 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.
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.
DIRECTIONS:
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.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
The campground is open year-round and during the summer months for swimming, 9am-dusk.
ADMISSION:
Admission is $2 for children up to 11 years old and $2.50 for everyone else Monday through
Thursday; the price goes up by 50cents Friday through Sunday and holidays. Camping is $3
for children and $6 for adults with an additional $3 charge for RVs. Pets are not allowed.
For more
information or to make camping reservations, call the Krauses at (830) 693-4181.
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