I need to bring my ID every time I use my season pass?
  • Not always – when your season pass is scanned your picture will show up in our system. If the picture that shows up does not match the person presenting the pass you will be asked to present ID.
• Can I pick up my season pass card the first time I come to swim?
  • Yes – Season Pass cards will be available to pick up beginning May 1st.
• What do I do if I lose my season pass card?
  • A replacement card can be issued to you. The fee is $10 for a replacement card.
• Can I swim all day if I have a season pass?
  • Yes – season pass holders can swim all open swim hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Please be advised the Blue Hole Nature Camp uses the shallow end of the swim area from 1 to 2 p.m. and season pass holders will be asked to move to the deeper end of the swim area during this time only.
• Can I get a refund for my season pass?
  • No – due to system limitations, we are unable to refund season passes. No exceptions.
• If the swim area is closed by the City of Wimberley, do I get a refund for my season pass?
  • No – there are no refunds for season passes – no exceptions. Swimming access at Blue Hole is contingent on precipitation and groundwater flow. If bacteria and/or visibility conditions become unsafe, swimming will be suspended. Those purchasing a season pass understand that the swim area may be closed earlier in the season than anticipated.
• Is it okay if I let someone else use my season pass?
  • No – season passes are non-transferable and are only to be used by the person whose name is on the pass. Season passes will be revoked if the name and/or picture do not match the person presenting the pass.
• What if I’m using my season pass and weather conditions or other factors cut my reservation time short?
  • Due to system limitations, there are no refunds for season passes. Season passes cannot be transferred to another year either.

WIMBERLEY NIGHTS PROGRAM

• What is the Wimberley Nights program?
  • This special program is for Wimberley residents only and you must show an ID with the 78676 zip code in order to swim.
• What are the hours for the Wimberley Nights program?
  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
    May 1st through September 4th
    6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Do I have to make a reservation for Wimberley Nights?
  • No – this program is first come first serve.
• How much does the Wimberley Nights program cost?
  • $2 per person. No cash accepted.
    3 years and under free.
• How do I prove I’m a Wimberley Resident for the Wimberley Nights program?
  • The simplest way is to show a current ID with a 78676 zip code (drivers license, concealed carry license, voter ID, etc.) You may also bring a utility bill or other piece of mail that shows a 78676 zip code and matches the name on your current ID. School IDs will not be accepted.
• Can I bring people that are not Wimberley Residents to the Wimberley Nights program?
  • Each Wimberley Resident is allowed to bring 10 guests that are not Wimberley Residents with them. These guests will not need to show ID. The price is $2 per person.
• Is there a limit of how many people can swim at a time?
  • The limit is 250 people in the swim area at a time.
• If I’m a Wimberley resident with a season pass, do I have to pay for the Wimberley Nights program?
  • No – there is no extra charge for Wimberley Residents who are season pass holders. If a Wimberley Resident season pass holder is bringing guests that do not have a season pass, the guests will need to pay for entry.