Inks Lake State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Inks Lake State Park — A 1,201-acre Texas Hill Country paradise with constant-level lake waters, the legendary Devil’s Waterhole cliff jumping spot (up to 40 feet), nearly 200 campsites, and a free tackle loaner program.
Inks Lake State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Texas — a 1,201-acre Hill Country gem near Burnet, about 50 miles northwest of Austin. Unlike many Highland Lakes reservoirs that fluctuate dramatically, Inks Lake maintains relatively constant water levels year-round, making it one of the few Texas parks where swimming, boating, and fishing are reliable even during drought years.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Burnet, TX (~50 mi NW of Austin) |
| Size | 1,201 acres |
| Hours | Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM |
| Campsites | ~200 sites + 22 cabins |
| Day Pass | Reservations strongly recommended |
| Fishing License | Not required from shore/piers inside Texas state parks |
Devil’s Waterhole
Devil’s Waterhole is the park’s most iconic attraction — a natural grotto surrounded by granite boulders with cliff-jumping ledges up to 40 feet high. Reached via a short marked hike or by paddling, it’s a rite of passage for Texas outdoor enthusiasts. No lifeguards are on duty — swim and jump entirely at your own risk. Water shoes are strongly recommended.
Fishing
| Species | Technique | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Plastics, topwater | Year-round |
| White Bass | Jigs, live bait | Spring runs |
| Channel Catfish | Cut bait, stink bait | Year-round |
| Sunfish | Worms, crickets | Great for kids |
Two fishing piers and fish cleaning stations are available. The park runs a free Tackle Loaner Program — borrow rods, reels, and tackle boxes at no cost. No fishing license required when fishing from shore or piers inside a Texas state park.
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Cliff Jumping | Devil’s Waterhole — ledges up to 40 ft |
| Swimming | Multiple lake access points — no lifeguards |
| Camping | ~200 sites + 22 cabins — lakeside options |
| Fishing | Bass, catfish, sunfish — free tackle loaner |
| Hiking | 9 miles of trails through Hill Country terrain |
| Kayaking/Canoeing | Rentals available at the park |
| Scuba Diving | Permitted with proper certification |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high are the cliffs at Devil’s Waterhole?
The jumping ledges at Devil’s Waterhole range from modest 5-foot rocks to ledges up to 40 feet above the water. There are no lifeguards — jumping is at your own risk. Check water depth before jumping, wear water shoes, and never dive headfirst. The waterhole is accessed via a short marked trail or by paddling.
Do I need a fishing license at Inks Lake?
No — when fishing from the shore or piers within a Texas state park, no fishing license is required. The park also offers a free Tackle Loaner Program where you can borrow rods, reels, and tackle boxes at no cost. Two fishing piers and fish cleaning stations are available.
Why does Inks Lake always have water?
Unlike many Highland Lakes reservoirs in Texas that fluctuate dramatically with drought, Inks Lake is a constant-level lake — its water levels remain relatively stable year-round. This makes it one of the few reliable swimming, boating, and fishing destinations in Central Texas even during dry years.
Do I need a reservation to visit?
Reservations are strongly recommended. Inks Lake is one of the most visited state parks in Texas and frequently reaches capacity on weekends and holidays — especially during summer. Day-use passes and campsite reservations can be made through the Texas Parks & Wildlife website or by calling their customer service center.
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