The day we went to Krause Springs, we actually meant to go to Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve. Turns out it was one of those Plan-A-didn’t-happen-but-Plan-B-was-probably-better-anyway kind of days. Hamilton Pool is a historic swimming hole, which was defined as a nature preserve in 1990. It’s in the beautiful hill country area of Texas (google Texas Hill Country, it’s worth a look).
Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon (Travis County Parks website).
Image – Travis County Parks website
It looks incredible! A few Saturdays ago, we were all geared up with our friends, togs, sunscreen, snacks and straw hats, ready to have a Saturday of swimming and relaxing. Then we got there and the parks rangers told us there would be an hour and a half wait to get in! Argh! Because it is such a popular watering hole in the summer – it gets packed out. So the parks people limit the number of people that can go into the pool at any one time. It’s totally fair enough, it is a nature reserve.
Our friends asked the parks guys if there were other spots to swim close by, and they suggested a place called Krause Springs. None of us had been there, so we decided to give it a go. And I am SO GLAD WE DID!
Krause Springs is a camping and swimming site, privately owned by the Krause family for over 50 years. The lucky sods have 32 springs on their property. They have a manmade pool and a natural pool (complete with waterfall), which are both fed by cool spring water. We sat near where ‘Spicewood, Texas’ is written on the map.
Image – Krause Springs website
It was perfect for a hot day in Texas! It was busy, but not too busy. We didn’t get to Hamilton Pool, but I have a feeling that on a mega busy Saturday the crowds might annoy me. (It’s weird… I come from a big city, but after living in Hobart the last 3 years – I’m having to readjust to crowds and waiting in queues).
It was busy but you could get your own spot to have a nap, read a book or just enjoy the shade. And the site was spread out enough that you had a few swimming options.
It was great. I’m glad the day panned out like it did because none of us had been there before, and I reckon it’s one of those places that most people simply don’t think to go.
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Might be the Queenslander in me, but I can’t help but think there’s something dangerous in the water. Look but don’t touch!
Yeah we were worried about that too!
Snapping turtles! Live action.. ywewewewe!
Wow, that place looks so cool! Literally!! Snapping turtles?? 🙂
It was lovely. Not sure about the turtles – we weren’t going to test it out. 🙂
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