There’s no place quite like Krause Springs, with cold, spring-fed water and huge cypress trees to rest beneath, this privately-owned campground and swimming hole is the perfect summer get-a-way, either for the day or camping for a week.
Check out My Mommy Tips for making the most of your visit!
Know Before You Go
- Bring cash, they don’t accept credit cards.
- No dogs allowed.
- Burn Bans are often in place, check before going. They rent fire barrels for $5, with a $5.00 deposit.
- Coolers are welcome (no glass)!
- The front gate is locked every night at 9pm.
- No lifeguards on duty, either at the pool or swimming hole, so swim at your own risk
- If possible, visit on a weekday. It can get very busy on the weekends.
The Springs
There are over 30 natural springs at Krause Springs, and the water comes out a chilly 68 degrees all year long!
The Swimming Pool
Nothing feels better on a hot, summer day than a cool dip in a pool, unless that pool is filled with natural spring water! The water comes straight from the earth and constantly filling and emptying the pool. It is not chlorinated, and such a refreshing change to swimming in chemicals! It’s 3′ deep in one end, and 8′ deep at the other, which is deep enough to jump in, and trust me, it’s the ONLY way to get in the cold water!
The pool is closed each Thursday, when it is completely drained and cleaned.
There are no lifeguards on duty, so supervise your children.
The grounds around the pool are amazing, too! Plenty of shade is provided by the HUGE trees which surround the pool. Picnic tables are thoughtfully placed in the shade, and the owners have added incredible stonework throughout the park.
There are picnic tables, grills, restrooms and showers by the pool.
There is a second, small wading-pool that is also spring-fed just below the RV camping sites. It’s great for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Hidden away, my kids enjoyed playing there one evening, while we sat back and watched hundreds of lightening bugs flicker in the darkening sky.
The Swimming Hole
The water leaves the pool and flows down to the “swimming hole”! Slightly warmer than the swimming pool, the water is still chilly and so inviting on a hot, summer day!
A natural waterfall makes a terrific place to explore while swimming. I love the HUGE elephant ears and gentle ferns that hang suspended just above the falls! Behind the falls is a small grotto you can swim into to relax!
And of course, there is the “required” rope swing, my daughter’s favorite! I’ve said it before, but there should be a rope swing in every child’s summer memories!
Bring towels or a blanket to lay out on the rocks, which do get hot!
It can be a tricky walk down to the water, if you have them, bring water shoes!
Don’t forget sunscreen and something to float on, like a float or tube.
Coolers are welcome, but pack lightly for the climb down to the water! No glass and remember to Leave No Trace. The grounds and water are very clean, let’s help them keep it that way!
There are picnic tables, grills, restrooms and showers by the pool.
There are no lifeguards on duty, so be sure little children and weak swimmers wear their lifejackets.
There is a smaller waterfall at the bottom of the stairs of the second pool. It also has a small grotto beneath it, and is a fun place to go explore!
As the sign says, the rocks are slippery! I was the ONLY one in my family to wear my water shoes (I honestly prefer the inexpensive ones at Walmart, just make sure they tighten) and I was the only one not to have a sore bottom at the end of the day. When will they ever listen?
Boys were catching froglets in the little streams of water, just above the swimming area. Can you see it’s little foot? I’m pretty sure this is a leopard frog.
Camping
Krause Springs welcomes both day visitors and overnight guest for camping in either RV sites or primitive tent sites.
If you have never primitive camped, don’t be scared away, because what you give up in convenience you gain back in awe!! Some of the most beautiful campsites are primitive, and once you do it a few times, you will NEVER miss the electricity, water, or small, prearranged campsite.
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The shorelines of the Texas Hill Country are dotted with these huge, old Cypress trees, and I just love them! It’s not uncommon to find big openings like this under the trees, and they are always exciting to explore! This tree was in our campsite, and my kids all pulled their sleeping bags inside and slept there!
After a thorough test of all the restrooms in the park, (why does cold water increase your need for potty breaks?), I can tell you that all of them were clean and nice, but the best ones are near the swimming area. Again, the owners seem to love stonework!
Wildlife
There is plenty of natural wildlife in the Texas Hill Country and at Krause Springs!
Unlike tree squirrels, Rock Squirrels live on the ground in rocks and fallen logs. Adorable to watch, you must take care not to leave out ANY food, because they will happily help themselves, even pulling it out of your bag! But really, how could you ever be mad at something so sweet?
Across from our campsite, we watched as a little spotted fawn ran jumped around in the grass after a rain! We didn’t see mom, but we knew she was close.
We’ve had a raccoon visit our campsite while we were sitting around the fire (who quickly ran off when it saw us), as well as a wild turkey.
The Butterfly Garden
The Krause family, who owns the land, has built some amazing structures that just seem to flow in harmony with the natural landscaping. Be sure you don’t miss the Butterfly Garden that sits next to their home, which is where you check in!
Take a few minutes to walk around all their beautiful, flowering plants, and even relax in the hammock. Let the sound of the huge windchimes, as well as the bubbling fountains, lull you to sleep.
Fishing
The swimming hole runs down into Cypress Creek, then flows down to the Colorado River. Here’s a good place to throw in a line and let the kids fish. You can also camp right along the creek bank.
More To Do in Spicewood
Krause Springs doesn’t have a food/concession stand, so be sure and stop for food/drinks/necessities before you get there! We loved browsing in the Spicewood General Store.
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours offers a fun and thrilling way to experience the Texas Hill Country! They also offer some amazing tree houses for overnight stays! Click HERE to check them out!
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area is an absolute delight in spring! The wildflowers are absolutely amazing! There is also a mountain bike trail and camping. To visit their website, click HERE.
Grelle Recreation Area offers swimming on a quiet cove of Lake Travis. Primitive camping and hiking is also available. Call to check on water levels. Click HERE for more information.
More Local Activities
Sweet Berry Farms in Marble Falls offers you pick strawberries, blackberries, peaches, onions, potatoes and much more! During the fall months, they have a pumpkin patch. Click HERE for more information.
Hamilton Pool is a beautiful, spring-fed grotto. Click HERE for more information.
Since 1929, the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls has been feeding hungry visitors some of the best home cooking and pies in Texas! Warning, the lines are LONG, but worth it!
Krause Springs
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun!
Michelle
