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Inks Lake State Park in Burnet County attracts kayakers and hikers, who will truck by water or land into Devil’s Waterhole. Contributed/Inks Lake State Park -
Krause Springs features a swimming hole, spring-fed pool and waterfall and is surrounded by features such as primitive tent camping and 24 RV sites with water and electricity available. Contributed/Krause Springs -
The Devil’s Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park, located off Park Road 4 in Burnet County. The rockscape facade comprised of primarily metamorphic rock called Valley Spring gneiss (pronounced “nice”), attracts young and old alike to climb up and jump into the waterhole. File photo -
Amenities at Lakeside Park include the manmade beach and Lake Marble Falls swim area. File photo
Surrounded by lakes, a wellspring of natural waterways abound, water seekers can find a few water recreation venues. From the Marble Falls manmade beach on Lake Marble Falls to the cool springs of Krause Springs in Spicewood, summer fun in a revitalizing oasis is just a short drive away.
Here are few to keep in mind for the family this summer:
Natural Swimming Venues
• Krause Springs in Spicewood Krause Springs, founded in 1955, is
Krause Springs, founded in 1955, is nourished by 32 natural springs; several of which feed a man-made pool and the natural swimming hole which eventually flows into Lake Travis.
The venue, carved by the natural flow of water and geological outcroppings, is located at 424 County Road 404 in Spicewood. Krause Springs is a well-known camping and swimming site in Burnet County.
The 115-acre property is listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites and has been privately owned by the Krause Family for over 50 years.
Butterfly Gardens – take time to listen to the music of the wind chimes and the fountains. For more information, call 830-693-4181.
• Devil’s Waterhole in Burnet County
Devil’s Waterhole, a cove carved into an inlet in Inks Lake, got its name during the time the land was privately owned by an early settler.
Nestled in a shallow canyon, the landowner was known to howl out in anger whenever his wagon became stuck trying to cross areas of the waterway.
Inks Lake State Park revelers can access the primitive venue on a jaunt through a wooded path. Devil’s Waterhole is located on park property at 3630 Park Road 4 West in Burnet County.
State Park entrance fees apply. Dayuse fees for adults are $6 each. Children 12 and younger are free. For more information, call 512-793-2223
• Kingsland Slab
The Llano River Slab just west of Kingsland is the kind of swimming hole people of all ages can enjoy, but especially families with small children due to its accessibility and cool, shallow pools.
The Slab is located on about a twomile stretch of the Llano River, where the public can access the area by parking, just off FM 3404 at the low-water crossing. The primitive venue features pink granite outcroppings in the river bed and along the shoreline.
People pitch pop-ups and pack picnic lunches for a day-long stop. Several areas of the river channel feature mini-tube chutes and sandy beach nooks. Since the free venue has limited facilities, Llano County officials encourage visitors to keep the area clean and avoid glass containers.
• Marble Falls Lakeside Park
At the Lakeside Park manmade beach and Lake Marble Falls swim area, visitors can sit in chairs and under umbrellas provided by the city, while youngsters play in a sectioned off swim zone.
The municipal pool is nearby in Lakeside Park at 200 Buena Vista Dr.a roped off area for swimmers and navigational buoys, which are 150 feet beyond the swim area.
The “no boat zone” prohibit “powered” or motorized watercraft.
Also, there are no lifeguards in the swim zone or for the pools at the shoreline beach. Visitors must swim at their own risk.
For more information about the aquatics program, go to the city website at www.marblefallstx.gov.