Quick FactsOverview
About Krause Springs
Krause Springs, Texas is a privately owned swimming and camping property in Spicewood in the Texas Hill Country, approximately 30 miles west of Austin. The 115-acre site is fed by 32 natural springs and offers two distinct swimming areas: a man-made pool at the upper level and a natural spring-fed swimming hole at the lower level, which features a waterfall, underwater caves, and a rope swing. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been owned by the Krause family since 1955.
The water flows at around 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Old-growth cypress trees, some estimated at over 1,000 years of age, shade much of the natural swimming area. Water from the lower pool flows downstream into Lake Travis. Wildflowers line the entrance road in spring, and the property includes butterfly gardens near the entrance, picnic areas with grills, and shaded grassy spaces for relaxing.
Camping is available on site including primitive tent camping and 24 RV sites with water and electricity. On-site bathrooms and showers are available to all guests. No pets are permitted anywhere on the property. The site is open mid-February through mid-November.
Location & Access
Getting to Krause Springs
Krause Springs is located at 424 County Road 404 in Spicewood, approximately 30 miles west of downtown Austin. From Austin, take TX-71 West toward Spicewood, turn right onto Spur 191, then left onto County Road 404 and follow signs to the property. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes from central Austin. The roads approaching the property are paved, and the entrance is clearly marked.
GPS navigation can become unreliable near the property, and the official site recommends downloading directions before leaving Austin. The entrance road passes through a wooded stretch before reaching the gate. Parking is on-site in a flat grass area near the entrance, and the walk from parking to the man-made pool is short and level. Reaching the natural swimming area requires descending a set of steep metal stairs down the hillside from the upper pool level.
For visitors seeking hot springs near Austin for a Hill Country day trip, Krause Springs is one of the most popular spring destinations in the region. The property is open mid-February through mid-November, daily from 9am to 8pm. Day admission is $9 for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages 5 to 11, and free for children 4 and under. Advance tickets are not typically required for day use, but the property can reach capacity on summer weekends and may close entry mid-day when full. Arriving early on busy days is recommended.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Krause Springs Is Suitable For
Krause Springs suits families with children, groups, and Hill Country day-trippers who want a natural spring swimming experience with basic facilities on a scenic private property. The man-made upper pool is accessible from the flat parking area and suits younger children and those who prefer calmer water. The natural lower swimming area offers a wilder experience with the waterfall, cave, rope swing, and ancient cypress canopy.
The site is not wheelchair accessible beyond the upper areas near the entrance. The path to the natural swimming hole requires descending a steep metal staircase followed by uneven rock and slippery ground at the water's edge. Visitors with limited mobility, those using mobility aids, or those with very young toddlers should plan to stay in the upper pool and garden areas, which are flat and easier to navigate.
For families seeking family hot springs near Austin with overnight options, Krause Springs is one of the few Hill Country properties that combines natural spring swimming with on-site camping. The picnic areas with grills, the butterfly garden, and the shaded grassy areas make it well-suited for extended stays. No pets are allowed anywhere on the property. Flotation devices are permitted and can be brought by visitors. Glass containers are not allowed on the property.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Krause Springs
Krause Springs is a site where visitors should be mindful of several hazards in the natural terrain. There is no lifeguard on duty at either swimming area. The descent to the natural swimming hole requires navigating a steep metal staircase and then walking on wet rock surfaces that can be extremely slippery. Water shoes with grip are strongly recommended. The local guidance is consistent: footwear is essential at this site.
The natural pool has an uneven rock bottom with variable depth. Sections near the waterfall and cave entry are deep enough that swimmers should be comfortable in open water before entering. The rope swing requires coordination between multiple people, and children using it should be strong swimmers with adult supervision. The waterfall drop point should be approached carefully and the area directly beneath assessed before use.
The springs flow year-round, so water is always present regardless of drought. However, water level and flow can vary, affecting conditions at the waterfall and cave. After heavy rain, debris and runoff can affect water clarity in the lower pool. Checking conditions before visiting following significant rainfall is advisable.
No glass containers are permitted anywhere on the property. No pets are allowed. The property can reach capacity on summer weekends and may stop admitting day visitors mid-day when full. All visitors are asked to leave picnic areas clean and pack out all trash. Arriving early on busy summer weekends gives the best chance of entry and access to shaded spots near the water. Flotation devices are permitted but must fit the space in the pools.