The Secret Family Lake in Texas Where You Can Rent Kayaks for Under $25

The water stays at the same level when every other Texas lake drops to mud flats during drought.

The kayaks rent for $20 the first hour and $10 each additional hour—less than you’d pay for a mediocre lunch.

And the swimming hole locals call Devil’s Waterhole has cliff-jumping ledges up to 40 feet above water so clear you can see the bottom.

Inks Lake State Park sits just an hour northwest of Austin, occupying 1,201 acres of pink granite outcrops, ancient metamorphic rock, and blue water that makes the Texas Hill Country look like it belongs on a postcard.

Where is Inks Lake State Park Located?

The park lies nine miles west of Burnet in both Burnet and Llano counties, reached via Park Road 4 off State Highway 29.

From Austin, the drive runs about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. San Antonio is roughly two hours.

The landscape here consists of something called Valley Spring gneiss—pronounced “nice”—a metamorphic rock that looks like granite but formed nearly 1.3 billion years ago.

The Civilian Conservation Corps began developing the site in the 1930s, constructing roads, culverts, and the original boathouse.

The park spans both forested areas and cleared land, with over nine miles of hiking trails threading through the property.

The Water That Never Quits

Inks Lake functions differently from most Texas reservoirs. Because it sits immediately below massive Lake Buchanan and above the other Highland Lakes, the Lower Colorado River Authority manages it as a constant-level pool.

Water flows in from Buchanan and out through the dam to downstream lakes, maintaining the same approximate surface elevation regardless of regional drought conditions.

When Lake Travis drops 30 feet during dry years, Inks Lake might fluctuate a foot or two.

This consistency transforms family planning. You can book a camping trip six months in advance, knowing the swimming beach will actually meet the water when you arrive.

The boat ramp stays functional. The kayak launch point doesn’t require a half-mile portage across the exposed lake bed.

For families with limited vacation time and zero tolerance for disappointing kids, that reliability matters enormously.

The park store rents paddle boats, canoes, single and double kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards—all $20 for the first hour, $10 for each additional hour, available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with boats due back by 4 p.m.

They also loan fishing rods, reels, and tackle boxes free of charge.

Devil’s Waterhole and Other Must-See Spots

The park’s signature attraction is Devil’s Waterhole, a deep pool where Valley Spring Creek meets the main lake body.

Granite cliffs—actually gneiss, but who’s arguing—rise around the cove, creating natural diving platforms at various heights.

Most jumpers use the 15 to 20-foot ledges. The highest point atop the main boulder reaches about 40 feet, though park staff understandably don’t encourage it.

Three dedicated paddling trails opened in 2023.

This includes the Devil’s Waterhole Paddling Trail through the protected no-wake zone, and the Stumpy Hollow Paddling Trail through a “ghost forest” where flooded woodland left only treetops jutting from water.

The Devil’s Backbone Trail (3.5 miles, moderate) follows the northern shoreline with panoramic lake views.

Where the Water Level Never Lets You Down

The park operates nearly 200 lakeside campsites plus 22 cabins. Sites with electricity and water run $23 nightly; water-only sites cost $16. Basic screened shelters and primitive backpacking sites offer cheaper options.

Day-use entry costs $7 per person ages 13 and up; children 12 and under enter free. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70 annually) provides unlimited entry to all state parks. The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes to day visitors at 10 p.m.

The park store opens at 8:30 a.m. with variable closing times—call (512) 793-2033 for current hours.

For more information about Inks Lake State Park, visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website at tpwd.texas.gov or call (512) 793-2223 for current conditions and availability.

Use the map to explore boat ramps, swimming areas, hiking trails, and the famous Devil’s Waterhole inside the park.

Where: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611

Inks Lake State Park isn’t just a family lake—it’s one of Texas’s most reliable, affordable waterfront escapes, where constant blue water, ancient rock scenery, and easy paddling create the perfect outdoor day for all ages.