The best camping in Inks Lake State Park, TX

Located an hour away from Austin, Inks Lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, fishing, water skiing, and boating. Cool off with a dip or dive off the granite cliffs around Devil’s Waterhole, a popular swimming and cliff jumping spot. Nine miles of hiking trails through rolling hills offer land-based fun, along with volleyball, geocaching, and picnicking. Birdwatchers can take advantage of blinds, while anglers can fish for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish, and use the convenient fish cleaning stations. The park’s campground offers nearly 200 campsites mostly along the lake, and includes everything from primitive to full hookup sites and camping cabins.

1. All campsites, including cabins and primitive sites, can be reserved up to five months in advance. Make a reservation as soon as you know your dates.
2. If your plans are flexible, try to visit during the week, during non-holiday periods, or in winter. The park, lake, and campgrounds are open year-round.
3. If visiting as part of a group, consider the group camp, which can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.

Summer is the perfect time to cool off in Inks Lake, and go fishing, swimming, paddling, and boating. It’s also the most popular time of year, followed by spring, when wildflowers are in bloom. The lake and park are open year-round, so time your visit for winter to escape the crowds and take advantage of weekly and monthly rates for campsites.

• The camp store rents canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. Rangers offer paddling programs, and there is a no-wake zone for paddling.
• Be careful when swimming or cliff jumping, as there are no lifeguards in the park.
• Bring binoculars to see the many birds in the park.
• Fishing licenses are not required when fishing from the two fishing piers and boat ramp, but are required if fishing from a boat.
• Pets are not allowed in the cabin area or primitive camping area.
• Leave your drones at home, as they’re not permitted inside the park.