The warm mineral waters and hot springs of Texas have a long history of healing weary travelers. Fortunately, there are still hot springs situated on public lands throughout Texas that the general public can enjoy. These exist in both popular areas like downtown Austin and Big Bend National Park to more remote locales in desert settings. The “Lone Star State” often experiences temperatures close to or over 100 degrees during the summer, with its hot springs reaching similar temperatures. With its warm climate, Texas offers many places for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a relaxing soak year-round.
Rio Grande Village Springs, Big Bend National Park
The Rio Grande Village Springs in Big Bend National Park can be found along the Overlook Trail near the Boquillas Canyon. Located along the banks of the Rio Grande, the village area is flanked by mountain views and cottonwood trees with picturesque hiking trails in abundance on the way to this family-friendly hot springs. These springs typically remain at a consistent temperature of 97 degrees Fahrenheit and specific directions to reach them can be obtained from the Big Bend Visitor Center. While the grand bathhouse of J.O. Langford is gone, the original foundation still exists.
Address: Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, Phone: 432-477-2251
Barton Springs Pool, Austin, Texas
Located within Zilker Park in downtown Austin, the Barton Springs Pool is fed completely from an underground spring and generally remains at a temperature of around seventy degrees, offering an enjoyable and warm outdoor swimming area. These springs were once a spiritually significant spot for the Comanche and Tonkawa tribes and were used historically for their sacred purification rituals. The springs are now a federally-protected habitat due to being the home of Barton Springs Salamander, an endangered species. The Barton Springs Pool is open throughout the entire year and there is a surrounding grassy area for relaxing or picnicking.
Address: 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746, Phone: 512-974-6300
Chinati Hot Springs, Marfa, Texas
Also known as the Ruidosa Springs, the Chinati Hot Springs near Marfa, Texas are a privately owned and operated hot springs resort area in the remote and rugged Chihuahuan Desert. The springs are about a thirty-minute drive along a rough dirt road from the Ruidosa ghost town.
These hot springs are only open to the resort’s overnight guests and reservations for the cabins and campsites must be made ahead of time. The Chinati Hot Springs includes a handful of private soaking tubs and a spacious outdoor tub overlooking the resort. The water of the springs varies between 104 and 109 degrees.
Address: 1 Hot Springs Rd, Presidio, TX 79845, Phone: 432-229-4165
Krause Springs, Spicewood, Texas
The Krause Springs, located around thirty miles from Austin within the beautiful Texas Hill Country, are a privately owned swimming and camping site. The same family has owned the property for more than fifty years and the site is considered by many to be a “Texas institution” and is also listed on the country’s National Register of Historical Sites.
The actual Krause Springs feed a number of man-made soaking pools featuring temperatures a bit on the cooler side compared to many other springs, typically at a temperature of about seventy degrees Fahrenheit. RV and tent camping are available as well.
Krause Springs, 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, Phone: 401-236-7554
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Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park was built by the Conservation Corps back in the 1930’s and is home to what can arguably be called the world’s largest natural spring-fed swimming pool. Fed by the San Solomon Springs, which are the 7th largest naturally-occurring springs in Texas, the pool is open daily for visitors to come and enjoy a rather unique experience. The pool is 15 feet deep and covers 1.5 acres. Approximately 15 million gallons of water flow through the pool on a daily basis and the pool provides a home for several rare fish and crustaceans which you can observe if you bring along your snorkeling gear. The temperature in the pool remains around 72 to 75 degrees all year round.
Address: 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, Phone: 432 375 2370
