Inks Lake...don't see what the big deal is... - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

remcycle · 11-20-2006, 10:52 AM

Hi everyone...

So last weekend my family and I took our first trip to Inks Lake...and I honestly don't see what the big deal is!

What I will give it is that it's a nice place to bring your kids if you just want to let them run around with other kids, as there are about a billion of them. Further, I've talked to former scout leaders who tell tales of bringing 50 scouts up, renting the entire fleet of canoes, large bonfires, pow-wows and the like, and I'm sure Inks carries nothing but fond memories for them.

But for us (I'm 30, my wife is 28, and our daughter is 5 and we really enjoy our off-trail adventures), I'd have to say Inks is pretty boring. The best part was climbing the walls over by Devil's Waterhole, but other than that, I'm not entirely sure what all the fuss is about. We finished our weekend wishing that we had driven the extra hour to Enchanted Rock, our favorite park, instead.

How about your Inks stories...what does Inks Lake do for you?

rockhill · 11-20-2006, 02:58 PM

Well I would fall into that category of folks who are not big Inks Lake SP fans. We had assorted problems at that park: indifferent park employees, people parked in our site who would not move their car, lack of response from same employees when this problem brought to them, sites too close together...other that that, nice park.
There are legions of people who rave about the park and I am happy for them. As for me and my camper, there are better choices out there.
Just my opinion because you asked for others stories

Shannon · 11-20-2006, 03:47 PM

Justin and I have not yet camped at Inks Lake SP. Thus far, we have visited the park for day trips only, generally when we're staying overnight in Marble Falls or elsewhere on wildflower hunting trips. We have hiked there but find the hiking at Enchanted Rock SNA more up our alley since one gets a more "remote" feeling at ERock than Inks.

I would like to kayak or canoe out at Inks, and we do plan to camp there at some point (off season). Enchanted Rock gets swamped with people, as well, so I don't think the overnight camping experience -- unless one camps at a primitive site @ ERock -- is likely all that different. The crowds go with the territory at all popular Texas State Parks/State Natural Areas.

Enchanted Rock has the added bonus of it being a popular rock climbing locale so you often get to see climbers and bouldering enthusiasts working the rock; Inks Lake has the same type of terrain, but fewer hills/elevation changes so it's more a hike/boulder scramble environment.

happybooker1 · 11-20-2006, 06:08 PM

My almost-10 YO son said "THE CLIFFS". My brother takes his boat and we go exploring. Now I admit that Inks is a SMALL lake, but it has some great dams to explore.

We wouldn't go at a time we couldn't swim however.

remcycle · 11-20-2006, 06:11 PM

Yeah, I'd have to say that that's Inks' saving grace...the amount of vertical climbing opportunities and the fact that it doesn't take very long to get to them.

Other than that, I enjoy ERock much more...and even though the camping does indeed get crowded, the spaces are still heavily wooded and far enough apart that you can still get a bit of privacy. There are also fantastic primitive options.

campermom · 11-20-2006, 06:33 PM

For us it is a summer only type of park. We know the swimming in a constant, clear lake is a huge draw, almost as crowded as Garner. If you like hiking, Perdernales is nice, Lake Mineral Wells, South Llano river, Lost Maples are all nice. Some parks seem more seasonal than others. I enjoy the solitude but when camping with a kiddo, they need to have fun stuff too. For us, it's compromise. Hope you can find another park you like just as much as Enchanted. This time of year ( other than the holiday weekend), there aren't as many crowds.

Turn Key · 11-21-2006, 09:56 PM

I like Inks most any time and if nothing changes, it looks like we're headed there this coming Sunday

. Should be there until Friday and I'm looking forward to it. About the only time I don't care for it is on the weekend as it gets so busy, even the deer desert the place

! Oh well. We shouldn't be getting there until about mid-afternoon Sunday and by then the "Weekend Warriors" have pretty well called it a day. That said, all I can add is that this is the reason we have sooo many choices.

Happy Camping!

Mean Machine · 01-12-2007, 11:34 AM

Well, I'll chime in and say I like Inks Lake SP. We stay over on the more primitive side, there are some really great spots, secluded, and on the water. Great for campfires, canoeing and just relaxing.
We had a great time this past Thanksgiving. One thing that I don't think a lot fo folks are aware of is the National Fish Hatchery at Inks Lake Dam. It is a really neat place to go check out for young and old. My son and I went over on Thanksgivign Day and the Ranger was just starting to feed the fish. It was amazing. From Inks Lake SP, you can ride your bike there easily or drive if you so choose. I liek Inks because it's close and just right for a quick weekend getaway.

CyberCelt · 01-16-2007, 11:31 AM

I believe Inks is a constant level lake. This is a real plus when most of the lakes are dry, which, last year, was most of them. Thank God for the rain we are receiving now.

You did not say what you like to do when you camp, so I can only make general suggestions: LCRA and GBRA parks are usually not crowded. Try gem hunting in Mason or finding agates in the high country. Kayak the Lighthouse Lakes Trail. See the Bald Eagles at Canyon of the Eagles. Visit the Presidio and Mission at Goliad. Follow the Mission Trail in San Antonio. Zip through the tree tops around Spicewood. Discover Civil War trenches on Matagorda Island. Visit the Whooping Cranes at Aransas Wildlife Refuge. Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at Blanco.

If you like Enchanted Rock, grab a Roadside Geology book and find other amazing features in the Texas Hill Country. Do not miss the Willow City Loop drive when driving to or from Enchanted Rock.

There is so much in Texas to see. Discover it with your family.

aggiehiker92 · 01-16-2007, 11:50 AM

Inks Lake for me is a nice place to unwind during the week, but the weekend mayhem is really too much. The place is beautiful, in particular the Devil's Swimminghole area. The campgrounds are packed in like sardines, however.

The REAL saving grace is Parkroad 4 toward Longhorn Caverns. Beautiful drive indeed!! Even better is the "rollercoaster hill" between Longhorn Caverns and US281 on PR 4. I've been known to detour on this road when travelling 281 just to lose my stomach and hear the kids scream!!!

remcycle · 03-08-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggiehiker92

Inks Lake for me is a nice place to unwind during the week, but the weekend mayhem is really too much. The place is beautiful, in particular the Devil's Swimminghole area. The campgrounds are packed in like sardines, however.

The REAL saving grace is Parkroad 4 toward Longhorn Caverns. Beautiful drive indeed!! Even better is the "rollercoaster hill" between Longhorn Caverns and US281 on PR 4. I've been known to detour on this road when travelling 281 just to lose my stomach and hear the kids scream!!!

Oh we love that road! I always wonder if I'm going to bottom-out the car there.

BigBendHiker · 03-10-2007, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberCelt

Visit the Presidio and Mission at Goliad. Follow the Mission Trail in San Antonio.

If you like Enchanted Rock, grab a Roadside Geology book and find other amazing features in the Texas Hill Country. Do not miss the Willow City Loop drive when driving to or from Enchanted Rock.

There is so much in Texas to see. Discover it with your family.

Second the suggestion to visit the Presidio and Mission at Goliad and Willow City Loop is an absolute must-do. It is an incredible drive.

BBH

03-20-2007, 06:31 AM

I should say that the place is quite boring for someone who is nearing 30. But, hey it is a good place for the kids.

srds · 03-26-2007, 12:46 PM

I've been going to Inks Lake since cub scouts 40 years are so ,and to me it's like comfort food.We always have a great time because we don't let the little things bug us.I'm glad to here some people did'nt like it there,more room for the ones that do.