How much is the day pass at Inks Lake?

DAY USE FEE: $7 per day, per person 13 and older .

How deep is Inks Lake in Texas?

Inks Lake is situated close to Burnet, TX on the Colorado River in the 1,200 acre Inks Lake State Park. The 831 acre lake is 60 feet deep, just over 4 miles long and approx. 3,000 feet at its widest point.

Can you swim in Inks Lake?

On the water, you can swim (no lifeguards on duty) , boat, water ski, scuba dive and fish. We have set aside a large, no-wake zone for paddling. Rent paddle boats, canoes, one- to two-person kayaks, life vests and paddles at the park store.

What is the darkest national park in Texas?

Big Bend National Park has some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48 states.

Is Inks Lake Man made?

Inks Lake is a man made lake created during the great depression of the 1930's. The Lower Colorado River Authority built Inks Lake with the creation of Buchanan Dam and Inks Dam, projects which provided employment to over 1,500 through the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Is alcohol allowed at Inks Lake State Park?

The Texas Parks and Wildlife rules say no alcohol while at a state park.

Does Inks Lake allow dogs?

Dogs are welcome on these trails, provided they stay on-leash and outdoors at all times . The water is open for swimming, however no lifeguards staff these "no wake" areas, so swim at your own risk. Paddle boats, canoes, and 1-or-2 person kayaks are available for rental at the park store.

Does Inks Lake have toxic algae?

Testing from July, August and September 2023 detected high concentrations of toxicity in algae tested from three sites on Lake LBJ and three sites on Inks Lake.

What kind of fish are in Inks Lake Texas?

Inks Lake is noted for its picturesque scenery, but fishing can be good as well. It contains under-rated largemouth bass and Guadalupe bass populations, along with several species of sunfish (bream) . White bass are regularly caught in the reservoir, and a low density white crappie population is present.

Why is it called Devil's Waterhole?

While Devil's Waterhole might sound ominous, the story behind the name is relatively ridiculous. According to local lore, an old landowner used to have to cross the creek every once and awhile near the waterhole and his wagon would often get stuck in the treacherous terrain .

How full is Inks Lake?

Historical Data Date Percent Full Today 2024-04-20 95.4 Yesterday 2024-04-19 95.5 2 days ago 2024-04-18 95.8 1 week ago 2024-04-13 96.9 4 more rows

What animals are in the Inks Lake?

Wildlife thrives at Inks Lake State Park, where white-tailed deer roam the campgrounds and brazen raccoons scrounge for food. Wild turkeys, armadillos, foxes and other animals also frequent the park.

Inks Lake State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (2024)

Hill Country Gem

Inks Lake State Park offers family fun on water and land. With its sparkling blue water, colorful rock outcrops, and striking sunsets, this gem of the Hill Country is just an hour northwest of Austin.

Things to Do

Inks Lake State Park is great for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Because the lake’s level usually stays constant, you can play here year-round.

On land, you can camp, backpack, geocache, play volleyball, picnic, and observe nature. We have 9miles of hiking trails through shady forests and across rocky hills. Stop by our bird blind to see who's visiting. Rent our group picnic pavilion for your next family reunion. Borrow our beach wheelchair to use in sandy areas - contact the park for more information.

On the water, you can swim (no lifeguards on duty), boat, water ski, scuba dive and fish. We have set aside a large, no-wake zone for paddling.

Camping

Stay at one of nearly 200 campsites or 22 cabins (two are ADA-accessible). Many sites are lakeside or have easy access to the lake. Several camping loops have playgrounds. Sponsored youth groups can rent our youth group camping area.

Fishing

Fish for sunfish, catfish and several species of bass. We have two fishing piers, fish cleaning stations, and a boat ramp. You do not need a fishing license to fish from a pier or the shore in a state park.

Borrow rods, reels and tackle boxes with hooks, sinkers and bobbers.
Detailed fishing and lake information for Inks Lake.
Fishing Tip Sheet

Shopping

Buy food and supplies inside the park. The park store sells snacks, camping supplies and souvenirs.

Kona Ice of the Hill Country offers drinks and frozen treats. Look for them in the Central Park area across from the Park Store. It's open weekends and most weekdays in the summer; hours subject to change.

Devil’s Waterhole

Hike the small canyon or swim at Devil’s Waterhole. When Valley Spring Creek is running, you can explore scenic waterfalls upstream of the lake.

Civilian Conservation Corps

During the 1930s, the CCC built roads, culverts, a boat house and dock at Inks Lake, as well as parts of Park Road 4 and facilities at Longhorn Cavern. To learn more, visit our History page.

Get involved

We need your help! Visit the Volunteer pageor stop by headquarters.

Support state parks by donating to theTexas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

Rangers lead nature walks, geology hikes, canoe tours and other programs.

Help your children explore nature through our Junior Ranger Program. Pick up a free Activity Journal or borrow an Explorer Pack.

Check the Events page for upcoming programs.
Call the park to schedule a program for your group.
Interpretive Guide to Inks Lake and Longhorn Cavern State Parks

Teachers: This is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.

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Area Attractions

Nearby cities offer museums, shopping and restaurants:

Don’t miss:

Longhorn Cavern State Park
Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery
Buchanan Dam (the largest multiarch dam in the world)
Vanishing Texas River Cruise
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Great Texas Wildlife Trails: Stone Bluffs Loop – best wildlife viewing in the area.