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Inks Lake
Inks Lake is the small, steady sibling of the Highland Lakes, about 830 acres of clear water tucked between Lake Buchanan and Lake LBJ just west of Burnet. Because it is a pass-through lake, its level barely changes from season to season, so it is full and ready when bigger lakes nearby are low. Pink granite banks, rocky islands and calm coves make it one of the prettiest places in Central Texas to spend a day on the water.
Inks Lake State Park covers much of the east shore and is one of the most visited parks in Texas, so summer weekends are busy on land. Out on the water, an early start gives you smooth, quiet water.
Reserve Your Inks Day
MasterCraft surf boats for 12 to 18 people, three-seat Sea-Doos, a Kawasaki stand-up jet ski and a full rack of water toys, all ready at the lake when you arrive. Book online in a few minutes, or call or text 888-205-7119 any day from 7am to 10pm.
Inks Lake Quick Facts
| Where | Burnet County, west of Burnet and about an hour northwest of Austin |
| Nearby towns | Burnet, Buchanan Dam, Kingsland and Marble Falls |
| Size | About 830 surface acres, roughly 4 miles long |
| Depth | Up to about 60 feet |
| Water level | Nearly constant, usually within a foot all year |
| Managed by | Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA); Inks Lake State Park is run by Texas Parks and Wildlife |
| Best for | Calm-water tubing, scenic cruising and swimming coves |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
Inks has very few public ramps, and most boaters use the one inside the state park.
- Inks Lake State Park: the main public ramp, inside the park (park entrance fee applies). Arrive early on summer weekends, because the park can fill up.
- Lake Buchanan nearby: if you want a bigger lake for part of the day, Buchanan’s ramps are only minutes away.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Pink granite coves. Small coves lined with granite are perfect for a slow cruise, a swim stop or a float.
The main channel. The narrow main body is best for tubing and easy riding. Keep speeds sensible, because the lake is small and busy on weekends.
Give swimmers room. Swimmers, paddlers and cliff jumpers use the shoreline around the park. Idle well away from them.
Morning glass. With little wind protection on the open stretches, mornings bring the smoothest water for a surf set.
Rentals That Fit Inks Lake
On a small lake, a smaller group setup often works best. Two or three Sea-Doo jet ski rentals are a great way to explore the granite coves, and a MasterCraft surf boat rental for 12 to 18 people gives the whole group a home base for swimming and floating. Our water toys, from paddleboards to a floating lily pad, fit the calm water perfectly. Everything is ready at the lake, and life jackets are available for everyone.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Get there early. The state park often reaches capacity on summer weekends, so early arrival matters on land and on the water.
- Respect the shoreline crowd. Swimmers and paddlers are everywhere near the park. Slow down and keep your wake small.
- Pair it with Buchanan. If the group wants more room to run, split the day between Inks and Lake Buchanan.
- Pack water shoes. The granite rocks around the shoreline are hard on bare feet.
Rules on the Water
- Jet skis must be off the water between sunset and sunrise, and everyone riding wears a life jacket with the safety lanyard clipped to the driver.
- Stay at least 50 feet from other boats, swimmers, docks and the shoreline unless you are at idle speed.
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket whenever the boat is moving.
- When towing a rider, keep an observer on board watching them, and finish towing by a half hour after sunset.
- Follow Inks Lake State Park rules at the ramp and swim areas, and idle near the park’s shoreline.
More Highland Lakes
Lake Buchanan sits right above Inks and offers big open water. Downstream, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls and Lake Travis are all within a short drive. See every lake we serve on our destinations page.