A family visiting Inks Lake State Park in Burnet County enjoys a slice of the lake all to themselves. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Inks Lake State Park in Burnet County lives up to its self-proclaimed title of “Hill Country Gem.” Hugging the eastern shore of its namesake pristine lake among the rugged-yet-beautiful hills of Central Texas, it’s one of the state’s most popular parks.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimated that over 228,000 people enjoyed Inks Lake in 2023, ranking it 10th out of the 89 state parks for visitors.
According to TPWD Operations trainee Edward Terry, the park’s popularity is due to its proximity to Austin, constant-level lake, natural beauty, and accessibility.
“We offer a lot of outdoor recreation that folks can’t get in town,” Terry told 101HighlandLakes.com. “We’re a constant-level lake, so we have water year-round, we have over 9 miles of hiking trails, and we focus on improving accessibility to the lake and our trails.”
Inks Lake State Park is a great introduction to the outdoors. Most of the park’s 200 campsites are along paved roads near the lake and have access to electricity and nearby restrooms. The park’s sizable store sells camping necessities such as firewood, snacks, and ice.
“We have the biggest and baddest park store in the state,” Terry joked.
Tent camping isn’t the only option. Inks Lake State Park has ample RV hookups and even several climate-controlled cabins for a semi-glamping experience. Or, you can go in the opposite direction and hike out to a primitive campsite to rough it sans amenities.
Inks Lake, the second smallest of the Highland Lakes chain, is a destination for fishing and water access every day of the year as its levels remain mostly stable. Fishing gear, kayaks, canoes, and even paddleboats are available for rent at the park store, so you could show up empty-handed and still make the best of the lake.
The park’s hiking trails vary from simple loops to lakeside vistas to long, meandering treks through the rolling hills and granite boulders that characterize Burnet County.
According to the TPWD’s Terry, the park’s most popular path is the Valley Spring Creek Trail, which is just one-tenth of a mile but offers a view of a small waterfall cascading over pink granite. He compared that to the Woodland Trail, which stretches 2.2 miles through the rugged, eastern edge of the park.
“You can get almost a ‘lost’ feeling on the Woodland Trail,” he said.
You’ll always have something to do at Inks Lake State Park, no matter the time of year.
Spring is for wildflowers and dewy hikes.
Summer is for swimming, kayaking, and cannonballs (read Plunge into heaven at Devil’s Waterhole).
Fall is for camping and more hiking. Terry hinted that autumn might be the best season at the park because it tends to be less crowded with kids back in school.
Winter is for waterfowl watching, campfires, and long hikes.
Terry has an obvious passion for Inks Lake State Park but admitted that the other Texas State Parks are also worth a visit.
“There are a lot of very cool parks out there, and they all offer something different,” he said. “All offer different ways to enjoy being outside.”
INKS LAKE STATE PARK AT A GLANCE
3480 Park Road 4 West in Burnet; 512-793-2223
HOURS: Open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; store hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
COSTS: Day-use entrance fee of $7 for ages 13 and older; ages 12 and younger get in free. Buy an annual Texas State Parks Pass and get yourself and everyone in your vehicle in at no cost.
Camping prices and availability varies. Visit Reserve America to book.
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS: Inks Lake State Park always has something going on. Visit its events page to keep up with programs like guided hikes, star parties, and much more.
