Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United States Texas Austin Barkin' Springs

Barkin' Springs

A free, canine-friendly alternative watering hole near the more famous Barton Springs.

Austin, Texas

Added By
Ian Shaw
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
  Pallasart Web Design
  Pallasart Web Design
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Located immediately downstream from the spillway current that comes out of Barton Springs, Austin's big, spring-fed, municipal swimming hole, Barkin’ Springs just might be regarded as a direct rebellion against its bigger neighbor, and its admission fees, lifeguards, and no-dogs policy. 

The visitors from all walks of life who congregate at this swimming hole seem to share one common value: their love for dogs. This canine-lover’s paradise is almost always filled with life and activity, from owners playing fetch, children sliding down the spillway, dogs chasing each other through the water, and people who come to swim and watch. It's a little rougher around the edges, but it is in keeping with Austin's spirit. 

Related Tags

Swimming Pools Water Dogs Animals

Know Before You Go

The easiest way to access Barkin’ Springs is down the staircase off of the Hike and Bike Trail just east of the Zilker Park Playground. The best parking for this access point is in the first parking lot adjacent to William Barton Drive when coming from Barton Springs Road. 

Community Contributors

Added By

ianwoodshaw

Edited By

Samir S Patel

  • Samir S Patel

Published

July 20, 2020

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • https://rootsrated.com/stories/barkin-springs
  • http://www.austintop50.com/2014/06/barking-springs.html
  • http://www.austintop50.com/2014/06/barking-springs.html
  • https://rootsrated.com/stories/barkin-springs
Barkin' Springs
2105 Andrew Zilker Rd
Austin, Texas, 78746
United States
30.265105, -97.768723
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Barton Springs

Austin, Texas

miles away

Peter Pan Mini-Golf

Austin, Texas

miles away

Treaty Oak

Austin, Texas

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Austin

Austin

Texas

Places 42
Stories 8

Nearby Places

Barton Springs

Austin, Texas

miles away

Peter Pan Mini-Golf

Austin, Texas

miles away

Treaty Oak

Austin, Texas

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Austin

Austin

Texas

Places 42
Stories 8

Related Places

  • Berczy Park Dog Fountain

    Toronto, Ontario

    Berczy Park Dog Fountain

    This whimsical fountain pays tribute to Toronto's four-legged friends.

  • Entrance to the Cave of Dogs, 2013

    Naples, Italy

    Cave of Dogs

    Suffocating dogs was a common spectacle in the fumes of this noxious cave.

  • Haines Falls, New York

    Kaaterskill Falls and the Bayard of Dogs

    A stunning, two-tiered waterfall made famous by poets, artists and the legend of a ghost dog.

  • Alresford, England

    Grave of Hambone Jr.

    This grave remembers the beloved canine companion of soldiers far from home.

  • Odate, Japan

    ‘Homesick Hachiko’

    Another statue of Japan's most famous dog stands in his hometown.

  • The pool at Jesus Green Lido

    Cambridge, England

    Jesus Green Lido

    Cambridge’s century-old outdoor swimming pool is tied for being the longest pool in the United Kingdom, but it is also unusually narrow.

  • beach dog

    Edinburgh, Scotland

    Mural of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

    A colorful mural decorates one of the city's oldest animal shelters.

  • Šibenik, Croatia

    Fontana s Kornjačama (Fountain with Turtles)

    This fountain has a growing (animal) population, and might also be growing in size.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.