Towering bald cypress trees, natural limestone ledges, and cool spring water define the refreshing experience at Krause Springs TX. Located roughly thirty miles northwest of Austin in Spicewood, this privately owned 115-acre oasis has welcomed swimmers and campers for more than six decades. With thirty-two natural mineral springs continuously replenishing both natural and man-made pools, it ranks among Central Texas’s most beloved warm-weather destinations.
Key takeaways
- The property opens daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, with gates locked promptly at 8:00 pm each evening.
- Day-use admission is $10 for adults (ages 12 and older), $6 for children (ages 4 to 11), and free for children under four.
- Swimmers enjoy two distinct options: a 70-foot concrete pool and a dramatic natural swimming basin fed by a fern-covered waterfall.
- Overnight accommodations include primitive tent camping under shaded pecan groves and 24 RV sites with water and electrical hookups.
- Strictly enforced property rules include an absolute ban on domestic pets, glass containers, drones, and unapproved generators.
Travelers planning an afternoon swim under shady cypress canopies or an overnight weekend under Hill Country stars will find that knowing property logistics guarantees a relaxing visit. This comprehensive guide outlines admission rates, camping reservations, pool depths, and crucial property rules.
Krause Springs TX at a Glance
Unlike public county parks or state-run nature preserves, this historic spicewood tx swimming hole operates as a privately managed family estate listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Community records from the Texas State Historical Association Spicewood history trace the town’s origins as a tranquil agricultural community positioned near the Colorado River basin.
| Property Detail | Visitor Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | 404 Krause Springs Rd, Spicewood, TX 78669 |
| Operating Hours | Daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm (Gates lock at 8:00 pm) |
| Adult Day Admission | $10 per person (Ages 12 and older) |
| Child Day Admission | $6 per person (Ages 4 through 11; free under 4) |
| Primitive Camping Rate | $15 per adult; $10 per child per night |
| RV Camping Rate | $17 per adult; $10 per child, plus $15 site fee per night |
| Water Features | 32 natural springs, natural basin, concrete pool, and waterfall |
The preserve sits tucked into scenic limestone ravines just minutes from State Highway 71. Travelers exploring broader regional road trips can consult our things to do in Texas Hill Country guide to coordinate winery tours and scenic drives alongside their swimming excursion.
The springs pump thousands of gallons of crystal-clear 68-degree freshwater into the swimming areas every hour before flowing downstream into Little Cypress Creek and Lake Travis. This continuous natural circulation keeps the swimming water refreshingly pure without chemical additives.
Operating Hours, Admission Fees, and Payment Logistics
Planning around official krause springs hours is vital for maximizing your day. The gates welcome daily day-use guests beginning at 9:00 am and close strictly at 8:00 pm. Because entrance gates lock automatically at 8:00 pm, day visitors must pack up and exit the parking grounds before the evening deadline.
Day-use entry costs $10 for adults and teens aged twelve and older, $6 for children aged four to eleven, and free for toddlers aged three and younger. Cash is strongly encouraged at the entry booth, though digital card transactions may be accepted depending on seasonal internet stability. Visitors can review current admission policies on the official Krause Springs pricing and policies portal before departing.
The property enforces strict capacity limits on busy holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. When parking lots reach maximum capacity, gates temporarily close until earlier groups depart. Arriving before 10:30 am on summer Saturdays ensures you secure entry without long highway waits.
Visitors should note that cellular data connectivity can be inconsistent along rural Burnet County roads. Taking screenshots of your driving directions and booking receipts before leaving Highway 71 prevents check-in confusion at the gate.
Swimming Pools: Natural Basin, Man-Made Pool, and Waterfall
The primary attraction drawing crowds to the property is krause springs swimming, which features two completely different swimming environments. On the upper plateau near the entrance sits a large rectangular concrete pool fed directly by natural spring water. With flat perimeter decking and shallow entry steps, this chlorinated-free pool provides an approachable swimming environment for young children and casual floaters.
Down a flight of winding stone stairs lies the scenic lower natural swimming hole. Here, spring water cascades over a high limestone bluff draped in maidenhair ferns and elephant ears into a wide natural basin surrounded by giant bald cypress roots. Swimmers can float beneath the cool spray of the waterfall or swim into shallow limestone recesses behind the falling water.
The natural pool floor features uneven submerged limestone rocks and silt beds, making sturdy water shoes or strapped river sandals essential for walking. Swimmers comparing natural water destinations in Central Texas can also explore our Pedernales Falls State Park guide to contrast open river pools with enclosed spring basins.
Water temperatures stay constant at approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. While the initial plunge feels invigorating on a ninety-degree Texas afternoon, bringing plush beach towels and warm coverups keeps swimmers comfortable during rest breaks.
Camping Options: Primitive Tent Sites and RV Hookups
Overnight travelers can extend their visit by booking krause springs camping across the property’s expansive grounds. Guests can choose between open-area primitive tent camping and dedicated utility sites for recreational vehicles. The camping season generally operates from mid-February through early November, offering flexible overnight stays under dark Hill Country skies.
Primitive tent camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis across designated grassy fields and shaded pecan groves. Tent sites cost $15 per adult and $10 per child per night, which includes full-day swimming privileges. Campers can pitch tents near the creek, set up folding chairs, and cook over portable camp grills or established fire rings.
Travelers arriving with motorhomes or travel trailers can reserve one of twenty-four dedicated utility spaces at the krause springs rv park. Each RV site includes freshwater hookups and 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service, available for $17 per adult, $10 per child, plus a $15 nightly RV site utility fee. Advance bookings for powered hookups can be secured through the official Krause Springs RV reservations portal.
Campers comparing lakefront and riverfront campgrounds across the region can consult our Inks Lake State Park camping guide to evaluate state park amenities against private campground setups. Krause Springs provides an uncrowded, private-property atmosphere with hot showers and clean flush restrooms.
Butterfly Gardens, Wind Chimes, and Shaded Picnic Grounds
Beyond its iconic swimming areas, the property features beautifully maintained walking grounds that reward visitors who take time to wander. Near the front entrance pavilion, guests discover the famous Butterfly Gardens, an expansive floral sanctuary filled with blooming native perennials, stone water fountains, and manicured walking paths.
Hanging from giant shade trees throughout the garden are dozens of colossal custom-built wind chimes. Handcrafted from heavy aluminum pipes and suspended from high branches, these chimes ring with deep, soothing tones that drift across the picnic grounds whenever Hill Country breezes blow. Visitors often relax on shaded stone benches simply listening to the gentle acoustics.
Shaded picnic tables and barbecue pits are scattered beneath mature pecan and oak trees across the upper grounds. Families can set up coolers, unpack lunch spreads, and enjoy unhurried afternoon meals between swimming sessions without crowding pool decks.
Anglers can also carry lightweight rods down toward Little Cypress Creek to fish for perch, sunfish, and small bass. Catch-and-release fishing provides a relaxing midday break for non-swimmers in your travel party.
Essential Rules: Pets, Glass, Drones, and Gate Closures
Maintaining the property’s peaceful atmosphere and clean spring water quality requires strict adherence to estate rules. The most critical policy for pet owners is that domestic pets of any kind are strictly prohibited on the property. Bringing a dog or cat will result in denied entry at the gate, so travelers must leave animals at home.
Glass bottles and glass food containers are entirely banned from all camping fields, picnic tables, and pool areas. Staff routinely inspect coolers at check-in, and anyone possessing glass containers faces immediate removal from the property. Packing canned beverages, plastic containers, and reusable silicone bottles avoids compliance issues.
Aerial drones are strictly forbidden across the entire 115-acre estate to preserve visitor privacy and protect roosting birds in the cypress canopies. Loud amplified music and noisy exterior generators are also barred to keep ambient noise levels peaceful.
Finally, remember that the entrance gates are secured firmly at 8:00 pm each night. Day visitors must exit the parking lot before 8:00 pm, while registered overnight campers arriving after hours must coordinate access procedures directly with property management in advance.
Pairing Krause Springs with Nearby Hill Country Adventures
Spicewood serves as an ideal launchpad for exploring the scenic Highland Lakes and eastern Burnet County. After spending a refreshing morning at the springs, visitors can drive fifteen minutes north to Marble Falls to browse local antique shops, art galleries, and historic Main Street bakeries.
Subterranean adventure awaits just north of Marble Falls at the Longhorn Cavern State Park visitor guide, where guided walking tours explore underground limestone chambers carved by ancient river currents. Combining cool underground cavern walks with spring-fed swimming creates an unforgettable summer itinerary.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also stop by Pedernales Falls State Park, located twenty miles south, where the Texas Parks and Wildlife Pedernales Falls guide outlines massive limestone river slabs and scenic hiking loops along the Pedernales River. Pairing multiple regional parks gives you a full appreciation of Hill Country hydrology.
Travelers based in the state capital can consult our day trips from Austin travel guide to plan circular driving routes through Spicewood, Johnson City, and Dripping Springs. Planning a multi-stop day trip ensures your group discovers hidden gems along scenic backroads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Krause Springs TX
Is Krause Springs open year-round?
The swimming grounds are open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm from mid-February through early November. The property typically closes to the public during the coldest winter months for seasonal groundskeeping and tree maintenance.
Does Krause Springs have overnight camping?
Yes, the property offers primitive tent camping in open grassy fields and pecan groves, alongside 24 developed RV sites with water and electrical hookups. Overnight guests have full access to bathrooms, hot showers, and swimming pools.
Can you bring an RV to Krause Springs?
Yes, the campground features 24 designated RV spaces equipped with freshwater connections and 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service. RV campers must reserve sites in advance through the official online booking portal.
Are dogs or pets allowed at Krause Springs?
No, pets are strictly prohibited anywhere on the property, including inside parked vehicles, campsites, and day-use grounds. Service animals require prior management authorization and must comply with specific health and sanitation guidelines.
Is Krause Springs good for young children?
Yes, the property is very family-friendly, particularly the upper spring-fed concrete pool, which offers shallow steps, even depths, and flat walkways. Parents must closely supervise children in the lower natural pool due to deep drop-offs and slippery rocks.
How does Krause Springs compare to other Texas spring-fed pools?
Like the historic landa park spring fed pool in New Braunfels and Barton Springs in Austin, Krause Springs maintains clean 68-degree subterranean spring water. However, Krause Springs features a more private, secluded atmosphere complete with a fern-draped waterfall and overnight camping directly beside the water.
