This Breathtaking Lake State Park In Texas Offers Fun Camping And Recreation Opportunities
If you're dreaming of a lakefront escape in Texas Hill Country, look no further than Inks Lake State Park. Hailed as one of the best national and state parks in Texas for your next adventure, Inks Lake State Park is home to a selection of great campsites, and a range of fun activities such as geocaching, volleyball, and hiking trails.
It's a great recreation destination year-round, and boasts sparkling blue water at the lake, where visitors can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, boating, and fishing. Inks Lake State Park sits around a 60 to 90-minute drive northwest of Austin, Texas, and only around a 30-minute drive from the likes of Horseshoe Bay, or marble falls.
Its proximity to these gorgeous destinations makes it a great addition for those looking to retreat into nature as part of a memorable road trip through some of the best sights Texas Hill Country has to offer. Visitors heading to Inks Lake State Park from out of state can fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and take a 90-minute drive up Highway 29 via a rental car.
Enjoy Hiking, Boating, and Kayaking at Inks Lake State Park
The calm waters of Inks Lake make it an ideal spot for various water-sports, with a large no-wake zone making it especially family friendly. Guests are able to rent a range of various boating equipment, including life jackets, single and double kayaks, canoes and paddle boats, provided weather allows. Rentals are charged by the hour, and can cost as low as $20. One of the most unmissable spots for swimmers is Devil's Waterhole, where cliff-jumping is a popular pastime.
The Hill Country Bluebonnet Trail is one of America's best spring drives. This scenic route includes Inks Lake, and is the perfect drive for photographers and those looking to enjoy some of the most beautiful nature spots in Texas. For those looking for trails you can enjoy on-foot though, the Inks Lake Devil's Backbone Trail is a top choice.
An hour-long out-and-back trail, it's known for scenic views of Inks Lake and diverse flora and fauna. Among the nine miles of hiking trails at Inks Lake State Park, there's also the iconic Valley Spring Creek Trail. An easy loop from Devil's Waterhole that takes less than an hour to complete, the trail takes visitors through mesquite woodlands and blooming springtime wildflowers.
What to know before visiting Inks Lake State Park
Passes are required to enter Inks Lake State Park, with day-passes priced at $7 per adult. Children under the age of 12 can enter the park for free, but if you plan on visiting regularly, or staying in the area for an extended period, an annual pass could possibly be more cost effective. This price is in addition to any facility fees, and pets can enter free of charge.
The park is home to a selection of campsites where guests can book a stay. Some of these are hike-in or tent-only, so be sure to research which is best suited to you in advance. Campsites can cost as low as $11 per night, but it must be noted that this is in addition to the daily entrance fee, and vehicle parking is priced at $6 per night.
For those looking for an indoor stay, Inks Lake State Park is also home to a selection of small, basic cabins, ideal for those backpacking without a tent. If you're planning on a road trip through the area, it's recommended to stay in the park with a small tent or at a cabin for just one or two nights. After your visit to this state park, you can explore the best of Texas Hill Country at a family-friendly riverside RV park. Or, stay at a gorgeous resort for a night or two in the nearby area of Horseshoe Bay.