Inks Lake State Park was voted Favorite Campsite and Favorite Park in the 2019 Locals Love Us awards.
When it comes to finding a park — local, state, or national — that offers a lot for just about everyone in the family, it’s hard to beat Inks Lake State Park.
Located on the shores of Inks Lake but with parts that stretch up and into the surrounding hills, Inks Lake State Park is a big draw to the Highland Lakes. Even on winter weekends, people flock to the park, so you can imagine what spring and summer bring.
Park superintendent Corey Evans knows. He also understands why people love the park.
“Not only does it have the natural beauty of the Highland Lakes and Hill Country, but it also has so many things for families and people to do and enjoy,” he said.
And The Picayune readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners definitely enjoy Inks Lake State Park. They picked it for not one but two honors in the Locals Love Us awards.
Inks Lake State Park won favorite park and favorite campsite in the Burnet area.
Evans pointed out that the park boasts a number of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking. There’s even a world-class bird blind that lets bird-watchers of all levels catch a glimpse of local feathered favorites.
You can find a wide variety of campsites from primitive to those with water and electricity hookups for RVs — and many in between.
“Our interpretive program offers quite a few events and learning experiences as well,” Evans said.
The interpretive program holds regular events and activities that help people explore the outdoors, learn more about it, or just enjoy it with a deeper appreciation.
Check out the park’s website or its Facebook page for upcoming programs and activities.
The past year was a tough one on Inks Lake State Park. In August, a wildfire burned a portion of the park. You can still see the burned area, but nature is already returning. Then, in October, the flood hit.
The park, however, endured, and it’s once again thriving.
Evans said the staff is pretty much letting nature take its course as the park rebounds from the fire. They did fix some of the fire lines cut by heavy equipment during the emergency response.
The trails have been reopened, and people can explore all of the park, including the burned areas.
There’s always something different to do or another place to discover at Inks Lake State Park.
That’s why readers and listeners picked it for two Locals Love Us honors.
“We really appreciate this,” Evans said regarding the awards.
daniel@thepicayune.com
