Nature and history of Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave in Austin, Texas explained.

Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave is one of the “well known caves” to locals of Austin/Travis County Many cavers, spelunkers, and climbers know about Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave. This news article will explain the story, biology, and geology behind Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave.

Locals call this cave “Hobo Cave” because a homeless man once lived inside of it at one time. He lived on the left side of the cave in plain sight. This cave is also referred to as “Mushroom Cave” because the outside resembles a mushroom. But this cave is actually an enlarged shelter.



Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave possibly dates back to the 1840s when soldiers hid from the Mexican government during the Texas Revolution. It is believed that Robert E. Lee camped at Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave while his troops camped below at Campbell's Hole during the Civil War of the 1860s. Confederate soldiers used the cave as a hideout during the Civil War. Outlaw Sam Bass hid out there at one point prior to 1875.

Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave became property of Gus Fruh Park and Barton Creek Preserve in 1980. Over the years people have used this cave for partying and leisure activities. Several musicians have held their jam sessions inside Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave. This cave was still being referred to as “Hobo Cave” as recently as 2013. (Ref: https://piercewanderings.com/2013/11/10/barton-creek-upper-110913/)


A cliffside cave called Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave is visible to the eyes from a far distance from Barton Creek in Gus Fruh Park and Barton Creek Preserve. Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave is located on a cliffside called The Flats which is located above Barton Creek. Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave is about 80 feet above creek level.

Macroscopic troglobitic organisms are said to be inhabiting the inside of Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave as reported in a copy of Checklist of Macroscopic Troglobitic Organisms of the United States dating back to July 1960. Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave is a geologically formed limestone cave with iron ore elements. Limestone and iron ore are natural resources which can be found in this cave. (Ref: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2422897?seq=1)

Accessing Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave is difficult because this cave is located on a cliff side. The high distance above ground makes accessibility of Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave difficult for many people. Even cavers have a hard time climbing to get into Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave. To access this cave, you need to climb a steep slope through a maze of boulders located on a hillside. Navigating through these boulders can be quite challenging. The length of this hillside is a steep slope which is 43 feet long.

One you reach the outside of Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave, you will be able to see a beautiful view of Barton Creek and Gus Fruh Park itself. The view from looking outside is similar to an aerial view as this cave is located on a cliff side. You will be surrounded by a view of trees and cliffs. And also houses, apartment complexes, and businesses.

However the only the outside view is beautiful. Destruction such as vandalism, trash, and graffiti can be found inside of this cave. Several graffiti markings can be found all over the outside and inside of Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave. This unsettling sight of destruction is troubling to some. Junkies have used this cave to do drugs in. Not surprising since this area is a haven for junkies.


Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave can be dangerous if you are not careful. There have been people who have died from falling down Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave. Many people have been injured while trying to climb the outside of Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave.

One example is the death of a teenager named Alex Henry-Ballew. He was out hiking with friends on the Barton Creek greenbelt near Barton Hills when he fell about 20 feet from a cliff near Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave. Now police ruled his death accidental. (Ref: https://www.statesman.com/news/news/local-obituaries/teenager-dies-after-fall-at-barton-creek-greenbelt/nX9F3/)


Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave is located just below a two-story house that is located at the address of 1800 Glencliff Drive, Austin, Texas, US 78704.