While other Texas Hill Country lakes shrink to mudflats during drought, Inks Lake stays full year-round, a quirk of its dam management that’s made it one of the most reliable swimming and paddling destinations in the state. The reward for that consistency is Devil’s Waterhole, a cliff-jumping cove ringed by ancient pink gneiss rock formations, and a campground that books out months in advance despite having nearly 200 sites. This is a park that rewards planning, from knowing exactly when reservations open to understanding the current burn ban before you pack firewood.
Here’s what to know about fees, Devil’s Waterhole, and booking a site before your 2026 trip.
Inks Lake State Park Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Location | 9 miles west of Burnet, TX, in the Hill Country |
| Park size | Over 1,200 acres |
| Distance from Austin | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Day-use entrance fee | $7 per adult; 12 and under free |
| Devil’s Waterhole access | 0.2-mile flat trail from the designated parking area |
| Boat rentals | $20 first hour, $10 each additional hour; available 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Campsites | About 190–200 sites |
| Cabins | 20–22 units (2 ADA-accessible), around $80/night |
| Reservation window | Exactly 5 months (150 days) in advance, 8 a.m. Central |
| Current burn ban | In effect since July 9, 2026, until further notice |
| Park hunt dates | Dec. 4–6, 15–17; Jan. 5–7, 12–14, 19–21 (partial trail/campsite closures) |
Booking a Site: The Exact 150-Day Rule
This is the single most important detail for anyone hoping to camp or stay in a cabin here during peak season. Reservations open exactly five months, 150 days, before your arrival date, at 8 a.m. Central Time through the Texas State Parks reservation system. Given how quickly popular sites disappear, particularly the Live Oak loop closest to the swimming area and park store, being logged in and ready to book right at 8 a.m. on your specific 150-day mark is genuinely necessary rather than a nice-to-have for summer weekend availability.
Cabins are even harder to secure than campsites, booking up year-round rather than just during peak summer months, making them arguably the single hardest lodging category to reserve at any Texas state park. If your heart is set on a cabin stay, treat the exact 150-day opening as a hard deadline for your booking attempt rather than checking back casually over the following weeks.
Devil’s Waterhole: What to Expect
The park’s signature attraction is a natural swimming cove framed by high rock ledges made of ancient pink gneiss, one of the oldest exposed rock formations in Texas. Cliff jumping is a popular draw here, with ledges of varying heights suited to different comfort levels, though water depths can fluctuate slightly throughout the year, so always check current conditions before jumping rather than assuming depth based on a previous visit.
Reaching Devil’s Waterhole requires just a short, relatively flat 0.2-mile trail from the designated parking area, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors without demanding a serious hike. During peak summer months, arriving before 10 a.m. is genuinely necessary to secure a spot along the rocky shoreline, since this spot draws crowds fast once the day heats up.
Fishing: A Genuine No-License Perk
Inks Lake’s constant water level, maintained regardless of broader regional drought conditions, makes it a premier fishing destination, with abundant structural cover from rock piles and brush supporting sunfish, catfish, and multiple bass species. According to official Texas Parks and Wildlife guidance, fishing from the bank within the park doesn’t require a fishing license, a genuine perk for casual anglers who don’t want to deal with licensing paperwork for a quick afternoon of fishing during their visit. If you’re fishing from a boat rather than the shore, standard Texas fishing license requirements still apply, so confirm current rules based on exactly how you plan to fish.
Paddling and Boat Rentals
The park maintains a large no-wake zone specifically for paddling, and the on-site store rents paddle boats, canoes, single and double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, life vests, and paddles. Rentals run $20 for the first hour and $10 for each additional hour, available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weather permitting, with all boats due back by 4 p.m. If you’re planning a paddling trip to explore beyond the main swimming areas, particularly toward the small canyon or upstream toward Valley Spring Creek’s seasonal waterfalls, renting early in the day gives you the most time on the water before the return deadline.
Current Conditions: Burn Ban and Hunt Closures
Two active conditions are worth knowing before your visit. As of July 9, 2026, a burn ban remains in effect at Inks Lake until further notice, prohibiting any ash-producing fires including wood or charcoal. Containerized fuel sources like propane remain permitted for cooking, so a propane stove or grill is your safe bet for camp cooking during this period rather than a traditional campfire.
Separately, the park hosts scheduled hunts across several dates in December and January (Dec. 4–6, 15–17; Jan. 5–7, 12–14, 19–21), during which some hiking trails, west loop campsites, and primitive campsites close from 5 p.m. the evening before each hunt begins until 2 p.m. on the day it ends. The main campground, cabins, and most of the park remain open throughout these dates, with only drawn, permitted hunters allowed in the specific closed areas. If your winter trip overlaps with these dates, check which trails or campsites might be affected before finalizing your itinerary.
Wildlife Watching and Ranger Programs
Inks Lake runs an active calendar of ranger-led programs throughout the year, including guided hikes to Devil’s Waterhole, kayak tours, birding walks, and hands-on wildlife education sessions like “Skins and Skulls.” These programs are generally free with park admission and offer genuine added value beyond a self-guided visit, particularly for families with kids interested in the Junior Ranger Program. Some popular programs, like guided kayak tours, fill to capacity and close registration ahead of time, so checking the park’s event calendar and registering in advance is worth doing if a specific program is central to your visit plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Exactly when should I try to book a campsite or cabin for a summer weekend?
Reservations open precisely 150 days (5 months) before your intended arrival date, at 8 a.m. Central Time. Be logged into the reservation system and ready to book at that exact moment, especially for cabins or the popular Live Oak loop, since these fill within minutes during peak season.
Q2. Do I need a fishing license to fish at Inks Lake?
Fishing from the bank within the park doesn’t require a license according to Texas Parks and Wildlife guidance. If you’re fishing from a boat, standard Texas fishing license requirements still apply, so confirm based on your specific setup.
Q3. Can I have a campfire right now given the burn ban?
No. As of July 9, 2026, a burn ban remains in effect prohibiting wood or charcoal fires. Containerized fuel sources like propane stoves and grills remain permitted for cooking, so plan your camp meals around that instead of a traditional fire.
Q4. Will hunting season closures affect my winter camping trip?
Possibly, depending on your dates. Scheduled hunts run Dec. 4–6, 15–17, and Jan. 5–7, 12–14, 19–21, closing some trails, west loop campsites, and primitive sites from the evening before each hunt through 2 p.m. on its final day. The main campground and cabins remain open throughout, so check current closure specifics if your visit overlaps with these dates.
