Swimming, cliff jumping at Devil's Waterhole, kayaking, fishing from the shore or a dedicated pier — Inks Lake State Park Campground keeps campers busy on the water. The park sits in the Texas Hill Country near Burnet, about an hour's drive from Austin, and draws a steady crowd during summer weekends. Lakefront sites go fast, and reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins risk limited availability, as the park frequently fills over warm-weather weekends.
The campground spans a range of site types, from tent-only spots to full-hookup RV pads with electric, water, and sewer connections, plus lakefront cabins available for rent. Powered sites sit closer together and offer less shade and privacy than the non-powered loops, which tend to have more tree cover and buffer between neighbors. Eric n Erika B. noted that powered sites left them feeling "a little on top of each other," while the non-powered alternatives offered more isolation. Site spacing and shade vary considerably by loop, so checking the park map before booking pays off.
Bathrooms and showers earn consistent praise across reviews spanning nearly a decade. Multiple campers describe the facilities as recently renovated, clean, and well-maintained, with flush toilets, hot water, and heated shower rooms. The on-site park store stocks firewood, ice, food, and gear rentals including kayaks and canoes. Two fishing piers and a bird blind with feeders round out the amenities. Hiking trails wind through gneiss rock formations; Troy W. described walking among the gneiss as feeling "like you're on another planet."
Cell coverage is inconsistent. Sprint users have reported dead zones, while Verizon and T-Mobile users have had better luck, with one camper confirming 5G on T-Mobile. The access road can be rough in spots, so tow vehicles and low-clearance rigs should approach with some caution. Wildlife is active throughout the park: squirrels and skunks are bold around food left unattended, so securing trash when leaving a site is worth the habit. Nightly rates run $16 to $55 depending on site type, and the park stays open year-round. For campers who prefer a quieter, more private setup, Pecan Flats Trail Hike-In Sites — Inks Lake State Park provides a walk-in alternative within the same park.
Description
Inks Lake State Park is great for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Because the lake’s level usually stays constant, you can play here year-round.
Inks Lake camping offers many activities such as backpack, geocache, play volleyball, picnic, and observe nature. We have 9 miles of hiking trails through shady forests and across rocky hills. Hike Pecan Flats, a self-guided 3.3-mile trail that is perfect for the whole family, or stop by our bird blind. Rent our group picnic pavilion for your next family reunion. Take a virtual tour with our interactive trails map.
On the water, you can swim (no lifeguards on duty), boat, water ski, scuba dive and fish. We have set aside a large, no-wake zone for paddling.
Stay at one of nearly 200 campsites or 22 cabins (two are ADA-accessible). Many sites are lakeside or have easy access to the lake. Several camping loops have playgrounds. Sponsored youth groups can rent our youth group camping area.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsInks Lake State Park Campground is located in Texas near Buchanan Dam
Directions
From Austin: Take HWY 71 West to HWY 290. Hwy 290 to Hwy 281. Hwy 281 to P Park Rd 4. Turn left on Park Rd 4 for 12 miles. Or Hwy 183 to Hwy 29. Hwy 29 to Burnet. From Burnet take Hwy 29 West for 9 miles. Turn left on Park Road 4, go 3 miles to Park Headquarters. From San Antonio: Take Hwy 281 North to Park Rd. 4. Turn Left on park road 4 for 12 miles until you reach the park. Trailer recommended to take 29 west for 9 miles from Burnet to Park Rd. South 3 miles to Park Headquarters. STOPPING ALONG PARK ROAD 4 IS PROHIBITED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS.
Address
3480 PARK ROAD 4 WEST
Burnet, TX 78611
Coordinates
30.73725733 N
98.36849728 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 7/13/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/13/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 7/13/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 58 min from Austin, TX
- 59 min from Killeen, TX
- 1 hr 42 min from San Antonio, TX
- 1 hr 50 min from Waco, TX




































































