Krause Springs: A Day Trip Guide to this Texas Swimming Hole
You may have seen the TikToks or Instagram Reels showing a popular waterhole with waterfalls and a place to float in the water in central Texas. Was it called Krause Springs, perhaps?
If you nodded yes, this is a day trip guide to help you plan what to do on your visit to this well-known swimming hole in Spicewood, Texas. As with any high-traffic location in the state of Texas, start your journey to Krause Springs early in the morning to beat the crowds!
You can read on to learn about the swimming spots, waterfalls, butterfly gardens, and what to bring on your day trip.
Main Details
Do I need to make a reservation or pay to enter before coming?
You do not need a reservation, but there is an entrance fee
$10 Adults (12+ years)
$6 Child (4-11 years)
Free (> four years)
What are the hours of operation?
9 am - 8 pm
Map of Main Attractions at Krause Springs
How to Spend the Day at Krause Springs
Swimming
You can start your day by claiming your hangout spot and finding a place to swim. Looking at the map above, there are two places to get in the water on the property.
The first spot is the swimming pool higher up the property near the entrance. It sits above the area of the first waterfall, and you'll be surrounded by giant bald cypress trees. If you want to set up your cooler and other items somewhere, there are a variety of tables where you can set up your home base.
The second place to swim is in the natural swimming hole where the first waterfall is. You'll pass the swimming pool and walk down several flights of stairs to get to this area. Keep this in mind if you have a lot to carry (I'm talking heavy coolers). If you are in need of a more accessible route, I would inquire about this before heading over because there might be an alternative trail!
TIP: Some of the walkways to the natural swimming hole are slippery, so make sure to bring shoes with good grip.
Waterfalls
The main attraction at Krause Springs is the waterfalls! During your day here, it is easy to see both because they are not that far from each other. The first one is at the natural swimming hole. You'll need to swim to it to see it up close, but you can easily take photos of it from the shore. The next one is one of the main photo spots (you can see it on the map as Waterfall #2). To get to this section, walk from the butterfly garden section down the strip of stairs and hang a right on the trail. You'll see it and hear it as soon as you turn.
Relax in the Butterfly Garden
Your final activity to wrap up the day at Krause Springs would be to walk in the butterfly garden! I don't think enough people give attention to this section. It is a beautiful winding path through flowers, cacti, and plants. There is a nice water fountain you can relax and take pictures at. When looking up, you'll see a variety of wind chimes, small and big, that you can listen to while lying in one of the hammocks in the area.
What to Eat in Spicewood, TX Near Krause Springs
At this point, you probably worked up an appetite after spending your entire morning at the swimming hole. If you're like me and crave some good Texas bbq, there is a place right down the road called Opie's Barbeque where you can feast at. Apparently, it is one of Matthew McConaughey's favorite places to eat bbq – so you got to visit now, right?!
Packing Checklist for Krause Springs Day Trip
Cash or credit card to pay for admission
Refreshments (No glass! They do come around and check coolers)
Snacks
Water shoes or slip-proof shoes
Floats or Intertubes (No larger than 5')
Sunscreen
Camera
Towel
That's a Wrap
Krause Springs is one of those places you need to visit at least once. It's a magical place to recharge by floating around the swimming hole, listening to the wind chimes, and getting under the waterfalls. There are also three campgrounds if you want to extend your day trip into an overnighter! Check the website for more information on claiming a campsite.
So, now, my task for you is to open your calendar and pick a day to visit this place! Not in the Austin area? All I hear is a great excuse for a road trip and some fun pit stops at Buc-ee's!
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