Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park is known for having good swimming in a portion of the lake known as the Devil’s Waterhole.

Inks Lake State Park opened in 1950. The CCC began work on the park after completing nearby Longhorn Cavern State Park. The program ended before the park was completed, but some of the structures in the park were built by the CCC.

A large sign on the side of the road that says Inks Lake State Park with a pink granite boulder at the base. There are trees in the background that are green, but the grass is all brown.
Entrance sign for Inks Lake State Park.

Location

3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, Texas 78611

A picture of a small wooden building with a picnic table in front. A large wooden sign with yellow print says park headquarters.
Park headquarters for Inks Lake State Park.

Cost

The entry fee for Inks Lake State Park is $7 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under. 

There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.

To save money when visiting Inks Lake State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee. 

Reservations

Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans. 

This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate. 

A sign propped against the side of a wooden building that says park at capacity.
Park at capacity sign at Inks Lake State Park.

Staying at Inks Lake State Park

A posting of a map and flyers about the park.
A map and park information.

Campsites

Hike-in Primitive Campsites are $11 per night. The hike to get to the camping area is over a mile and a half. There is a primitive toilet in the area. There is no water. Ground fires and pets are not allowed. 

Campsites with water are $16. The campsites have a picnic table, water, a lantern post, and a fire ring or grill. Bathrooms with showers are available in the vicinity.

Walk-in campsites with electricity are $21 per night. These sites are only for tent camping. There is a short walk between the parking area and the campsite. The campsites have a picnic table, a grill, a fire ring, water, and electricity. Bathrooms with showers are available in the vicinity.

Campsites with electricity are $23 per night. The campsites have a picnic table, and a fire ring or grill. There are water and electric hookups. Bathrooms with showers are available in the vicinity. 

Cabins

Cabins are $55 per night. Cabins have electricity and air-conditioning. There is no bathroom inside the cabin and no kitchen, and cooking is not allowed in the cabin. The cabin has two sets up bunkbeds, bring your own linens. There are bathrooms with showers available in the vicinity. No pets allowed in the cabin area. 

Group Facilities

There is a primitive youth camping area. It has chemical toilets in the area. There is no water. The camping area is isolated from the rest of the campsites. The camping area has picnic tables, grills, and a fire ring. No pets are allowed in the area.

There is also a pavilion available to rent for the day and an amphitheater. 

Restrooms in Inks Lake State Park

There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. Restrooms in the camping loops have showers. 

Cabins do not have their own bathrooms. 

Hiking Trails

There are several trails in the park, making over nine miles of trails.

Pecan Flats Trail is 1.8 miles and climbs up to some of the highest points in the park for scenic views.

Woodland Trail is 2.2 miles and the longest trail in the park.

What is there to do at Inks Lake State Park?

You can fish in Inks Lake. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park. There are two fishing piers and fish cleaning stations. 

You can swim in Devil’s Waterhole. Scuba diving is also allowed in the lake.

Kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and paddle boards are available for rent in the park. A large section of the lake is a no wake zone. 

Have a snack at Kona Ice of the Hill Country. Or have a picnic at one of the picnic tables. There is even a children’s playground. 

Dogs at Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.

Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms. 

What to do near Inks Lake State Park

Burnet, Texas

Burnet, Texas is the county seat of Burnet County and has a population of 6,400 people. Go to the Perissos Vineyards or the Fort Croghan Grounds and Museum. 

Llano, Texas

Llano, Texas is the county seat of Llano County and has a population of  3,200. You can visit the Llano County Historical Museum or book a tour of the Red Top Jail which was built in 1895. You can stay in the remarkable Dabbs Hotel, if you aren’t camping in the park. 

Marble Falls, Texas

Marble Falls, Texas is located in Burnet County and has a population of 7,000 people. The town has a wonderful city park. Drop into the Blue Bonnet Cafe and get a slice of pie. Take a walk around and see some of the restaurants and shops.