There are some incredible hot springs in Texas. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best. Enjoy a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring and a meal at a local restaurant. After that, head to the spa for some R&R. After relaxing in the spa, head to the beach or hit the shops! If you have time, check out one of these Texas hot springs. We’ve listed the top five below.
Capote Springs
There is something eerie and wonderful about the sulfurous water of Capote Springs. This spring was first discovered in 1892 by county crews, who reported the presence of a sulfurous odor. Thankfully, no one was injured. Today, the water at Capote Springs is considered one of the top hot springs in Texas. You can visit this natural wonder for yourself.
Located in Presidio county, Capote Springs is a natural hot spring with water that averages 99 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. It’s not a well-known spot, so if you’re visiting from out of state, you’ll have to travel for a bit to get to the location. If you are staying overnight, be sure to make arrangements for nearby lodging. Capote Springs is far enough away from other Texas hot springs that you won’t be able to find a motel or lodge.
If you want to stay overnight, consider visiting Capote Falls. The falls, which cascade down a steep canyon, are on private property, so you will need to ask permission to hike to the top. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even opt for a helicopter ride. Alternatively, you can head to Beef Creek Falls, which require a tour. These waterfalls, located on East Timberland, cascade down a stream called Hog Creek. The falls are also close to the Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
You’ll also find plenty of waterfalls in Texas, with some on private land and require special permission. There’s also plenty of desert in between the lush, green oasis of the Red River, and a large number of wild animals. While you’ll be surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, Texas doesn’t have any waterfalls over 75 feet tall! It’s not hard to imagine that there’s no better place to spend a day in Texas than soaking in the heat.
Comal Springs
Native Indian tribes have been using the Comal Springs as a campsite for thousands of years. Numerous artifacts have been recovered from the springs. These ancient people used the spring to name their camp Conaqueyadesta. The springs are also the source of the Comal River, which flows for just over two miles through the towns of New Braunfels and Landa Park.
The Comal springflow originates in many seeps and small springs that surround Landa Lake. It flows through major flow zones in Medina and Bexar counties before reaching the Springs. It’s a great place to swim, relax, or just spend some time with a good book. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at Herbert’s Taco Hut near the springs.
New Braunfels is situated on the banks of the Comal River, which runs for two miles, confluent with the Guadalupe River. During the long drought, the springs reached a record low, but recently the area has experienced significant rainfall, so the springs are booming again. The town of New Braunfels is home to the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, one of the country’s premier water parks.
The water is consistently seventy-two degrees. In the springs, a small island was removed from the river so that fountain darters could grow and thrive. The district has implemented a Habitat Conservation Plan to protect endangered species and ensure that the water is in an ideal condition for recreational activities. This conservation plan also includes restoring native aquatic vegetation, removing Asian gill parasites, and installing erosion control mats.
Landa Park
If you’re looking for a hot springs getaway in the Texas Hill Country, then you should head to Landa Park. This San Antonio attraction is home to the largest spring in the country and the largest spring in the North American Southwest. This park was developed from 1847 until 1927 by Harry and Joseph Landa, who used it as a private park for their family members and guests. The land’s scenic beauty and easy accessibility made it a hot spot until the railroad spurs brought people to the area. Until 1927, Landa Park was known as the “Beauty Spot of Texas.”
The first people to come to the park were the Gould family, who visited the site in 1897. Helen Gould, daughter of a railroad financier, proposed that the International and Great Northern Railroad build a spur through the property. The railroads then began offering low excursion rates and sponsored special music events. By the mid-1930s, the park had over 100,000 visitors each year.
Nearby, Comal Springs are among the biggest springs in Texas. They are located near Landa Park and are over 4300 feet long. They are connected by a fault line and are fed by the River Comal. The Comal River flows through the park, and is home to the federally endangered Fountain Darter. Its name means flat griddle, and the springs are accessible on a drive through the park.
After the water was heated, the German settlers began harnessing the power of the springs to run their mills. By 1852, there were seven gristmills and flourmills using the spring waters to power their facilities. A few years later, the springs started producing hydroelectric power. During the 1890s, Landa’s Pasture was a popular picnic area.
Kirkham Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a hot springs experience that’s not too far from Dallas, then look no further than Kirkham Hots. This quaint little hot springs town is on the Salmon River, near Lowman, Texas. Unlike many other hot springs, Kirkham is not developed, and it is incredibly beautiful. You can walk from the parking area to the waterfall and hot springs by following a narrow, wooden staircase. A hot springs experience here is like taking a natural shower!
You can enjoy the warm waters of the main soaking pool at Kirkham, which is fifty feet long and deep enough for swimming. Kirkham’s temperature ranges from ninety degrees to 103 degrees. To get to the main soaking pool, you must purchase a Northwest Forest Pass and have a high-ground-clearance vehicle. In addition, if you’re driving, you should avoid passing through towns like Lolo and Saco, which are in the northern tier of Montana.
For those looking for a free hot springs, Ruby Valley Hot Springs is the right choice. Located south of the Hoover Dam, White Rock Canyon features an impressive group of hot springs along the Colorado River. During the summer, you can also kayak or raft to these hot springs. Just make sure to socially distance yourself from other visitors. The water temperature ranges from ninety degrees to 103.
Another one of the five Top Texan hot springs is Boquillas, located in Big Bend National Park. Boquillas has a temperature range of 105 degrees year-round. The water is so hot that it can be a bit uncomfortable, but you can always cool off afterwards in the river. If you’re feeling too hot, consider visiting the Big Bend Hot Springs – it’s only two hours away.
Krause Springs
If you’re looking for a relaxing, natural retreat in the heart of the Lone Star State, look no further than Krause Spring. This pristine Texas hot spring is surrounded by lush vegetation, and its shoreline is punctuated by trees, rocks, and slippery moss. There are also several picnic tables and barbecue grills, and restrooms are available for day-use guests. The spring is open all year round, but the Krause Springs family closes for the winter season to work on the property, improve its facilities, and rest.
Located 30 miles northwest of Austin, Krause Springs is a family-owned property with 32 natural and manmade springs. The springs feed two pools, and a lagoon-like swimming hole and waterfall is a favorite among visitors. The property has plenty of space for camping and hiking, and its natural pool flows into Lake Travis. Even if the water level is low during a drought, Krause Springs is an oasis for everyone.
Barton Springs is a year-round swimming hole near Austin, which is fed by natural underground springs. Krause Springs is a privately owned system of thirty springs on a 115-acre property. Its natural pools are enhanced by a waterfall, which is especially impressive when the water is flowing fast. The original springs were dammed in the 1920s by John Schumacher and his family to prevent flooding and to make a swimming hole for the local population. Today, the water temperature averages 68 degrees, making it a cool and relaxing retreat even in the middle of Texas’ hotter months.
Another popular hot spring in Texas is Spring Mountain Ranch, which boasts 32 springs on a 115-acre property. The main attraction is the swimming area, punctuated by a small waterfall and grotto. There are also large patches of spring where you can relax and take part in activities like rope swinging and cliff jumping. You can enjoy a day of fun while at Spring Mountain Ranch.
