Inks Lake State Park, Burnet, Texas

This was one of our favorite state park stays during our summer trip into the Midwest. This large park is in the rolling hills of Texas just West of Austin. When entering the park via the park road, you will begin to see views of the lakes and the lakeside homes that border much of the lake. Summer is a busy time here, as residents from Austin and neighboring areas come to escape the summer heat by enjoying all of the activities Inks Lake provides including boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, cliff jumping, swimming, and fishing. There are several different loops of the campground. When reserving, you will merely secure a type of campsite (tent only, water only site, or water and electric site). Thus, when you arrive at camp you will be assigned your site. My advice is to arrive
just past noon when people have finished checking out and arrivals have not yet impacted your choice of site. We found the office staff to be very friendly and helpful in helping us find a site that we would enjoy. Sites here are on paved pads and all interior roads are paved. Sites have fire pits, tent pads, and most have lots of shade from surrounding oaks. Some sites are more spacious than others and some offer lakeside access or views. If you, family, or friends are caught without an RV, mini cabins are available for rent. We loved our site (one of only a handful left after a full day drive) as it was private and nearest to the Devil's Waterhole. This waterhole is the place to be if you do not have any other apparatus to enjoy the lake. Temperatures are hot (century mark) in the summer, so enjoying the water is a must. From our site, #242, we could easily access the dirt walking path that leads to Devil's Waterhole. There you will find the young and old lazily floating in the water (bring rafts or purchase at the park store). You will also spy the rocky cliff that those that are brave enough will scramble up and jump from. We spent three days frolicking in the waters and jumping from the cliffs. If plummeting from the edge of a forty foot cliff is not your cup of tea, you will find enjoyment in just watching others. Always check with the park rangers at the front office before jumping to make sure conditions are safe. When not at the waterhole, you will find several docks to fish from, a park store to stock up on amenities or souvenirs, and a playground. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the park store. Many trails lead from the campground and take you up in elevation where views of the lake are astounding. Restrooms and showers are available. We never ventured to the east side of the park, so I cannot speak to the quality of sites in that region, but found many wonderful campsites within the west side of the park.

Best Sites:41-43, 48, 65, 67, 70, 85-88, 90-92 232-233, 235-236, 238, 240, 242, 250-253, 255-257A, 258-260, 263-264, 267-368, 270-271, 273-276, 279-281, 284, 286-289
Best Cabins: 1-11,13-14
Poor Sites: 79-82, 200-207, 209, 216-218, 226-227
Hookups: Electric & Water
Potable Water: Yes
Dump Within Facility: Yes