Inks Lake State Park Campground

For Texans eager to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the Lone Star State offers, Inks Lake State Park Campground stands as a premier destination. Located in the heart of the picturesque Texas Hill Country, this beloved state park provides a versatile camping experience, whether you're bringing an RV, pitching a tent, or opting for a cozy cabin. Renowned for its sparkling blue waters, unique pink granite outcrops, and an abundance of outdoor activities, Inks Lake State Park offers a refreshing escape for families, adventurers, and those simply seeking a peaceful retreat by the water.

As one of Texas's most popular state parks, Inks Lake has garnered consistent praise for its well-maintained facilities and diverse offerings. A satisfied camper who visited during spring break enthusiastically shared, "Had a great experience camping here for spring break. We stayed in site 215 and I was really impressed with the bathrooms in the campground as well as the plethora of boating options they had (including a flamingo and rubber duck paddleboat lol). The headquarters and gift shop were separate which I’m not used to with TX state parks but you can tell this is one of their bigger parks and more maintenance/resources have been put into improving it. Hiking trails were good, all ranked easy to moderate, although there should be some parking area added for those who want to hike the woodland trail without starting at the pecan flats trail. We didn’t swim since it was too cold but my kids put their feet in and said it wasn’t too bad. We will have to come back sometime and take advantage of the water." This highlights the park's excellent amenities, family-friendly activities, and continuous improvements. While a more technical review pointed out a specific design challenge with the dump station for large totes, the overall sentiment regarding the campground and park facilities remains overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its quality and visitor satisfaction. Inks Lake State Park continues to be a favorite for its beautiful setting and recreational variety.

Inks Lake State Park Campground is ideally situated at 3480 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, USA. This location places it firmly within the stunning Texas Hill Country, known for its rolling hills, granite outcrops, and serene waterways. The park is nestled along Inks Lake, one of the chain of Highland Lakes on the Colorado River, ensuring a constant lake level ideal for year-round water activities, even during droughts.

Accessibility to Inks Lake State Park is straightforward, typically involving a scenic drive from major Texas cities. From Burnet, the nearest town, you can take Park Road 4 West directly to the park entrance. This road itself is part of the historic CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) legacy, adding to the charm of the journey. The park's proximity allows easy access to other notable Hill Country attractions, including Longhorn Cavern State Park, Buchanan Dam (the largest multi-arch dam in the world), and the charming towns of Burnet, Kingsland, and Marble Falls, which offer various dining, shopping, and local cultural experiences. This blend of natural seclusion and convenient access to regional points of interest makes Inks Lake State Park an incredibly desirable destination for Texans.

Inks Lake State Park Campground provides a wide array of services and amenities designed to enhance the outdoor experience for all visitors, from tent campers to RVers and cabin guests. As a Texas State Park, it upholds a high standard of maintenance and guest support. Key services and facilities include:

• Diverse Camping Options: The park offers nearly 200 campsites suitable for RVs, tents, and even primitive backpack-in camping. Many sites are lakeside or provide easy access to the water. Electric and water hookups are available at most developed sites.
• Cabins: For those seeking more comfort, 22 cabins are available, including two ADA-accessible options. These cabins offer bunk beds and air conditioning (note: no water or restrooms inside cabins).
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Praised by visitors, the campground features clean and well-maintained restrooms and showers conveniently located throughout the camping loops.
• Dump Stations: Multiple dump stations are available for RV waste disposal.
• Park Store and Headquarters: A well-stocked park store offers snacks, camping supplies, souvenirs, and watercraft rentals (paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, life vests). The separate headquarters building provides visitor information and check-in services.
• Watercraft Rentals: Paddle boats, canoes, one- and two-person kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent, providing easy access to the lake for all visitors.
• Fishing Piers and Fish Cleaning Stations: Two fishing piers and dedicated fish cleaning stations are available for anglers. You do not need a fishing license to fish from a pier or the shore in a Texas State Park.
• Hiking Trails: Over 9 miles of well-maintained hiking trails cater to easy and moderate skill levels, winding through shady forests and across rocky hills.
• Playgrounds: Several camping loops feature playgrounds, making the park very family-friendly.
• Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic tables and areas are available for day use or for campers. A group picnic pavilion is also rentable.
• Ranger Programs: The park often hosts interpretive programs and guided activities for both kids and adults, enhancing the educational and recreational experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities for wildlife observation, including a bird blind, are available.
• Firewood: Available for purchase at the park store.

Inks Lake State Park Campground is celebrated for a variety of features that make it a standout choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Texas:

• Constant Lake Level: Unlike many other lakes, Inks Lake's water level remains consistent due to its position within the Highland Lakes chain, ensuring year-round water recreation for swimming, boating, and fishing regardless of drought conditions.
• Devil's Waterhole: An iconic and popular swimming spot within the park, featuring clear water and unique rock formations, perfect for a refreshing dip or exploring the small canyon.
• Excellent Water Activities: A plethora of boating options, including various paddlecraft rentals (even "flamingo and rubber duck paddleboats"), alongside designated no-wake zones for paddling, cater to all forms of water recreation. Two fishing piers and a boat ramp further enhance lake access.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the "really impressed" bathrooms and the overall cleanliness of the campground, contributing significantly to a comfortable stay.
• Diverse Hiking Trails: With over 9 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate, hikers can explore unique geological formations, shady forests, and rocky hills, including the popular Pecan Flats self-guided trail.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Playgrounds in camping loops, ranger-led activities, and safe swimming areas make it an excellent choice for families with children.
• Beautiful Scenery: The park's setting amidst the Texas Hill Country with its pink granite outcrops, sparkling lake, and stunning sunsets provides a picturesque backdrop for any outdoor adventure.
• Wildlife Abundance: Opportunities to observe a wide variety of native plants and animals, including deer and various bird species, enhance the nature experience.
• Park Store Convenience: The on-site park store provides essential supplies, snacks, and the convenience of watercraft rentals, making it easy to enjoy the lake without bringing all your own gear.

While the dump station design can be challenging for those using large totes, this specific operational detail does not detract from the overall high quality and enjoyable experience offered by the vast majority of the park's features.

As a Texas State Park, Inks Lake State Park operates under the fee structure set by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). Specific "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically offered. However, visitors can benefit from:

• Texas State Parks Pass: This annual pass provides unlimited entry to more than 80 state parks for the pass holder and guests, along with discounts on camping (restrictions apply), park store purchases, and equipment rentals. It's a significant saving for frequent park visitors.
• Senior and Disabled Discounts: Texas residents aged 65+ or permanently disabled individuals may receive 50% off daily entrance fees.
• Military and Veteran Benefits: Free entry for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and Gold Star family members.
• Free Fishing: No fishing license is required to fish from a pier or the shore within the state park boundaries.

It is always recommended to check the official Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website or contact the park directly for the most current fee schedule and any specific guidelines for reservations, which are strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as the park often sells out.

For more information about Inks Lake State Park Campground, to inquire about reservations, or to get details on specific activities, please use the following contact information:

Address: 3480 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 76087, USA

Park Phone Number: (512) 793-2223

Park Store Phone Number: (512) 793-2033 (for current store hours and boat rentals)

Reservations are strongly recommended and can typically be made through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's online reservation system.

For Texans seeking an quintessential outdoor adventure, Inks Lake State Park Campground is an undeniably suitable and highly recommended destination. Its standing as one of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's flagship properties means it benefits from considerable resources and maintenance, evident in its "impressive bathrooms" and overall cleanliness. This commitment to quality ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

The park’s greatest appeal for locals lies in its diverse array of year-round activities. The consistent water level of Inks Lake guarantees swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities are always available, providing a reliable escape for water enthusiasts regardless of drought conditions. The "plethora of boating options," from rental paddleboats to designated no-wake zones for kayaking, caters to all skill levels and preferences. Beyond the water, the well-maintained hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, offer fantastic opportunities to explore the unique Hill Country landscape. For families, the park's amenities, including playgrounds and ranger-led programs, ensure that children are engaged and entertained. While a minor inconvenience might exist with the dump station design for specific RV setups, the overwhelming positive attributes, from the scenic beauty and abundant recreational options to the clean facilities and friendly park staff, make Inks Lake State Park Campground a premier and reliable choice for any Texan looking to connect with nature and create lasting memories.