If the sun is high, then the best place to be is in the water. Central Texas is home to several natural springs, and the water is cool and refreshing in the summer. The water of some of the natural springs is funneled into pools, like Deep Eddy in Austin. In the Texas Hill Country, there’s an oasis with Cypress trees, a natural spring and a pool filled with spring water. Krause Springs offers a natural swimming hole with a rope swing, lots of shade and even camping.
Krause Springs
Located in Spicewood, Texas, Krause Springs is about 30 miles west of Austin. The 115-acre property has been in the Krause Family for over 50 years, opening to the public in 1955. It is on the National Registry of Historical Sites.
With 32 springs on the property, there’s enough water to supply a rock-clad pool and a natural swimming hole. The spring water eventually makes it Lake Travis.
After driving a little over an hour from Austin, it is a little piece of paradise in Central Texas with butterfly gardens and huge Cypress trees. The grounds are shady and lush, such a relief from the Texas summer heat. We park our stuff at a shaded picnic table and head for the main attraction.
Top Natural Swimming Holes in Texas
Upper Pool
The public areas at Krause Springs are terraced. The upper pool is the first thing that most people see. It’s shaded, not too crowded and super clean.
I recommend you hike around the property to see more of the springs, a few waterfalls and the beautiful butterfly garden full of wind chimes. The century-old cypress trees dotting the property feature open cavities that kids can climb in a photo.
Deep Eddy Pool in Austin
Natural Swimming Pool at Krause Springs
The natural pool is a traditional swimming hole with a rope swing included. It’s a constant 68F year-round, and it takes a few minutes to adjust.
The entire area is lush, with ferns covering the limestone. In the early summer, there are wildflowers. Besides the main pools, there are springs to explore during your visit.
Pack a picnic, there are both tables and areas for blankets. You can bring in coolers (glass prohibited) and chairs to camp out all day.
Balmorhea Pool in West Texas
Campground
If you want to make it a weekend, bring the RV or pack a tent. Krause Springs offers primitive camping and 24 RV sites with electricity and water.
Krause Springs features clean and modern bathrooms. I found flush toilets, sinks and showers, though the showers use fresh spring water.
Camping is charged per person, $15 for adults (12+), $10 for kids (4 to 11) and free for those 3 and younger. RV sites are $15 addition. Reservations recommended. No drones or generators.
Know Before You Go
Located at 424 Krause Springs Road, Krause Springs is far enough out of Austin to keep the crowds down and close enough to make it a great day trip. Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for day-use. Adult admission is $10, $6 for kids (4 to 11), and those 3 and younger enter for free.
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