Right now
Right now as of Nov 13, 2026
- Status Closed for the winter season, as far as we can tell (checked Nov 13, 2026).
- Permit No permit needed. Entry fee: $11 adult, $6 child 4 to 11 (pricing page).
Status note (Nov 13, 2026): Closed for the winter season, as far as we can tell (checked Nov 13, 2026). Its FAQ says it usually closes Nov 1 to Feb 15. What the status labels mean
Krause Springs is a privately owned swimming spot in Spicewood, Texas, run by the Krause family. Its FAQ says it usually closes for winter from Nov 1 to Feb 15. As far as we can tell, it is closed now (checked Nov 13, 2026). In season, day entry is $11 for adults and $6 for children 4 to 11, per its pricing page.
About Krause Springs
Krause Springs is private land in Burnet County, Texas. Its About page says it has been "privately owned by the Krause Family" for more than 50 years, since 1955.
The owners describe 115 acres with 32 springs. The FAQ says the springs run at about 68°F all year, and that the site never closes for drought.
The waterfall and the pools
Krause Springs has two swimming areas, per its FAQ. The upper pool is man-made and fed by the springs. The owners say they clean it every Thursday at 5 p.m.
Below it is a lower natural pool. The FAQ says it drains to Little Cypress Creek and on to Lake Travis.
The official site does not describe a waterfall or give it a height. Wikimedia Commons captions call one scene the "waterfall and main pool" and another "The grotto and rope swing."
Our photos follow those captions. They show the natural pool in 2013, the waterfall and main pool in 2013, and a 2009 shot titled "The Falls."
Historic listing
Wikipedia, a secondary source, says Krause Springs joined the National Register of Historic Places on Nov 15, 1978, as listing #78002901. We did not read the NPS record itself.
About our map pin
We found no USGS GNIS point and no OpenStreetMap waterfall point for Krause Springs. Our pin uses the Wikipedia coordinates, 30.4805, -98.1459, so treat it as approximate. For driving, use the street address instead of the pin.
Getting there and parking
Krause Springs lists its physical address as 424 County Road 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, on its directions page. Mail goes to PO Box 114.
The FAQ says parking is on site. It also warns that rideshare drivers won't take requests back to Austin, so plan your ride home before you go.
By our math, Hamilton Pool is about 10 miles south in a straight line. Road distance will be longer.
Fees
Krause Springs charges per person, per its pricing page, which we read on Nov 13, 2026. The page shows no date, so prices may change.
| Visitor | Day visit | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, 12 and up | $11 | $17 |
| Child, 4 to 11 | $6 | $10 |
| Under 4 | $0 | $0 |
The same page lists an RV campsite at $17, marked with an asterisk. It does not say whether that is per night, so ask when you book. Photo shoots cost $30 plus entry.
The FAQ asks visitors to bring cash. It does not say whether cards are taken at the gate.
Hours
In season, the FAQ lists hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. No one may enter or re-enter after 8 p.m. The gates also close then for overnight guests.
Contact
Check the Krause Springs website for its current phone number.
Camping at Krause Springs
Krause Springs has 24 RV sites with water and electric hookups (20, 30 and 50 amp), per its RV page. You reserve them online through RoverPass.
Primitive tent camping is first-come, first-served, per the FAQ. It names the East, Second Level and Third Level campgrounds.
Tents with power can go only on RV sites 1 to 6, for an extra fee. The FAQ notes that the showers use unheated spring water.
For events, the FAQ lists a pavilion at $300 and a bride's room at $200, with a $100 deposit.
Map and nearby falls
Map loads as you scroll. Open in OpenStreetMap
OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
Around the pools: activities and rules
Krause Springs has no marked trail with an official length. The owners describe the pools and campgrounds, not a hike.
Floats under 5 feet long and small kayaks are allowed in the lower pool, per the FAQ. There is no tube rental, but an air pump is on site.
Fishing is not allowed in the pools. The FAQ says you can fish downstream. It also suggests bringing water shoes.
House rules
The rules posted on the pricing page ban glass, which "will be confiscated." They also ban drones, generators and weapons, including open carry.
Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., per the rules. Smoking is allowed only in the parking lot or at your campsite.
BBQ pits must be off the ground. The rules allow you to bring firewood, and the owners also sell it on site.
Pets
Pets are not allowed. The rules ask you to "please leave them at home." Service animals need management approval and current vaccinations, and they must be leashed.
When to visit
Krause Springs is seasonal. Its FAQ says it is "temporarily closed during the winter," usually from Nov 1 to Feb 15.
As far as we can tell, it is in that winter closure now (checked Nov 13, 2026). We found no exact reopening date for 2027, so check before visiting.
The owners name no best month. By the FAQ's usual dates, mid-February is the earliest likely reopening.
Other central Texas falls on this site include Pedernales Falls and McKinney Falls. Check each page's status before you plan a winter trip.
| Trail | No marked trail or official walking distance. The owners describe two pools and campgrounds, not a hike. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | No official rating. The Krause Springs site gives no trail or walking distance. |
| Entry fee | Day visit, per the Krause Springs pricing page: $11 for adults 12 and up, $6 for children 4 to 11, no charge under 4. Overnight: $17 adults, $10 children. RV campsite $17 (the page does not say per night or per site). |
| Permit / reservation | No permit. Krause Springs charges an entry fee per person, per its pricing page. |
| Parking | On-site lot (Krause Springs FAQ) |
| Hours / season | In season, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, per the FAQ. Usually closed for winter from Nov 1 to Feb 15. |
| Dogs | No pets. The rules ask you to "please leave them at home." Service animals need management approval and current vaccinations, and must be leashed. |
| Swimming | Allowed in season in an upper man-made pool and a lower natural pool, per the FAQ. We found no lifeguard statement. |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No accessibility information found on the Krause Springs pages we read. |
| Best time to visit | No official best month. The FAQ says the site usually closes from Nov 1 to Feb 15. |
| Crowds | No official visitor figure found. |
| Managed by | Privately owned by the Krause family |
Safety and swimming
The Krause Springs pages we read say nothing about lifeguards. Plan as if none are on duty, and watch children closely.
The owners put the spring water at about 68°F. Ease in rather than diving, and get out if you start to feel chilled.
A Commons caption mentions a rope swing at the grotto. The official pages we read give no rules for it, so ask staff before you use it.
Wet rock around natural pools can be slick. Our waterfall safety guide covers slips, cold water and swimming near falls.
In an emergency, call 911.
Conditions change: confirm with Krause Springs before you go.
Where to stay near Krause Springs
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Spicewood.
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Photos
Krause Springs FAQ
Is Krause Springs open now?
As far as we can tell, no (checked Nov 13, 2026). Its FAQ says it is temporarily closed during the winter, usually from Nov 1 to Feb 15. Check its website before you go.
How much does Krause Springs cost?
Day entry is $11 for adults 12 and up and $6 for children 4 to 11, per the pricing page. There is no charge under 4. Overnight entry is $17 for adults and $10 for children.
Is Krause Springs privately owned?
Yes. Its About page says it has been privately owned by the Krause family for more than 50 years, since 1955. It is not a state or county park.
Can you bring dogs to Krause Springs?
No. The rules ask you to leave pets at home. Service animals need management approval and current vaccinations, and they must be leashed.
How cold is the water at Krause Springs?
The FAQ says the springs run at about 68°F all year. The owners also say the site never closes for drought.
Can you camp at Krause Springs?
Yes, in season. The owners list 24 RV sites with hookups, booked through RoverPass. Primitive tent camping is first-come, first-served, per the FAQ.
Nearby waterfalls
Sources
- Krause Springs: home page (season notice; read Nov 13, 2026; no date shown)
- Krause Springs: About (Krause family ownership, 115 acres, 32 springs; read Nov 13, 2026)
- Krause Springs: Pricing and policies (fees and rules, posted as images with no date; read Nov 13, 2026)
- Krause Springs: FAQs (winter closure, hours, pools, pets, camping; read Nov 13, 2026)
- Krause Springs: Directions (address; read Nov 13, 2026)
- Krause Springs: RV reservations (24 RV sites, RoverPass; read Nov 13, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Krause Springs (secondary; NRHP listing and coordinates; last revised Sep 17, 2026; read Nov 13, 2026)
- Wikimedia Commons: Krause Springs waterfall and main pool (caption; read Nov 13, 2026)
- Wikimedia Commons: Krause springs grotto.jpg (Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0; caption "The grotto and rope swing"; read Nov 13, 2026)
Last verified Nov 13, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Privately owned by the Krause family before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.