Inks Lake State Park Camping & Reservations
The water park of Texas state parks — with a lake that stays full even in drought, Devil’s Waterhole cliff jumping, and kayak rentals right in the park. Summer weekends book fast. Here’s how to get a site.
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How to Get a Reservation at Inks Lake
With 190 sites and 20 cabins, Inks Lake has more capacity than most parks — but its reputation for reliable swimming means summer weekends still book up fast.
Know the 5-month rule
Texas state parks open reservations exactly 5 months in advance at midnight Central Time. For Memorial Day weekend, that means booking in late December. For a July 4th trip, book February 4 at midnight. Popular summer weekends, spring break, and fall holidays move fast.
Book the lake-side sites and cabins first
The Live Oak loop (sites 50–90) fills first because of its proximity to the swimming area and park store. The 20 cabins are the hardest to book at any time of year — they're popular in every season. If cabins are your goal, check availability the moment the booking window opens and have a backup site picked out.
Pick your site based on what you want
For families with kids: Live Oak loop puts you closest to the swimming area, park store, and boat rentals. For RVs: Post Oak loop (1–49) has full hookups with the largest pads. For solitude: Valley Spring Creek walk-in tent sites are wooded and quiet. For a special trip: a cabin with lake view and kitchenette beats any campsite.
Inks Lake's constant lake level is a real advantage
Unlike Lake Travis, Buchanan, or other Highland Lakes that drop during drought, Inks Lake stays full year-round as a run-of-the-river reservoir. This means you can book it confidently even in dry years when other lake parks are disappointing. The swimming and boating are reliable no matter when you visit.
Summer weekends already booked?
Set an alert and we’ll notify you the moment a cancellation opens. Inks Lake sees regular cancellations, especially for cabins.
Set a Cancellation Alert →Campsite Types & Pricing
Full Hookup — Post Oak
$25/nightSites 1–49 · 49 sites · Water, Sewer, 30/50-amp Electric
Best for RVs — largest pads, pull-through available
Water + Electric — Live Oak
$20/nightSites 50–90 · 41 sites · Water, 20/30-amp Electric
Best for families — closest to swimming area and store
Water + Electric — Pecan Flats
$20/nightSites 91–139 · 49 sites · Water, 20/30-amp Electric
Large loop with shade — good for both tents and RVs
Walk-in Tent — Valley Spring Creek
$15/nightSites 140–165 · 26 sites · Water nearby
Most secluded — wooded, short pack-in, real quiet
Cabin — Lakeshore
$80/nightC1–C20 · 20 sites · Electric, AC/Heat, Kitchenette
Lakeside cabins — the best experience in the park
+ $6/person entrance fee. Texas State Parks Pass ($70/yr) waives entrance fees.
Devil’s Waterhole & Lake Activities
Devil’s Waterhole is Inks Lake’s signature spot — a natural granite cove where pink granite ledges descend into a deep, clear pool. It’s a popular spot for cliff jumping (from modest heights), swimming in calm water, and paddling the pink granite shoreline in a kayak. Get there early on summer weekends or you’ll be competing for space on the rocks.
The lake itself is remarkably consistent — because Inks Lake is a run-of-the-river reservoir with no capacity to store extra water, it stays at the same level year-round regardless of drought. This is a genuine advantage over most Highland Lakes, which can drop 30–40 feet in bad drought years.
Lake level
Stays constant year-round — reliable even in drought
Rentals
Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards — book at the park concession
Devil's Waterhole
Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends for the best spots
Best Time to Camp at Inks Lake
Crowd levels, temperatures, and booking difficulty by month.
40–62°F
Quiet. Lake at full level. Fishing is excellent.
45–66°F
Very easy to book. Good for golf and fishing.
55–78°F
Spring break hits hard. Lake and swimming area pack out.
65–85°F
Wildflowers and warmer temps. Paddling is excellent.
70–90°F
Memorial Day = sold out. Book 5 months out or set alert.
78–95°F
Full summer. Devil's Waterhole packed by noon.
82–98°F
Peak season. Lake's constant level is the superpower here.
80–97°F
Still hot, still full. Swimming is still perfect.
72–90°F
Crowds thin out. Water still warm. Great time to visit.
60–80°F
Excellent weather for paddling and hiking. Less crowded.
48–70°F
Quiet season. Fishing picks up. Cabins easier to book.
40–62°F
Off-season peace. Good fishing. Cabins still available.
What to Know Before You Go
- →Devil's Waterhole gets crowded fast on summer weekends — arrive before 10 AM to claim a good spot on the granite
- →The lake level stays constant year-round, making Inks Lake a reliable pick even during Texas drought years
- →Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available at the park concession — no need to haul your own gear
- →Summer weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day) book fast — use the 5-month window or set a cancellation alert
- →The 20 lakeside cabins book up year-round, not just in summer — reserve these as soon as the window opens
- →The 9-hole golf course is surprisingly fun and a great way to spend a morning before the lake gets busy
- →Sites closer to the lake (Live Oak loop) can be noisy on summer weekends — back loops are quieter if that matters
- →A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) pays for itself quickly for families (waives $6/person entrance fee)
Inks Lake Camping FAQ
What is Devil's Waterhole at Inks Lake?+
Devil's Waterhole is a natural granite cove on the lake's shoreline where pink granite ledges drop into a clear pool. It's popular for cliff jumping (modest heights), swimming, and kayaking. It's one of the most scenic and accessible swimming spots in the Texas state park system. Get there early on summer weekends before the crowds arrive.
Does Inks Lake stay full in drought?+
Yes — Inks Lake is a run-of-the-river reservoir that stays at a constant level regardless of rainfall. This is a major advantage over Lake Travis, Buchanan, and other nearby lakes that can drop dramatically in drought years. When other parks' lakes are disappointingly low, Inks Lake looks exactly the same as always.
Are the cabins at Inks Lake worth it?+
Absolutely, especially for families or couples. The 20 lakeside cabins have climate control (AC and heat), kitchenettes, bunk beds, and covered porches. Most have lake views. At around $80/night they're priced higher than campsites but lower than a hotel, and the experience of waking up at the lake is hard to replicate.
Can I bring my RV to Inks Lake?+
Yes — the Post Oak loop (sites 1–49) has 49 full hookup sites (water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric) and is Inks Lake's best bet for RVs. Larger rigs should check site length before booking. The Pecan Flats and Live Oak loops also accommodate RVs with water and electric.
Is Inks Lake good for fishing?+
Yes — Inks Lake is a solid fishing destination year-round for bass, catfish, and perch. Winter and early spring are particularly productive for bass. The pink granite shoreline and clear water make for good sight-fishing in the shallows. Bring your own gear or check with the park store about rentals.
Other Hill Country Parks to Consider
Don’t let Inks Lake sell out on you
Set a cancellation alert and we’ll email you the moment a site or cabin opens. Summer weekends and cabin slots see frequent cancellations.
Set Alert for Inks Lake →