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Inks Lake Campground

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Inks Lake Campground offers nearly 200 sites across multiple loops, with a range of amenities.

Many of the campsites are on the water, and—miracle of miracles—people who stay here tend to actually observe quiet hours. Sites are well-kept and you can choose a primitive backpacking site, a site with water and/or electricity, or even a mini-cabin. The only catch is that you need to book well in advance for spring and summer stays.

Notable Camping Spots

Best for peaceful water access: The Central Loop is the closest to Devil’s Waterhole and the farthest from boat traffic.
Best for comfort: Twenty-two cabins, including two ADA-accessible cabins, offer bunk beds and air conditioning but no water or restrooms.
Best to escape the crowds: Nine primitive campsites requiring a mile-and-a-half hike in offer solitude, though you must bring water and ground fires are prohibited.

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94%

70 ratings · 15 reviews

Shana B.recommends

February 4, 2021

Great park + campgrounds less than 1.5 hr from Austin. Our site was beautiful + near the lake + felt private considering how close to the bathrooms + trails. Popular park so try to go during the week, but even when busy, easy to find less traveled trails + some peace + quiet.

Douglas G.recommends

April 22, 2019

Very crowded park on the weekend. The lake is awesome!

Michelle T.recommends

November 20, 2018

It's very very busy!

Christian S.

October 3, 2018

Their cabins need to be updated BAD!

Lauren G.recommends

December 2, 2017

Favorite place to camp!

Kelsie L.recommends

November 24, 2017

Close enough to hop over to Longhorn Caverns and take a tour or a nearby cave system but still head back for lunch or dinner. Hiking trails are available and, depending on the weather, the lake could be fun to take a dip in. It can get crowded as it isn't a large state park and doesn't have a ton of campsites so it's always important to call well in advance and see what's available.

Juli T.

October 8, 2017

Just got back from Inks Lake and not impressed. Maybe it is a fall thing, but our camp site was full of sand/grass spurs! Nothing like camping in the middle of cacti! We were on site 94. We tried to get rid of them, but realized it was over run and we would never see the end. I thought our tent would be fine, but took one step in without shoes only to have them go right through the bottom. We didn't want to leave so we ended up buying carpets at a walmart to cover the floor. Otherwise, I was afraid they would puncture our air mattresses. I am surprised no one has mentioned them. My poor feet and hands are just sore from getting stuck all weekend. It is quiet and they rent canoes and kayaks.

Kristina D.

September 11, 2017

Took a quick camping trip this weekend to Inks Lake and set up camp right next to the lake. Rented kayaks from the boathouse and easily rowed over to Devils Waterhole to enjoy swimming and cliff jumping. The hiking trails were easy but beautiful, and my three year old loved being able to lead us on our trek since he is normally strapped to our back. Close to Longhorn Caverns. Loved this small park - such a gem.

Marilyn M.

August 12, 2017

We discovered Ink's Lake through an outing organized Southwest Teardrop and Vintage Campers. It is just over an hour from our home. Although we were there on a busy summer weekend, we were impressed by the facilities including a well stocked store. Our site was on the way to the Devils Water Hole, on one of the inlets. We were visited by Canadian geese and ducks as well as the numerous friendly squirrels. We plan to return soon.

Cameron F.

May 22, 2017

Inks Lake is one of my favorite spots in Texas. Awesome trails, water to cool off in, and rocks to jump off of! Perfect place for individuals or families. Truly a gem of Texas!

Havalah W.recommends

May 22, 2017

super good water temps

Molly H.

January 18, 2017

I love Inks Lake. It's my favorite go to state park in Texas. The campgrounds are clean and spacious – you don't feel like you're on top of people. Definitely a great place to go during the warmer times of year to take a dip in the lake. Some of the best sunsets I've seen in Texas.

Jennifer Y.

August 31, 2016

This place is a great weekend spot; but it's also pretty busy. I have hiked most of the area and have seen the swimming hole. I recommend tent camping because you can usually get a spot right next to the lake.

Marissa L.

January 11, 2016

A great place for a weekend camp with kids. A nice shallow lake bed for young kids (plus all those mussel shells to pick through!), easy hiking trails that are still entertaining for an adult, and a camp store in case you forgot anything. There's even a playground (we've never used it - always too busy romping on the rocks or in the woods), fishing piers, and a bird blind which I feel is a much overlooked feature because you have to drive out of the official entrance to get to it. It's worth the stop! The site fills fast, so reserve your spot before heading out. I prefer the water-only sites on the west side as they seem to be less crowded and quieter.

Mitch H.

February 7, 2015

Ink's Lake is my number one weekend campsite. Just over an hour from Austin, TX, this site has it all- A beautiful lake (as you might have guessed from the name), picturesque cliffs, miles of hiking trails and excellent facilities for campers of any level. I couldn't recommend it more.

Your guide to camping in Inks Lake Campground

Overview

Biking

The biking trails at Inks Lake State Park are primarily all-mountain and downhill trails. There are three trails available that total 2.7 miles in length. The terrain is some jeep road, gravel double track, dirt singletrack, and technical rocky climbs and descents.

Boating

On the lake, you can boat and water ski! Be aware of your surroundings, as there are marked areas for no wake zones for paddling.

Fishing

Inks Lake is the perfect place for successful fishing in Texas. Find sunfish, catfish and several species of bass. There are two fishing piers, fish cleaning stations, and a boat ramp. You do not need a fishing license to fish from a pier or the shore in the state park!

Hiking

At Inks Lake State Park there are 9 miles of hiking trails through shady forests and across rocky hills. Definitely check out Pecan Flats, a self-guided 3.3-mile trail that is perfect for the whole family. Another place to check out is hiking the small canyon at Devil’s Waterhole.

Paddling

Bring your own gear or rent paddle boats, canoes, one- to two-person kayaks, life vests and paddles at the park store.

Swimming

Since the lake’s level stays pretty constant, swimming is available year round at Inks Lake! Just be aware there are no lifeguards on duty.

Wildlife watching

Inks Lake State Park is home to ancient geology, and a wide variety of native plants and animals. There is an abundance of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, but the coolest history of the lake comes from the rock formations. Some of the geology here is more than 600 million years old! Make sure to check out the sunset over the lake—it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the state park.