Just a 45-minute drive northwest of Austin is Krause Springs, one of the best swimming hole spots in the Central Texas Hill Country, if not all of the state of Texas! Krause Springs is a 115-acre property that is listed on the National Registry of Historic Sites and was founded by the Krause family in 1955 and has been in their ownership ever since. There are 32 springs on the grounds, some of which feed into the manmade swimming pool and the natural swimming hole area which flows into Lake Travis. The spring water that flows into the pools is 68° F year-round, making this a very refreshing spot to cool off from the hot Texas weather. And if you’re looking for a place to kick back and camp out that doesn’t require advance reservations, this just might be the spot for you. They have a large campground for tent camping, as well as 24 RV sites with water and electricity available that you can call and arrange in advance.
What’s At Krause Springs
The main attraction of Krause Springs is the waterfall area of the natural swimming hole. The waterfall flows down from the manmade naturally-fed pool that is up the stairs forming a little grotto oasis that wouldn’t look out of place somewhere tropical like Hawaii. Honestly, when you see close-up photos of the area under the waterfalls, you’d probably be surprised to find out it was a place in Texas!
The swimming hole is surrounded by granite rock that you can lay back and sunbathe on, and beyond the waterfalls, one of the other attractions is the rope swing (especially for the kids). The clarity of the water depends on how recently it has rained, as rain muddies up the water and makes it murkier.
The other area to swim in is the manmade pool that is fed by the springs above the natural pool, and just down the path from the office (the whole area is basically on a large downward slope with a large staircase down to the swimming hole). The pool is a nice place to hang out if you’re looking for clear water (and the deep end is a decent depth), and it can be a little cooler since it hasn’t had time to bake in the sun like some of the shallower waters below. It’s also nice to be closer to the bathrooms and the campsites if you’re a long time there.
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One other attraction is the Butterfly Gardens up by the office. There are benches and hammocks throughout the garden, which is filled with lush plants, plenty of large wind chimes, and lots of shades for a very relaxing atmosphere. If you’re staying for the whole day or overnight, this can be a nice, quiet spot to relax away from the pools, especially on a crowded day.
Tips for Visiting Krause Springs
- Entry is CASH ONLY (they have a card machine, but it doesn’t always work so you’re better off bringing cash than having to go to town for an ATM – I have seen this happen).
- Day guests cost $8 per adult, $5 for children 4-11, and free for children under 4.
- Overnight camping is $15 per adult, $10 for children 4-11, and free under 4. An RV campsite costs $15 – you can call (830) 693-4181 in advance to reserve RV hookup spots, but tent camping is first-come-first-serve (but according to them, they always have room on their campgrounds). You can also park your car near your campsite.
- Office hours are 9am-8pm, but it is always worth checking their website for any changes. They are open almost year-round except for December 1 – February 15.
- You can bring food and drinks, but no glass containers are allowed.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Water shoes are highly recommended for traversing the area around the springs, which can be a bit slippery! I also personally find them nice to wear in the water.
- If you love floating around, bring your tubes and floaties! They have an air pump onsite you can use that makes it really convenient, and a lot of people who visit just spend the day relaxing and floating around. They don’t rent tubes, so you do have to bring your own!
- Don’t forget sunscreen. It gets pretty hot and the sun is strong out there!
- They have showers you can use in the bathroom, but they are NOT heated.
- They have BBQ pits in the day-use area and burn barrels for camper use. You can also bring your own pit as long as it does not sit on the ground and bring your own firewood or purchase a bundle from their office. Check here to see if the county has a burn ban in effect.
- There is no lifeguard on duty.
- The location is 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669
- See below for a Krause Springs map!
Directions from Austin to Krause Springs
- From Austin, take Texas Highway 71 west
- Cross the Pedernales River, drive 7 more miles
- Turn right on Spur 191 at the Exxon Station
- Turn right on County Road 404
- The gates for Krause Springs are on the left
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