All the tips and reasons you should visit Inks Lake State Park in Hill Country near Austin, Texas.
Inks Lake State Park offers family fun in Hill Country with sparkling water and colorful rock outcrops. It’s located just a short drive northwest of the Austin ar
ea. It is a wonderful place to cool off during the summer months and to relax and recharge at any time of year. Visiting is definitely a bucket list item and you can see more items on my Texas bucket list here. If you are looking to visit more state parks in Texas, click here.
What to do at Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park can be visited as either a day trip or a weekend getaway – they have tons of campsites and even cabin rentals available.
Hiking Trails
The state park has 9 miles of hiking trails through shady forests and across rocky outcrops. A popular trail is the Devil’s Waterhole Nature Trail which takes you through a small canyon to the Devil’s Waterhole where you can swim. You can also combine it with the Valley Spring Creek Trail and the Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail for some amazing views. If the Valley Spring Creek is running you may also spot scenic waterfalls upstream of the lake.
Swimming
You can swim in Inks Lake. Devil’s Waterhole is very popular at Inks Lake State Park.
On The Water
In addition to swimming, you can also boat or water ski on the lake. Paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks are available to rent at the park store. There is also a large no-wake zone available for paddling on the lake.
Fishing
You can go fishing on the lake for sunfish, catfish, and several species of bass. You do not need a license to fish from shore or a fishing pier in a Texas state park. This makes a Texas state park the perfect place to try out your fishing skills.
Camping
There are nearly 200 campsites to choose from with many sites located lakeside or with easy access to the lake. The park also has 22 cabins that can be rented.
Tips for Visiting
- Bring plenty of water, hats/sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- If you plan to swim or cool off in the river, bring water shoes.
- Central Texas is extremely hot during the summer, I highly recommend you hike early in the day or save your hiking for fall/winter/spring.
- Texas State Parks and Natural Areas are utilizing a park pass reservation system currently. Day passes for the weekends/holidays can fill up well in advance so be sure to book your park pass early.
Have you visited Inks Lake State Park?
