When it comes to summers in Texas, there’s nothing better than a cold dip in a spring-fed swimming hole, and one of our favorites sits in the Texas Hill Country in Spicewood, about 30 minutes West of Austin. Krause Springs has over 30 natural springs on their property, which is on the National Registry of Historic Sites and spans over 115 acres!
It’s a perfect day trip destination to play in the cold water in their natural swimming hole, with a beautiful waterfall and grotto, or spend the night in their campground watching the fireflies!
The Swimming Pool
Nothing feels better on a hot, summer day than a cool dip in a spring-fed swimming pool! The water comes straight from the earth and constantly flowing through 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.
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.
- Don’t forget water shoes for the slippery rocks.
Don’t miss the 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 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.
The work the Krause family has done in the 50 + years that they have owned the property is amazing!
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!
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!
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!
The Springs
There are over 30 natural springs at Krause Springs, and the water comes out a chilly 68 degrees all year long!
Camping and 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. They take reservations for Group Camping and RVs, but tent camping is first come.
More Things 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
424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click HERE!
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