Krause Springs
Krause Springs
Swimming hole in Spicewood, Texas · Spring
Krause Springs has been run by the same family since 1955, and it feels like a Hill Country backyard that grew into something special: 32 natural springs spread across 115 acres, feeding two swims — a man-made spring pool up top and a natural pool below, where a fern-draped grotto waterfall spills over the rocks.
Typical season: Late spring to early autumn; the spring water stays about 68°F year-round
About Krause Springs
Krause Springs has been run by the same family since 1955, and it feels like a Hill Country backyard that grew into something special: 32 natural springs spread across 115 acres, feeding two swims — a man-made spring pool up top and a natural pool below, where a fern-draped grotto waterfall spills over the rocks. The natural pool flows on into Lake Travis, and the whole property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Come for a day or stay the night. Day visitors get the pools, a rope swing, picnic tables with BBQ pits and a butterfly garden to wander; campers can pitch a tent or book one of the 24 RV sites with water and electric hookups. The spring water sits at about 68°F year-round, so it is always cold and clear. Note the house rules before you pack: no pets and no glass.
Key facts
Highlights
- 32 natural springs across a 115-acre family-run property (since 1955)
- Fern-draped grotto waterfall spilling into the natural pool
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places; natural pool flows into Lake Travis
Access & fees
Day use and tent camping are first come, first served — no reservation needed; only RV sites can be reserved. A day visit costs $11 for adults (12+), $6 for children 4–11, and nothing for under-4s. Staying overnight costs $17 per adult and $10 per child, with RV campsites at $17. The park sits about 30 miles west of Austin near Spicewood, and the pools are an easy walk with stone steps from the entrance.
Stay safe
- The operator does not publish a lifeguard statement — plan on supervising your own swimmers at all times
- The spring water is about 68°F year-round — cold water, so ease in and watch children closely
- Ground around the natural pool and creek is rocky and uneven — wear footwear with grip
- No glass is allowed anywhere on the property — leave glass containers behind for everyone’s safety
Map & location
FAQs
How much does Krause Springs cost?
Day visits are $11 for adults (12+), $6 for children 4–11, and free for under-4s. Overnight guests pay $17 per adult and $10 per child, and an RV campsite is $17.
Can I camp at Krause Springs?
Yes. There is primitive tent camping plus 24 RV sites with water and electricity. Tent camping is first come, first served; RV sites can be reserved.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed at Krause Springs — and glass containers are banned too, so pack drinks in cans or plastic.
Editorial review & methodology
Every listing is researched from official land-manager sources, including park, county and state pages, and each fact is re-checked against the named source before publication.
Each page shows its last-verified date, so you can see how recently the details were checked.
If you spot something out of date, corrections are welcomed via the contact page, and you can read more in how we verify.
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Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Fee
Day visit $11 adults, $6 children 4–11; under 4 free
Nearest town
Spicewood
Best season
Late spring to early autumn
GPS
30.4788, -98.1534
Nearby spots
Hamilton Pool Preserve — ~10 miPedernales Falls State Park — ~13 miDevil’s Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park — ~22 miSources & updates
Last verified: 29 October 2026
Source: Krause Springs (operator, krausesprings.net)
Researched by: Swim Hole Finder team