The campground had a quiet atmosphere, as if it had been forgotten.
A characteristic cold mineral spring was gushing out.
Once-forgotten Resort
For some reason, there are many low-water-temp springs containing sulfur scattered across the plains of Texas and Oklahoma.
The Sulphur Springs Camp is one of the few examples of this that has been commercialized.
A 1 hour and 50-minute drive northwest from the state capital, Austin.
From the last village of Bend, I crossed the remote wilderness on a dirt road.
The dirt road continued for about 15 minutes, and I finally arrived at the destination when I was starting to feel a little lost.
It was an interesting discovery for me that it was written as “Sulphur” in British English, rather than the American spelling of “Sulfur”.
The Sulphur Springs Camp is located in a lowland along the Colorado River.
The area has a long history, and as early as around 1850, people were already drinking and soaking in the sulfur spring, believing in its medicinal properties.
It reached its peak between 1885 and 1888, and many people from around the state came to be treated for their illnesses.
It was also the largest meeting place in the area, and had a dance hall.
People's interest in the spring was lost during the Great Depression, and the resort was abandoned for many years.
It was revived as a campsite in 1961, and remains a family business to this day.
Today it has three cabins and RV hookups, but still seemed behind the times.
Smells Like Eggs
The sulfur spring was located at the upstream end.
Water temp. 73 degrees F.
Most of the water was unused and discharged into the Colorado River.
Some of it flowed into the pool through an underground pipe.
The pool looked emerald green due to the cloudiness caused by the ingredients.
When I dipped into the cool water, I was enveloped in a soft, egg-like smell.
Unlike the days when the medicinal benefits of mineral springs were believed to be true, today in the United States, the sulfur smell is generally recognized as a bad smell.
It seemed like a miracle to me that the sulfur spring, which are not even warm enough to warm the body, could be a viable business.
I hope that this fragile and beautiful place will not be forgotten by people, and that it will continue to exist in the world as it is.
Summary
Sulphur Springs Camp, San Saba, Texas, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in, Lodging
Rule: Clothing required
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 73 degrees F
