They say "don't mess with Texas," but it looks like no one ever told the sun that.
When hot weather hits, it's good to have a dedicated swimming spot to help you stay cool. But even in a state as big as Texas, you'll often find the most popular lakes and rivers overflowing with folks. Texas State Parks are no exception, especially in the heart of Hill Country outside the Austin area.
If you do find yourself looking for a lowkey place to soak in Texas Hill Country, the Devil's Waterhole might be your huckleberry. Located where the Colorado River meets Spring Creek in Inks Lake State Park, this hidden treasure is your top pick for a much needed day trip.
Of course, there's a lot more to do at Inks Lake State Park than jump off of rocky outcroppings into rivers all day. From hiking trails to scuba diving, the park has something for everyone looking to cool off outdoors.
Like most things in this great nation, you have to pay to play. If you don't already have a Texas State Parks pass, day passes can be purchased for visitors 13 and older at the park store. Kids 12 and younger get in for free!
Camping in Inks Lake State Park
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Campers interested in more than day use will be pleased to know the park has a couple large campgrounds to choose from, many of which are wheelchair accessible. While most sites have RV hookups, a healthy chunk are reserved for tent-only campers.
In addition to these offerings, there's a small selection of "primitive sites" that take a short hike to reach, which means a little more isolation. However, these sites don't have staples like picnic tables or fire rings, and ground fires are not permitted in them.
Finally, you can also to check-in to one of the park's simple cinderblock cabins. To reserve yours, visit the Inks Lake State Park section of the Texas State Parks website at tpwd.texas.gov.
Wetting Your Whistle at Inks Lake State Park
Located at 3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, TX, the park has a lot to offer land lovers, its primary draw is water recreation. Boating is particularly popular when the water level is high, and the park store provides boat rentals that include two-person kayaks, paddleboats, and more.
Recreational boaters and fishers are welcome to use the park's convenient boat ramp. If you plan on fishing but aren't much a trawler, the park also has two fishing piers where you can catch catfish, sunfish, and a variety of bass. In case you didn't know, a license from Texas Parks and Wildlife isn't necessary when fishing from shores and piers in Texas state parks.
Other water-oriented activities allowed in the park include scuba diving and water skiing. Be warned that there are no lifeguards on duty in the park, so make sure to stay vigilant.
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