Balmorhea State Park Is The World’s Largest Spring-Fed Swimming Pool

This is a family & kid-friendly adventure guide to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool.

An Unexpected Oasis in the West Texas Desert

Tucked away in the vast, sunbaked landscape of West Texas, Balmorhea State Park is a refreshing surprise—home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, spanning 1.3 acres. This hidden gem offers families a chance to escape the desert heat with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting native fish.

RV sites are available for those looking to extend their stay and soak in the beauty of this unique desert retreat. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or planning a weekend getaway, this kid-friendly destination blends nature, adventure, and relaxation into one unforgettable experience.

Finding ourselves at Balmorhea State Park was truly unexpected. During our West Texas trip in June of 2022, after checking out of Davis Mountain State Park, we were looking for a good spot to park for lunch before committing to a few hours drive towards Carlsbad, New Mexico. To our surprise, just 35-minutes north of Davis Mountain SP, we found this amazing spring-fed pool.

We hope you get a chance to visit Balmorea State Park one day!

Why Visit Balmorhea State Park with Kids?

✅ Crystal-Clear Water – The 1.3-acre spring-fed pool stays at a refreshing 72-76°F year-round, making it perfect for kids to splash around.
✅ Easy Accessibility – Unlike many natural swimming holes, Balmorhea has shallow areas for young kids and deep sections for older swimmers and snorkelers.
✅ Wildlife Watching – Kids will love spotting tiny fish, turtles, and even rare pupfish in the clear water.
✅ Family-Friendly Facilities – Picnic areas, shaded spots, and RV hookups make it a great stop for traveling families.
✅ Great Introduction to Snorkeling – The clear, spring-fed water is shallow enough for young snorkelers to practice in a safe environment.

Best Things to Do for Families

🏊 Swim in the Spring-Fed Pool

• The huge pool (1.3 acres) is divided into shallow and deep sections, making it safe for kids of different swimming levels.
• Bring goggles or snorkel masks—the visibility is amazing!
• Depth Ranges:
  • Shallow area: ~3 feet deep (great for little kids).
  • Deep section: Up to 25 feet (perfect for older kids & teens).

For extra fun, there is a diving board in the deep section! The depth perception was a bit daunting for our 8-year old at the time, but he quickly overcame his fear with claps from the crowd.

The natural algae flora in the spring feed pool can make the stair entrances slippery, so be extra careful getting in and out of the water.

The three feet deep shallow end is great for kids to explore the world of aquatics!

🐟 Snorkel & Spot Wildlife

• Balmorhea’s natural springs support endemic fish species like the Comanche Springs pupfish and Pecos gambusia (both found nowhere else in the world!).
• Turtles, fish, and other aquatic life make snorkeling an exciting activity for kids.
• Bring waterproof cameras to capture the underwater world!

🌳 Have a Family Picnic

• Plenty of shaded picnic tables are available near the pool, making it easy to have a relaxing meal.
• Bring your own food, as dining options are limited.
• Watch out for friendly ducks wandering nearby!
• 🚶 Explore Canals & Nature Trails
• A small walking trail leads around the park, where kids can see birds, lizards, and desert plants.
• The irrigation canals are also fun for kids to explore (though no swimming is allowed in them).

🌌 Stargazing & Night Sky Fun

• Being in the middle of West Texas, Balmorhea is perfect for stargazing!
• Bring a telescope or binoculars for spotting planets and constellations.
• The Milky Way is visible on clear nights, making for a magical experience.

Where to Stay

RV & Camping at Balmorhea State Park
RV parking is abundance whether you’re just passing through for a few hours or wanting to camp overnight.

🚐 RV Camping:

• The park has 34 campsites with water and electric hookups.
• RV spots are paved and leveled, making setup easy.
• 8 people per site.
• Tents are not allowed in pull-through campsites.

🏕️ Tent Camping:

• A few tent sites are available, but keep in mind the desert heat—best for spring or fall camping.

🛏️ Alternative: Nearby Hotels

• If you prefer a hotel stay, check out the town of Balmorhea, TX (4 miles away) for small motels.
• Fort Davis (40 minutes away) has cooler temperatures and more lodging options.

Kid-Friendly Packing List

✅ Swimsuits & Towels – The pool is the main attraction!
✅ Water Shoes – The pool has a natural bottom, so some areas can be rocky/slippery.
✅ Snorkeling Gear – The clear water makes for great snorkeling, even for beginners.
✅ Wet suits – Depending on the time of the year, wet suits can keep the body warm.
✅ Floaties or Life Jackets – If your kids aren’t strong swimmers.
✅ Food and refreshments – Retail options are limited.
✅ Sunscreen & Hats – West Texas sun is intense!

Final Thoughts: Why Balmorhea is Perfect for Families

Balmorhea State Park is a hidden gem for RVing families looking to picnic in the desert heat and to enjoy nature without too much strenuous activities. With constant 72+degrees Fahrenheit crystal-clear spring water temperature , it’s one of the best family-friendly stops when traveling throughTexas! Extra points for easy accessibility and great kids’ under water exploration.

Would we recommend it?

✅ 100% YES!

Brief History of Balmorhea State Park

Balmorhea State Park, located in Reeves County, Texas, is home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, making it a unique oasis in the arid West Texas landscape. The park’s history is deeply tied to the San Solomon Springs, which has provided water for centuries, first sustaining Indigenous peoples like the Mescalero Apache and Comanche before Spanish explorers and Mexican settlers built irrigation canals for farming.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) transformed the area into a recreational park, constructing the massive Balmorhea Pool, as well as stone cabins, picnic areas, and landscaping that still stand today.

Officially opening in 1940, the park quickly became a popular spot for swimming and scuba diving, thanks to its clear, 25-foot-deep waters that support endangered species like the Comanche Springs pupfish and Pecos gambusia. After World War II, the park continued to grow in popularity, but natural wear led to closures and repairs over the years, including a major restoration in 2018 to fix structural cracks and leaks, reopening in 2020.

Today, Balmorhea State Park remains a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking swimming, scuba diving, and birdwatching in an unexpected desert paradise, blending history, conservation, and recreation in a truly remarkable setting.