There’s a Devil’s Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I have personally used and would recommend. Also, Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

“Wait! What? A devil’s waterhole in Inks Lake State Park?” you might wonder. You are right, but there’s nothing to worry. It’s only a small part of the Inks Lake State Park where you can swim and jump from the cliff, or row your canoe to this inlet. Sounds cool, right?

But why they named it Devil’s Waterhole? Well, legend has it that the land’s previous owner liked to curse – loudly – whenever his wagon got stuck crossing it.

The first impression we got when we arrived at Inks Lake State Park was, this park is for kayaking or canoeing. We saw people paddling at every corner of the lake or kayaks/canoes rested by the campsites when the owner had their bbq lunch. When we stopped at the store, people were lining up at the kayaks/canoes rental as well. Later we read that the lake’s level usually stays constant so it is really good for water sports. No wonder!

Our first visit was during Spring Break, and we visited again during Thanksgiving Break. Two of their busiest season, besides summertime. Visitors to the park were kayaking/canoeing also during Thanksgiving, because the weather was still nice.

Of course that’s not the only thing you can do at this place. You can swim, boat, water ski, scuba dive, or fish. On land, you can camp, backpack, geocache, and observe nature.

If your family likes to hike, Inks Lake State Park has 9 miles of hiking trails through shady forests and across rocky hills. Do the Pecan Flat trails, a self-guided 3.3-mile trail that is perfect for the whole family.

But, either you stay for a night or two, or just visiting for a few hours on your way to Fredericksburg, a visit to Devil’s Waterhole is a must.

Devil’s Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park

Devil’s waterhole, Devil’s watering hole, Devil’s hole, whatever you call it, is located on the east side of Inks Lake State Park. It’s where the Spring Creek and Inks Lake meet.

From the park entrance you will make a right and follow the road until you see a sign that will direct you to the Devil’s Waterhole.

Even though the parking lot can have a good number of cars, I suggest you to arrive early to secure you a spot since it’s the most popular destination in the park. If you stay in the park, it will be better if you walk or ride your bike to Devil’s Waterhole.

From the parking you will hike on Devil’s Waterhole Nature Trail to the swimming hole. It’s an easy 0.18 mi trail with great views of the lake and access to several fishing spots.

When you get to the waterhole, you will see rocks that makes you want to explore it right away. You must climb these rocks. Not all part of the rocks are easy to climb, but climbing the rocks is a fun way to explore the Devil’s Waterhole area. You will see the Devil’s Waterhole from above, and you will see more of shallow swimming holes as you walk towards Valley Spring Creek Waterfall.

Remember! You do the rock exploration around Devil’s Waterhole at your own risk! Just like swimming in the waterhole or jumping from the cliff. No lifeguards on duty!

If you want to do more hikes, there’s a trail starting at Devil’s Waterhole, the Valley Spring Creek Trail. Another easy trail, .84 mi, that will take you along Spring Creek before looping back around through oak, juniper, and mesquite woodlands.

Before you loop back on Spring Creek Trail, you will see another trail, the Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail. A moderate and a bit longer trail, 1.15 mi, that will take you crosses the creek to several beautiful vistas of Inks Lake as you walk along the north shore line. You will stop at Devil’s Waterhole Scenic Overlook and a bird blind at the end of trail.

In the springtime, weather is normally warm enough for visitors to jump into the water. When we visited during Spring Break, teenagers were having a blast jumping from the rocks into the Devil’s Hole.

As our son was too young to jump from the cliff, we walked further to the bank and found a spot to rest while watching him playing in the water. It’s a nice spot for family with little children.

• 

• 

Our son had fun playing in the water and I felt guilty because I didn’t pack his swim trunk. I thought about jumping into the water, too, but I didn’t have clean clothes anymore in the car. Oh, well.

When we visited during Thanksgiving Break, we didn’t see visitors swimming, but some of them were kayaking and fishing. I think the water temperature was not good for swimming anymore.

Unique Geology of Inks Lake State Park

When exploring the Devil’s Waterhole area, I was struck with the beautiful pink rocks protrudes through the limestone. It reminded me of Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg.

From the park’s brochure I learned that they are metamorphic rocks 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.

Inks Lake State Park sits on the east edge of the Llano Uplift, the geologic heart of Texas. It has some of the best view of pre-Cambrian (more than 600 million years old) geology in the state; those pink rocks that you won’t miss seeing them while in the park.

Snakes In The Park

Unfortunately, many snakes live in the park. Good thing is, most of them are nonvenomous.

Water snakes like diamond-back water snake (or blotched water snake) are the vast majority of snake sightings. These snakes are nonvenomous, but can expel a very foul smelling musk when bothered. Also, they are not afraid to strike.

Venomous snakes like western diamondback rattlesnake, western cottonmouth (or water moccasin), and Texas coral snake live here, but they rarely see these snakes.

So, what to do when we encounter a snake? Number one, leave them alone! Do not attempt to poke, prod, or move the snake. When you see them while swimming, just move away. Most snake bites occur when people go off the trail, stick their hands and feet under ledges or crevices, or try to move, touch, or kill the snakes.

We saw one when we were rock hopping around Valley Spring Creek on Thanksgiving Break.

Where To Stay in Inks Lake State Park

There are nearly 200 campsites and 22 cabins (with AC and two are ADA-accessible) in the park. You can choose from campsites with electricity, electricity for tent only, campsites with water, or primitive campsites (hike-in.) Many of them are lakeside or have easy access to the lake. If you come with a sponsored youth group, you can rent the park’s youth group camping area.

Newly renovated restrooms can be found at every loops, with flush toilets and hot showers in every one of them. Also, several camping loops have playground.

Tips to know before visiting the park:

– Lake’s level usually stays constant.

– Book your site in advance especially during peak season (summer, Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break.)

– Entrance fee: $6/adult (day use); kids 12 and under are free. Or use your Texas State Park Pass.

– The park store sells food, camping supplies, and souvenirs.

– Sweet Marleys trailer, located next to the general store, offers snow cones, root beer floats, nachos, hot dogs, and more from Friday-Sunday.

– About 6.4 miles to the south is Longhorn Cavern State Park with its unique flow cave formation. Don’t forget to stop here while you are visiting Inks Lake SP.

Have you been to Devil’s Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park? Tell me your experiences by leaving a comment below. I would love to hear that.

Location: 3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, TX 78611. Phone: (512) 793-2223.

As always, I’m very happy when you help me sharing this post in your social medias. Or, pin these images for later. Have a great time outdoor!