Natural Texas springs you can visit to beat — or embrace — the summer heat
Summer in Texas can have you feeling like you need a pool of water just to survive.
But there’s no need to take out a six-figure loan to build a pool. And while North Texas has plenty of indoor water parks to use, if you’re in the mood for a road trip, consider Texas’ natural pools.
Yes, besides the plethora of beaches, lakes and rivers, there are multiple springs here in the Lone Star state.
What makes them different from dipping in a lake, river or the gulf is that springs are made up of water that comes from the ground. Pools and streams can be formed from a spring with either cool water or water that is so hot it comes out steaming, according to Texas Aquatic Science.
If bathing in hot water in the heat sounds awful to you, don’t fret. Texas has both cold and hot springs ranging from 70 degrees all the way up to 104 degrees.
Here’s where to find them, listed from closest to Dallas-Fort Worth to farthest.
Barton Springs Pool in Austin
Barton Springs is a three-acre, man-made pool that is sourced from underground springs. The water is 68 to 70 degrees year round, according to the City of Austin.
Distance from Fort Worth: 192 miles
Location: 2131 William Barton Drive
Admission is free for children under a year old. Non-resident and resident tickets vary from $2 to $9.
Open every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Thursdays are open from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. without lifeguards, and then from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with lifeguards– it is closed for cleaning from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
No coolers, food, drinks, glass, frisbees, balls, portable speakers, alcoholic beverages or any smoking devices allowed
Patrons should bring a towel or blanket for the grass lawn
Inflatable toys under 5 feet are allowed.
Parking is free Monday through Friday. Weekend fees are $3 an hour.
Krause Springs in Spicewood
The 115-acre Krause Springs consists of 32 natural springs which also include and feed into the man-made pool. The springs are 68 degrees year round, even in drought conditions.
Distance from Fort Worth: 196 miles
Location: 424 County Road 404
Admission is free for children under 4 years old. Children 4-11 years old are $6. Adults are $11.
Open seven days a week from 9 a.m to 8 p.m.
No pets (unless they are service animals and approved by management), weapons, smoking (unless at campsite), glass, drones or generators.
Food and drinks are allowed.
Water shoes or no-slip grips are recommended, as the rocks can be slick.
Floats under 5 feet are allowed.
Free parking. No ride share apps available to the location.
Langford Hot Springs in Big Bend National Park
The Langford Hot Springs are believed to have formed 18 to 23 million years ago. This historic hot spring is in the remains of a bathhouse with a year-round temperature of 105 degrees.
“The water contains calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, and lithium,” according to the National Park Service. These minerals are believed to have “healing powers.”
Distance from Fort Worth: 549 miles
Location: Hot Springs Historic District Hwy 385 (at the very end of Hot Springs Road)
Not accessible by car. The hot springs are a half-mile round-trip hike off the trailhead.
Open 24/7.
Smoking and alcohol prohibited.
No glass allowed.
Soak only– no soaps or oils.