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Texas
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Texas State Parks

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USA Parks
Texas
Hill Country Region
Inks Lake State Park
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Inks Lake State Park © Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Retaining walls at the boat dock are the most visible structures left of the work done by CCC Company 854 to improve Inks Lake State Park in Burnet County, Texas, United States.
Inks Lake State Park © Yamaplos / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Inks Lake State Park © Yamaplos / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Inks Lake State Park © Yamaplos / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Inks Lake State Park © No machine-readable author provided. Benjaminb~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Description Devils Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park Source Photo taken by Benjamin BruceDate 2006-01-02
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INKS LAKE STATE PARK
INKS LAKE STATE PARK
3630 Park Road 4 West
Burnet, Texas   78611
(lat:30.7374 lon:-98.369) map location

Phone: 512-793-2223
A dependable water source, abundant fish and game, and the areas natural beauty combined to make this an inviting location.
Nature of the Area
nks Lake State Park sits on the east edge of the Llano Uplift, the geologic heart of Texas. It has some of the best views of pre-Cambrian more than 600 million years old geology in the state.

The pink rock islands jutting up through the limestone in the park are metamorphic rock called Valley Spring gneiss nice. This gneiss is often mistaken for Town Mountain granite since they have similar color and texture. The small amount of granite in the park appears only as veins cutting through the gneiss.

Intense heat and pressure applied to the original rocks over millions of years formed gneiss. The original rocks were sedimentary formed from sand, silt and mud and igneous likely granite. Learn more on geology hikes offered throughout the year. Check the Events page for the next hike

History of the Area
The Colorado River is the largest river entirely within the state of Texas. It travels 862 miles almost 600 billion gallons of water flow in a typical year. With the steep slopes and thin, rocky soils of the area, the river flooded frequently and with devastating results.

The river was as much a danger as a blessing for nearby residents.

The Lower Colorado River Authority built a series of six dams to help control the river. Inks Lake is second lake in the series. Two dams form its boundaries Buchanan Dan to the north and Inks Dam to the south.

Dam construction provided needed work for local farmers and ranchers at the height of the Great Depression.

As part of the Colorado River improvements, the state legislature ordered the creation of a park on the new lake. The state parks board acquired about 1,200 acres for Inks Lake State Park in 1940. The National Park Service planned the parks improvements, with construction by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

CCC Company 854 was already in the area. Work on Longhorn Cavern State Park had begun in 1932 and finished in October of 1940. The men had also built a scenic parkway, complete with bridges and culverts made of local materials, to connect that park to nearby roadways.

The company immediately began its next assignment building facilities at Inks Lake State Park and extending the scenic parkway from Longhorn Cavern to Inks Lake.

With the approach of World War II, funding for the CCC dried up, and the Inks Lake CCC camp was abandoned 1942. Only remnants of their work remain in the park today.

The State Parks Board oversaw final construction of the park, and it opened in 1950.
Swimming
1. Inks Lake State Park offers a designated swimming area in the lake.
2. No lifeguards are on duty, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is allowed all year round due to constant water levels and temperatures.
4. The park also provides opportunities for snorkeling with clear visibility underwater.
5. The Devil's Waterhole is another popular spot within the park where visitors can cliff jump into deeper waters.
6. You may encounter local wildlife while swimming including fish, turtles and ducks.

Fishing
Enjoy fishing from the pier or shore for species like catfish, bass and sunfish. Boating is also permitted.

Crappie, white bass and several types of perch are other fish you might catch.

Fishing gear can be borrowed on-site without any fees.

No license is required to fish from a bank or pier within park boundaries.

The lake's clear water makes it perfect for fly-fishing as well.


Location
Inks Lake State Park is located near Burnet, Marble Falls and Austin

Picnicking
1. Inks Lake State Park offers numerous picnic tables with grills scattered throughout the park.
2. There are two group pavilions available for larger gatherings or parties.
3. Many picnic spots offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding nature.
4. Picnic areas near playgrounds provide fun options for families with children.
5. Some sites have nearby access to swimming, fishing, and boating facilities in the park.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the park's 7.5 miles of multi-use trails, suitable for all skill levels.

However, be aware that some paths are rocky and steep; caution is advised especially during wet conditions.

Mountain bikes will handle these terrains better than road or hybrid bicycles due to their sturdy construction.

Remember to wear a helmet at all times while biking in this area as safety should always come first.

Please note: off-trail cycling is not permitted within the boundaries of this natural reserve.

Check local weather forecasts before planning your bike ride since sudden changes could make routes slippery and dangerous.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species including the Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo and Painted Bunting. The park offers birding tours for enthusiasts. It is also home to waterfowl like ducks and herons due to its lake habitat. Raptors such as hawks are often seen soaring overhead.

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Freedom Lives Ranch RV Resort
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Buchanan Dam, TX
830-385-6735
Rio Vista Resort
234 Rio Vista Drive
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Sunset Point on Lake LBJ
2322 North Wirtz Dam Road
Marble Falls, TX
830-798-8199
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