Overview

Krause Springs sits on 47 acres of Hill Country land where a natural spring feeds a chain of limestone pools. You arrive to see the main pool first, a deep turquoise basin ringed by limestone, with smaller pools cascading downhill through oak and cedar. The water stays around 68 degrees year-round, drawn from an aquifer 200 feet below. This is where most visitors spend their days, but the property also operates as a campground with RV and tent sites spread across the property.

The springs themselves are the main draw. The upper pool reaches 30 feet deep in places, and swimmers tend to cluster near the shallower edges or wade into the smaller pools downstream. On weekends the place fills up, but arrive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. and you'll find it quieter. The water is clear enough to see the limestone floor, and the temperature is cold enough that even in August you'll feel the shock when you first wade in.

Rooms and suites

There are no rooms or traditional lodging buildings at Krause Springs. Instead, you camp. The property accommodates both RV and tent camping, with sites scattered across the 47 acres. Some sites have hookups for water, electric, and sewer; others are more basic tent spots. The grounds are wooded and relatively spacious, so you're not packed shoulder to shoulder with neighbors.

Facilities include bathhouse buildings with showers and restrooms. There's a small store onsite selling ice, firewood, and basic supplies. Picnic tables and fire rings are standard at most sites.

Dining and drinks

Krause Springs does not serve food or operate a restaurant or cafe. There is a small camp store, but it stocks only supplies like ice and firewood, not prepared meals. The nearest dining options are in Spicewood, a few miles away, or in Burnet, about 20 minutes' drive. Most visitors bring their own food and either cook at their campsite or pack a picnic for the springs.

Experiences and activities

Swimming in the springs is the primary activity. The water is cold year-round, which feels refreshing in summer but requires adjustment in winter. Most visitors spend hours in or around the pools, floating, diving, or simply soaking in the shallow basins.

Hiking is possible on the property, though trails are minimal and unmarked. The grounds are open to explore, and the landscape is typical Hill Country: limestone, oak, juniper, and scrub. The spring water feeds smaller pools downstream, and walking the creek bed offers a quieter alternative to the main pool area.

Fishing for catfish and bass is allowed in some parts of the property, though the main swimming areas are off-limits to fishing. Bring your own rod and tackle.

The site is popular with families during the day, particularly on weekends. It also attracts visitors looking for a low-key natural swimming hole without the amenities or fees of a resort.

Location and setting

Krause Springs lies in Burnet County, in the Texas Hill Country about 50 miles northwest of Austin. Spicewood is the nearest town, a small community with limited services. The landscape around the springs is typical Hill Country: rolling terrain, limestone outcrops, and dense cedar and oak forest. There are no nearby restaurants or shops within walking distance, so you'll need a car to leave the property.

The drive from Austin takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. From the town of Burnet, it's about 25 minutes south. The property sits on a county road that is not heavily trafficked, giving it a secluded feel despite being accessible by car.

Insider tips

• Arrive early on weekends if you want to avoid crowds. By 11 a.m. on a Saturday, the main pool area can feel packed. Weekday visits are noticeably quieter.
• The water is cold year-round, even in summer. Bring a wetsuit or accept that the first few minutes will be shocking. Children and less cold-tolerant swimmers should ease in gradually.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat. There is limited shade around the main pool, and the limestone reflects sunlight intensely. The Hill Country sun is strong even on partly cloudy days.
• Camping spots fill quickly during peak season (May through September). If you plan to camp on a weekend, call ahead to reserve or arrive very early in the day.
• The smaller pools downstream are less crowded than the main basin. If you're seeking solitude, walk the property and explore the upper and lower pools.
• There is no cell service on most of the property. This is intentional and part of the appeal, but plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
• Bring all food and drinks with you. The camp store sells supplies but not meals. The nearest restaurants are in Spicewood or Burnet, a short drive away.
• Swimming is allowed year-round, but winter visits are less popular. The water temperature doesn't change, but the air is cooler and fewer visitors come, making it a quieter experience.

Booking guidance

Krause Springs operates as a day-use facility and a campground. Day-use visitors typically pay a lower per-person fee for a few hours of access. Camping fees are charged per night and vary depending on whether you have an RV with hookups or a tent site.

Reservations are recommended, especially for camping during weekends and summer months. The property has limited capacity, and sites fill quickly. You can call ahead to reserve or check availability. Walk-ins are accepted if space is available, but don't assume you'll find a spot on a busy weekend.

The shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) offer a good balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds. Summer is hottest and most crowded. Winter is quiet and less crowded, but the air temperature is cooler, so plan accordingly if you're sensitive to cold water.

Perfect for

• Families looking for a natural swimming hole and a low-key camping experience
• Solo travelers or small groups seeking a quiet, affordable getaway in the Hill Country
• Visitors who want to swim in spring-fed water without the amenities or crowds of a resort
• Campers and RV travelers exploring the Texas Hill Country
• Day-trippers from Austin looking for a nearby natural swimming spot
• Photographers interested in limestone geology and natural landscape composition