Cool off at Krause Springs

For a quick getaway, Krause Springs is hard to beat, especially in the middle of a scorching Texas summer. Its 68-degree, spring-fed waters offer a welcome respite from triple-digit temps, and its idyllic surroundings take you to a world you might not want to leave. And, though it might seem a world away, it’s only a short drive from almost anywhere in Burnet County. 

This park-like, 115-acre campground has 32 active springs (still flowing, even in this severe drought), many of which feed into a manmade pool and then cascade a few feet below into a natural pool that eventually flows into a thirsty Lake Travis. Stairs lead from one pool to the other, and the lower pool features a huge rock slab that’s popular for sunbathing, picnicking, and people-watching between dips in the water. 

Centuries-old bald cypress trees loom over the pools, shading visitors from the sun and creating what some call a “swimming hole Eden.” 

For a different kind of immersive experience, make your way to the oak-shaded Butterfly Garden, whose hammocks, fountains, and wind chimes combine to give you a totally encompassing escape. 

Understandably, many visitors want to spend more than just a few hours amid these lush surroundings. They’re in luck. Krause Springs offers primitive camping at three campgrounds and 24 RV sites with hookups. 

It’s no accident that Krause Springs evokes a family-friendly, back-in-the-day, uncorporate vibe. The same family has managed it since it opened in 1955. 

Bring your own refreshments (no glass containers) and inner tubes. Krause Springs has barbecue pits on site. Bring your own firewood or purchase a bundle from the office.

Surfaces on stairs, rocks, and walkways at Krause Springs can be slick. Water shoes are highly recommended.

Krause Springs is located at 424 County Road 404, Spicewood, TX 78669. Call 401-236-7554. For more information, visit krausesprings.net.

For more information on attractions and events in Burnet County, visit highlandlakesofburnetcounty.com.