Inks Lake State Park sits at 3480 Park Rd 4 W in Burnet, Texas, and carries a 4.7 rating across 4,306 reviews, making it one of the more highly regarded state parks in the region. Categorized as a state park, campground, and tourist destination, it offers a mix of camping, hiking, swimming, and paddling opportunities that visitors frequently describe in glowing terms. The park is operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife and can be reached by phone at +1 512-793-2223, with further details available through its official website at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake. The location appears on Google Maps with coordinates of 30.7401992 latitude and -98.3639304 longitude, placing it in the Texas Hill Country within the America/Chicago time zone.
Inks Lake State Park at a Glance
Inks Lake State Park is classified under multiple categories including state park, campground, and tourist destination, which reflects the broad range of activities and overnight options it accommodates. The park sits along Park Road 4 West in Burnet, Texas, and maintains a presence on Google Maps and through its official Texas Parks and Wildlife web page. Contact is available by phone at +1 512-793-2223, and the park's coordinates place it in the scenic Hill Country of Central Texas within the America/Chicago time zone. The listing carries a price level of 0, and its location along Inks Lake provides the setting for the swimming, paddling, and fishing that visitors consistently mention. Photographs from the park's image collection show a landscape that aligns with reviewer descriptions of rocky shores, clear water, and Hill Country terrain.
What Do Visitors Like About Inks Lake State Park?
Overall, visitor feedback for Inks Lake State Park is strongly positive, with the park's 4.7 rating and 4,306 reviews reflecting widespread satisfaction. Reviewers frequently praise the park's natural beauty, the clarity of the lake water for swimming and paddling, the quality of the restrooms and showers, and the friendliness of the staff. Several visitors highlight specific features like Devil's Waterhole, the bird blind, and the availability of kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals. While most reviews are enthusiastic, a few mention practical challenges such as unmarked trails, crowded weekends, and campsite conditions involving other campers. The consensus among visitors who took the time to share their experiences is that Inks Lake State Park is a worthwhile destination for camping, day trips, and outdoor recreation in the Texas Hill Country.
1. Geology and Scenic Beauty
Several visitors were struck by the park's distinctive landscape. One reviewer described the area as featuring some of the oldest exposed rock in Texas, noting the prominent pink-banded rocks and identifying them as Valley Spring Gneiss, a metamorphic rock considered older than Enchanted Rock and situated on the east edge of the Llano Uplift. The same visitor called it some of the best views of Pre-Cambrian geology in the state. Other reviews echo this appreciation for scenery, with descriptions of a beautiful and peaceful park, gorgeous surroundings, and beautiful lake views from many campsites.
2. Swimming and Devil's Waterhole
Devil's Waterhole emerges repeatedly in visitor accounts as a favorite swimming spot. One reviewer with children described jumping off the rocks at Devil's Point as an unforgettable experience and noted the water was clear enough for swimming and splashing. Another visitor mentioned swimming there and felt it seemed safer when many people were also swimming. The same reviewer cautioned that there is a lot of poison ivy near the swimming area and advised walking with caution. Another visitor mentioned that the walk down to the water for Devil's Waterhole is not bad, though it is a bit sloped near the parking lot, and they advised caution about slippery rocks when climbing.
3. Camping Experience
Camping reviews vary from highly positive to mixed. One visitor who stayed in site 256 described multiple issues with neighboring campers, including others setting up on their site, dog waste left behind, and rule violations by day campers. The same reviewer also criticized the lack of ventilation in the restrooms, describing them as sweltering. However, other campers reported excellent experiences. One visitor with a small trailer noted a level and very shady spot, while another with a tiny teardrop trailer described sites as large and the bathrooms as the best they had seen in Texas, clean with hot water, great water pressure, and well stocked. A tent camper who stayed by the water in May appreciated the individual all-gender showers outside the bathrooms and the availability of hot water.
4. Hiking and Trails
Visitors who hiked the trails were generally pleased. One reviewer who hikes with their spouse loved the terrain the trails covered but mentioned that some trails were overgrown due to their narrowness. Another visitor enjoyed the hike but warned that trails are not well marked and required close attention to stay on route. One reviewer noted that trail map color coding does not match actual trail color coding, though maps posted on boards along the trails are more accurate. Trails include areas with bird blinds for birdwatching, and one visitor who did not get to hike due to weather still rented a kayak and swam in Devil's Waterhole.
5. Birdwatching and Wildlife
The park's bird blind drew particular praise from several visitors. One reviewer described it as fantastic and worth a day trip, while another spent time at the bird blind watching hummingbirds. Wildlife sightings mentioned in reviews include deer, geese, blue herons, tanagers, a red-tailed hawk, dozens of cardinals, beavers, and lizards. One camper noted that a lot of wildlife came right through their campsite. The park's trails include areas specifically designated for bird watching, according to one visitor.
6. Water Recreation and Rentals
Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available from the park store, according to multiple reviewers. One visitor rented a kayak and swam in Devil's Waterhole, while another noted that rentals are available from the park store and that the spring wildflowers are beautiful in May. A reviewer who brought their grandson mentioned he caught his first fish off the fishing dock, and the general store presented him with a certificate and put his picture on the wall. The same reviewer noted canoe, kayak, and swan paddle boat rentals were all very reasonable. One visitor mentioned that water was cool enough for a good kayak trip.