Inks Lake State Park
Key Information
Contact Info
512-793-2223
Location
3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, United States
Opening Hours
8am–10pm
Fee
Unavailable
Introduction of Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park is only an hour’s drive from Austin, Texas. This park comes alive in the summer when temperatures reach the high 90s. It’s hot out, but Inks Lake will keep you cool. Swimming, fishing, boating, and even scuba diving are all available right here. Because the lake’s water levels are fairly consistent throughout the year, the lake is open all year. This means you can still use the boat in the winter if you want to. However, lake activities aren’t the only thing to do here. You can go hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoy the scenery.
This park has been serving the public since it first opened in 1950. It took ten years to get this park up and running, and it was started by the Civilian Conservation Corps. However, when funding was cut, the project was halted within the first year and was not resumed until several years later. The State Parks Board took over and transformed it into the lovely park that it is today. Inks Lake State Park is now the ideal vacation spot for any RV camper.
Inks Lake State Park Camping
There are numerous RV camping options available at Inks Lake State Park. If you’re bringing a smaller RV, look for campsites with only water hookups. There are 49 of these sites, each of which can accommodate up to 8 people but only one RV is less than 26 feet long.
There are 125 other sites to choose from if your RV is larger than this or if you prefer electric hookups. You’ll be able to find a site large enough for any size RV, as well as 30 and 50 amp hookups. These sites are slightly more expensive than the others, but they unquestionably provide more.
If you want to leave the RV at home and try something a little more backwoods, you can come tent camping. There are four walk-in sites with electricity and running water. These locations can house four people and one vehicle. There are also nine primitive campsites that require a mile and a half hike to reach. There is no water at these sites, but there is a primitive toilet. Each primitive site can also accommodate up to four people. If you’re going to do this kind of camping, make sure you’re fully prepared. Bring enough food and water for the duration of your stay, but pack lightly because you’ll be carrying everything a long distance before you arrive. Primitive camping is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Inks Lake State Park.
Inks Lake State Park Activities
Swimming
Summer in Texas is unquestionably hot, so what better way to cool off than to jump into a cool lake? There are plenty of places to go for a swim, and you’ll feel so much better for it. At Devil’s Waterhole, cliff jumping is popular but swim at your own risk. Remember that there are no lifeguards on duty here, but there is plenty of fun to be had.
Hiking
Inks Lake State Park has nine miles of hiking trails with rocky hills and lush forest. There are a few advantages to hiking during the off-season that you won’t have at other times. You won’t have to worry about bumping into large crowds, and you won’t have to fight the heat as much, which can be a big plus.
Take a short hike to Devil’s Waterhole to admire the scenery and cool off in the water below. Take the Lake Trail to see views of Inks Lake, or the Fisherman’s Trail to find some great fishing spots along the shoreline. Many trails connect, allowing you to extend your hike.
Fishing
This is an excellent place to go fishing. You can fish from two fishing piers and a boat ramp at any time of year, and you don’t even need a fishing license. A fishing license is not required if fishing from land or the park’s fishing piers. However, because the lake is not completely surrounded by the state park, a fishing license is required when out on the water. Bass, catfish, and sunfish are some of the fish you might catch. You can even use the fish cleaning station afterward.
Volleyball
There is a volleyball court in the park that is open to the public, and if you come during the off-season, you can enjoy a competitive game without having to contend with the heat. This is a great way to improve teamwork while also having fun while exercising.
Picnicking
If you’re looking for the ideal location for a family reunion, Inks Lake State Park has everything you need. There is a picnic pavilion here that can accommodate up to 25 people, as well as parking. It is also covered in case of rain and has a beautiful view of the lake.
Inks Lake State Park Location
Inks Lake State Park is in Burnet, Texas, a short drive from Austin and San Antonio. The park is three miles south of State Highway 29 on Park Road 4. The park is not in a remote location, despite how it may appear during your visit. If you need supplies that aren’t available at the park, there are convenience stores within a 15 to 20-minute drive.
While the majority of the drive to the park is straightforward, there are a few spots where you should exercise caution. There are a few rolling hills that limit visibility when first entering the park road. The road has several large curves further down, so slow down. The roads are easy to navigate once inside the park for any vehicle type.
Parking
During the busier season, keep in mind that when the park becomes overcrowded, it temporarily closes. You’ll still be allowed in if you’ve made camping reservations, so you’ll have a place to park your RV. There may not be much parking available beyond the campground.
Passenger vehicles can park near the fishing piers, boat ramp, and trailheads. If your campsite is far from these attractions, you can drive, walk, or ride your bike there.
Public Transport
Public Transport is not available