Krause Springs, 34 miles west of Austin in Spicewood, is possibly
the most beautiful swimming hole in the state. Situated on a bluff overlooking Cypress
Creek, Krause Springs is actually two swimming holes in one. As the rolling ranch land
begins its rapid descent to the creek and Lake Travis, the Krause home sits at a high
point with the parking lot. At the next level below the house is the spring-fed swimming
pool and below that is the creek, lined with towering cypress trees and a waterfall coming
over a cliff covered with ferns.
Elton and Jane Krause bought the property in the 1950s from an aunt.
Every year, Elton, his sons, and hired help find more improvements to add to the privately
owned park. They did all of the landscaping that makes the area look like a tropical oasis
and built all of the rock picnic benches. They used to have wooden picnic tables, but
after every weekend the tables would be clustered together and they would have to spread
them all out again. Elton retired to operate the park full-time in 1994.
The site is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places and was probably used by Native Americans for centuries before white settlers arrived.
There are 32 springs throughout the campground, which made it
perfect for the original Native American residents and now benefits latter-day campers and
swimmers. Two springs feed the 70' by 20' swimming pool at a rate of 70 gallons a minute
at a temperature of about 70 degrees. The springs have never slowed down, even during
severe drought.
Over the years, the Krauses have added 24 sites with hookups for
recreational vehicles. The tent camping area is a meadow above the creek with lots of
shade trees. Boaters often put in at the boat ramp at the LCRA park at the end of Spur 191
and ride around to the campground. Hikers are welcome to explore the trails on the
property, but are reminded to respect fence lines.
Krause Springs is west of Austin off of TX 71 and Spur 191 into
Spicewood. Take Texas Highway 71 west from Austin, cross the Pedernales River, drive 7 miles, turn right on Spur 191 at the Exxon Station, right on County Road 404 and look for a sign on the left directing you to this private park.
The campground is open year-round and during the summer months for swimming,
9am-dusk.
There is an admission charge, plenty of room for tent camping and 24 RV sites with hook ups. Pets and glass bottles are not allowed. For more information or to make camping reservations, call
the Krauses at 830 693-4181.
For information on other swimming holes in Texas, check out our Best Swimming Holes in Texas page.
Below you will find some other outdoor activities and fun things to do in Central Texas
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Austin & Central Texas -- click here to find outdoor activities and fun things to do in Austin or Central Texas |
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Texas Parks -- find a State park or private campground, read a review, and make a reservation |
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Texas Outside's Golfing Texas -- locate one of over 500 Texas Golf Courses, browse the golf course ratings and reviews, find a special price, and book a tee time |
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Lakes & Boating -- check out the Texas lakes section with lake reviews, houseboating, lake camping, watercraft rentals, marinas and more |
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Hiking, Biking, & More Activities -- find information about lots of sporting activities in Texas |
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Texas Hunting -- hunting resources, guides, discounts on hunts, and more |
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Fishing -- find a fishing guide and other fishing information |
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Discover Texas -- fun things to do in Texas Cities plus lodging, restaurants, and entertainment |
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Texas Music -- if you like Texas music, this is where you'll find some events, resources, and reviews of recent outdoor concerts |
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Outdoor Merchandise, Coupons, and More -- find hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and golfing apparel and equipment at great prices |
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Texas Outdoor Weddings -- here you will find outdoor venues, wedding vendors, and much more to help you plan a wonderful outdoor wedding |
