Krause Springs – 32 Natural Springs & Butterfly Garden on 115-Acre Hill Country Oasis

Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country near Spicewood, Texas, Krause Springs occupies approximately 115 acres of wooded land and spring-fed watercourses. Its roots reach back to 1955, when the Krause family purchased and developed the property. Since then, it has remained under private ownership by the same family.
The site sits roughly 30 miles northwest of Austin, making it accessible for a day trip or short escape into nature.

Natural Springs & Swimming Pools

On the property there are 32 identified natural springs scattered among the terrain. Some of these springs feed a man-made concrete pool, while others pour directly into a larger natural swimming hole. From there, the water continues downstream toward Lake Travis via Cypress Creek and associated channels.
The man-made pool has been reported at about 70 feet by 20 feet, and together the spring system delivers a continuous flow that keeps the water clear and cool year-round at around 68–70 °F (20–21 °C).
Visitors will find shaded swimming areas, rope swings in a few spots, waterfalls, rock ledges, and terraces that link the upper and lower water features.

Landscape & Garden Features

The surrounding woods are rich with mature cypress trees, oak trees, and assorted Hill Country flora. Several sources highlight century-old cypress trees with broad trunks as a defining feature of the scenery.
In addition to the pools and natural landscape, Krause Springs maintains a formal Butterfly Garden. This garden features planted tropical and subtropical species, fountains, wind chimes, shaded benches, and the sound of flowing water. It offers a quieter, contemplative space separate from the main swimming area.

Historic Recognition & Ownership

The site is listed in the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places under the name “Krause Spring Site.” The listing was added in 1978. (The registered area is cited as 35 acres in the nomination, though the present publicly cited property is about 115 acres.)
The Krause family has held the property since its purchase in 1955. They developed the springs, built structures such as the upper pool, and have operated it as a swimming and camping destination for decades.

Camping & Visitor Experience

Krause Springs offers both day-use access for swimming and overnight accommodations including tent camping and RV sites (with water and electricity available). The atmosphere is casual, family-friendly, and set within a serene natural environment. Picnic tables are placed around shaded areas near the pool and creek, and visitors often arrive early on warm days, as the site reaches capacity. The water’s cool temperature gives a pleasant contrast to the Texas heat, and the combination of swimming holes, waterfall features, natural landscape and gardens make it a notable Hill Country destination.