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Both the second largest and most populous state in America, Texas is home to diverse topography that includes sweeping prairies, dry deserts, towering mountains, and 367 miles of coastline.
Along with its natural landscapes and scenic marvels, The Lone Star State is a popular tourist destination thanks to its vibrant cities, historical wonders, and world-class BBQ.
With so many sites and monuments to visit, travel itineraries to Texas can often become filled with fun and engaging activities as visitors scramble to see it all. However, the state can also be a destination of relaxation and serenity and features a small selection of natural hot springs that promise visitors a retreat filled with tranquility and bliss.
While hot springs are more abundant in Texas’ western state neighbors, there are still a handful of these thermal pools that have reached into its borders, as well as a further collection of warm and cold spring offerings.
Whether seeking a soak after exploring the state’s intrepid landscapes or planning a weekend retreat focused on relaxation and wellness, this is everything you need to know about Texas hot springs.
Texas Hot Springs Map
Texas Hot Springs Regions
Since thermal pools depend on the natural heating processes beneath the earth’s surface, hot springs typically only form in areas with high geothermal activity.
In Texas, there are two specific regions where these activities are apparent and where hot springs are abundant.
Central Texas Near Austin
Texas’ major hot springs region is centered around Austin and the surrounding Hill Country, where visitors can find a mix of urban and natural geothermal pools.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool, located within Zilker Park, is one of Austin’s most iconic swimming spots, with its clear, spring-fed waters maintaining a steady 68°F year-round. This massive urban spring is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a refreshing escape from the Texas heat.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area offers one of the deepest underwater caves in Texas, though swimming is currently suspended due to low water levels. The crystal-clear well is still worth visiting for hiking, photography, and exploring the surrounding trails.
A short drive away, Krause Springs provides a lush, family-friendly retreat with natural pools and cascading waterfalls set beneath towering cypress trees. Visitors can swim, picnic, or camp overnight, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
|
Hot Spring |
Type |
Location |
Opening Hours |
Cost & Permits |
Planning a Visit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barton Springs Municipal Pool |
Community |
Check Texas Hot Springs Map |
Daily: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Closed Thursdays 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM for cleaning) |
Adults: $9, Seniors: $5, Children: $4. |
Get all the essential information on Barton Springs Pool soon. |
|
Jacob’s Well Natural Area |
Primitive |
Check Texas Hot Springs Map |
Daily: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Entrance free for hiking and non-swimming activities. Swimming currently suspended due to low water levels. |
Get all the essential information on Jacob’s Well Natural Area soon. |
|
Krause Springs |
Community |
Check Texas Hot Springs Map |
Summer: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Off-season: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Adults: $9 Children (4-11): $6 Camping available at an additional cost |
Get all the essential information on Krause Springs soon. |
Western Texas
The western region of Texas, along the Mexico border, is home to some of the state’s most secluded hot springs, and one of the most beautiful hot spring resorts.
Chinati Hot Springs, a private resort in the Chihuahuan Desert, provides a remote soaking experience with natural geothermal pools and rustic accommodations. The springs are accessible 24/7 for overnight guests, while day-use visits (when available) cost $20 per person.
|
Hot Spring |
Type |
Location |
Opening Hours |
Cost & Permits |
Planning a Visit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chinati Hot Springs |
Resort |
Check Texas Hot Springs Map |
24 hours for overnight guests |
Lodging: Rates vary by cabin. Day use (when available): $20/person. No permits required |
Get all the essential information on Chinati Hot Springs soon. |
|
Capote Springs |
Primitive |
Check Texas Hot Springs Map |
Open year-round; daylight hours recommended |
Small fee required. No permits required |
Get all the essential information on Capote Springs soon. |
|
Boquillas Hot Springs |
Primitive |
Check Texas Hot Springs Map |
Open year-round; daylight hours recommended |
Free access to hot springs, however Park entrance fee required for Big Bend National Park. |
Get all the essential information on Langford Hot Springs soon. |
The Best Texas Hot Springs
Boquillas Hot Springs
One of the most idyllic primitive pools in Texas, the Langford Hot Springs in Big Bend National Park are surrounded by historical foundations and pristine views along the Rio Grande River.
Also known as the Langford Hot Springs and the Big Bend Hot Springs, this thermal pool is enclosed by the ruins of a brick wall built over a century ago.
Once home to the Hot Springs Village, the Boquillas Hot Springs was a popular destination during the early 1900s and attracted visitors thanks to its high mineral waters and curative properties. Although the community was abandoned in the 1940s, the springs continue to attract thousands of visitors each year.
The mineral waters of the springs are geothermally heated and feature temperatures that average 105 degrees Fahrenheit, although they fluctuate throughout the year.
While no accommodation is available on the site, visitors can spend the night in the area at one of the nearby campgrounds.
Krause Springs
An extensive hot spring complex located just outside Austin, the Krause Springs features 32 thermal pools throughout its 115 acres.
Established in 1955, the springs offer various soaking opportunities, including natural springs, maintained pools, waterfalls, and natural caves.
While not a hot spring, the Krause Springs flow from their source at 70 gallons per minute and maintain yearly temperatures averaging 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether swimming in the natural springs or the man-made pools, the Krause Springs provide a comfortable soak in soothing mineral waters.
Furthermore, as a maintained community complex, the Krause Springs property features plenty of onsite amenities, including three-bathroom facilities, showers, BBQ and picnic areas, and onsite camping.
Chinati Hot Springs
The only hot spring resort in Texas, Chinati Springs is located deep in the Chihuahua Desert and has been a popular tourist destination since its establishment in the 1930s.
However, long before their commercialization, the healing waters of the springs were engaged by indigenous peoples centuries before European settlers even made it to the isolated location.
The Chinati Hot Springs feature several soaking options, including a shared outdoor pool that averages 105 degrees Fahrenheit and a seasonal warm spring pool that averages 70 degrees. For a private soak, visitors can book an indoor private tub with temperatures between 104 and 109 degrees.
Unfortunately, the Chinati Hot Springs is not open for day visitors or walk-ins. However, the site offers some fantastic onsite cabin lodging with plenty of comfort and luxury amenities, including private mini-fridges and access to communal kitchens.
Additionally, with access to several hiking trails that guide visitors through the region’s natural attractions, the Chinati Hot Springs is a fantastic hot spring accommodation for exploring the state’s southwestern corner.
Types of Hot Springs in Texas
Texas has six public hot springs, each shaped by its location and level of development. In West Texas, hot springs like Langford Hot Springs and Chinati Hot Springs provide remote, natural soaks in the desert, while in Central Texas, developed springs like Barton Springs and Krause Springs offer family-friendly swimming in lush surroundings. Water temperatures vary, with some springs remaining geothermally heated year-round, while others, like Jacob’s Well, are dependent on seasonal water levels.
Primitive Hot Springs in Texas
Texas has three primitive hot springs, each offering a unique natural soaking experience. In West Texas, Boquillas Hot Springs sits along the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park, surrounded by desert landscapes and historic ruins. Nearby, Capote Springs provides a secluded, lesser-known soak, requiring a small access fee.
In Central Texas, Jacob’s Well Natural Area is a rare karst spring, though swimming is currently suspended due to low water levels. While it’s not a traditional hot spring, its deep underwater cave system makes it one of the most visually striking geothermal features in the state.
These primitive pools are completely undeveloped, with no facilities or regulations, making them free or low-cost alternatives to resort and community hot springs. However, visitors should be prepared for changing water levels, limited accessibility, and rugged terrain.
Community Hot Springs in Texas
Texas has two community hot springs, both located in Central Texas, offering a mix of natural beauty and basic amenities.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool, located in Austin’s Zilker Park, is one of the most famous spring-fed pools in the state. The three-acre swimming area maintains a cool 68°F year-round, making it a popular escape from the Texas heat. While not geothermally heated, it remains a natural mineral-rich spring, with a small admission fee (Adults: $9, Seniors: $5, Children: $4.) supporting its maintenance.
Krause Springs, set in the Texas Hill Country, features multiple spring-fed pools, including a man-made swimming area and a more natural, creekside soak. The site is privately owned, with camping available for overnight stays, making it a popular weekend retreat.
Unlike primitive springs, these community pools offer restrooms, changing areas, and maintained swimming areas, making them more accessible while still providing a natural soak.
Hot Spring Resort in Texas
Texas has only one hot spring resort, Chinati Hot Springs, located in West Texas near the Chinati Mountains. This secluded retreat offers private soaking tubs and communal hot springs, along with rustic cabins for overnight stays.
Unlike the undeveloped primitive springs, Chinati Hot Springs provides basic comforts, including onsite lodging, maintained pools, and limited spa services. While it lacks the full-scale luxury of larger resorts, it remains a favorite for visitors seeking a quiet escape in a remote desert setting.
