Krause Springs – One of the Best Swimming Holes in Texas

As part of a fun couple days in Spicewood with golfing at Barton Creek’s Palmer Lakeside Course and Willie Nelson’s unique 9 hole course, camping, live music at Poodies and Briarcliff Bistro, and some good food we couldn’t leave Spicewood without checking out Krause Springs which is rated as one of the Best Swimming Holes in Texas.

Listed in the National Registry of Historical Sites, Krause Springs (pronounced Kr-ow-see) is located on 115 acres that has been owned by the Krause family for over 50 years. On the property are 32 springs, a manmade spring fed swimming pool, the natural swimming hole that flows into Lake Travis, 25 acres for camping, lots of picnic tables, and a lush garden at the entrance to Krause Springs.

Our first stop after entering was the manmade swimming pool (70′ by 20′ with a stone deck) which after playing 9 holes of golf on a hot day was wonderful – cool (70 degrees), clear, and very refreshing. I could have stayed there all day.

From the swimming pool it was a short walk down some steep stairs to the natural swimming hole at Krause Springs. Beautiful! A huge outcropping of granite gently slops down to a large natural swimming hole fed by a spring flowing through the granite. Surrounding the pool is the granite outcropping, cypress trees and a rope swing, and a stunning fern grotto and twin waterfalls flowing into the pool. After a dip in the refreshing sandy bottom pool and a couple swings on the rope swing (the first of which resulted in an embarrassing belly flop!), stretching out on the warm granite felt wonderful.

As you can tell from the pictures, unfortunately, the water wasn’t as clear and pretty as it normally is because of a recent rain washing a lot of dirt and mud into the pool.

The best way to really enjoy Krause Springs is to set up camp and take advantage of everything that Krause Springs has to offer over a couple days. There are 25 acres open for primitive camping or camping with an RV in one of the 24 designated campsites with water, electricity and picnic tables. You pick your spot under the tall trees, close to the pool, on a bluff with a great view, or closer to Lake Travis.

Some other things we like about Krause Springs include:

• the Butterfly Garden at the entrance is alive with lush plants, fountains, wind chimes, and a hammock that I didn’t want to leave until my wife flipped me out of it
• there is a pavilion for use by big groups plus restrooms and showers
• lots of tall stately and very impressive cypress and sycamore trees that will be perfect for my hammock next time we come to camp and enjoy the springs
• the grounds and facilities are clean and well maintained
• there are several trails for hiking one of which leads to another waterfall and eventually leads to Lake Travis
• you can bring your lawn chairs, food, and coolers (no glass)
• admission and camping prices are reasonable

Bring drinks and food, water shoes, hats and sun tan lotion, a towel, and some floaties for the swimming hole. Have fun.

If you like swimming holes, then you might also be interested in the Best Springs in Texas. You should also check out Texas Outside’s:

• Weekend Adventures & Thank God For Weekend Articles – fun weekends loaded with lots of exciting stuff to see and do
• Campground Reviews – Texas Outside’s reviews and ratings of RV Parks, State Parks, and other campgrounds
• Unique Weekend & Vacation Lodging – lodging ranging from glamping to yurts, cabins, tree houses, and more

Author: Mike Sharp

I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.