Located just an hour’s drive from Austin, Inks Lake State Park has been a popular day trip and vacation getaway for locals wanting to escape into nature, since it first opened in 1950.
Offering wonderful potential for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking, much of the fun at the 1200-acre state park is centered around its lake, which is accessible all year round.
However, hiking is also a very popular activity here too, showcasing a hilly landscape that is abundant with yuccas, cedars, prickly pear cacti and live oak.
As the perfect place to get away from the pace of city life for a short while, this Texas state park is a stunning reminder of how beautiful the world is in places.
For those who want to take their time to really discover this for themselves, there are plenty of onsite, overnight accommodation options available.
Activities
During your visit to the park you can engage in a range of outdoor pursuits.
Below are just a handful of some of the many recreational activities you can enjoy there.
Boating at Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake is a fabulous spot to enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or SUP within its scenic surroundings.
On the lake there is a big no-wake zone which has been set aside just for paddlers. This makes it a very good spot for beginners to get to grips with the activity.
If you didn’t bring any of these vessels with you, they can be rented at the park’s store.
Around the lake, you will also find a boat ramp available to use too, as well as a boathouse and dock that was constructed in the 1930s.
Swimming at Inks Lake State Park
The lake is also an excellent place to swim, and during the summer it provides fantastic opportunities to cool off from the sun.
Alternatively, you might want to take a dip at Devil’s Waterhole, which offers the added attraction of cliff jumping into its waters too.
At both places there are no lifeguards, so please be mindful that you will be swimming at your own risk.
Fishing at Inks Lake State Park
The park is renowned for being an exceptional place to go fishing.
Anglers will find two fishing piers, as well as a boat ramp which they can fish from all year round, without requiring a license to do so.
However, as the lake is not fully enclosed with the park, you will need a fishing license should you decide to cast a line from a boat on the water.
Wherever you choose to fish, you should be able to snare plenty of bass, sunfish and catfish. You will also be able to make use of a fish cleaning station too.
Hiking at Inks Lake State Park
If you are looking to explore the heart of the park there are nine miles of hiking trails that enable you to really get to know it.
Taking you through a terrain of lush forest and rocky hills, these trails showcase the park’s diverse range of flora and fauna.
The best time of year to hike is during the off season when the crowds are less and the heat isn’t as unbearable.
Whenever you visit the park though be sure to make the short journey to Devil’s Waterhole, which leads you to a beautiful canyon, where you can also go for a swim in the water below.
Also head down to the Lake Trail, which conveys exceptional views of Inks Lake.
Picnicking at Inks Lake State Park
During their time here many visitors choose to enjoy a picnic.
Throughout the park there are several tables available for you to partake in an al fresco meal, most of which boast a scenic view.
Should you come to the park in a large group, there is a picnic pavilion that can host up to 25 people. Covered to provide protection from both rain and the sun, it also showcases terrific views of the lake.
Geocaching at Inks Lake State Park
Geocaching is essentially a modern day version of a treasure hunt.
Throughout the park you will find many caches hidden all around it, so if this is something you are into then you’ll love the challenge of trying to find them all.
To get started, be sure to download the GPS coordinates on your phone, before heading out there and commencing your search.
Pets at Inks Lake State Park
Pets are welcome at the park, so you can feel free to bring your dog with you on your visit.
However as some restrictions may apply, it is worth contacting the park’s main head office to clarify what they are.
Camping at Inks Lake State Park
For those interested in overnight camping, the park offers a wide range of accommodation options.
This includes 125 large sites for RV’s that come with 30-amp or 50-amp hookups, as well as connections with water too.
Each of these sites also comes with a picnic table, as well as a grill or fire ring, and are close to bathroom facilities that include hot showers and flush toilets.
Complimenting these sites are 49 additional plots that offer the same facilities, but come with water hookups only.
Should you prefer to indulge in a tent camping experience, there are four walk-in tent sites available, all of which have electricity and water.
Alternatively, there are nine additional primitive campsites which you can hike just over a mile and a half to get to.
Recommended for seasoned campers who are well versed in being self-sufficient in nature, each site can accommodate up to four people. While none of them have water, there is a primitive toilet available.
Park Location
Inks Lake State Park
3630 Park Rd 4 W,
Burnet, TX 78611
Phone: 512.793.2223
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Inks Lake State Park:
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