Texas Parks 101: where can I swim amid this drought?

Posted: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:34 PM - 7,298 Readers

There is no doubt that this horrid summer drought has taken its toll upon the lakes here in Austin. Parts of Lake Travis have dried up into nothingness, as has Jones Brothers Park in Jonestown (there is nothing left).

Photos by Jessica Schneider

Yet, if you’re looking for some last minute summer activity, Inks Lake is a great place to visit, both for hiking, camping and swimming.

It also has nice bathrooms and showers (clean), and there are places to park near to the lake, where you can picnic and swim.

The hiking trails are enjoyable and not overly difficult, though there are parts that are not well marked. Yet despite this obstacle, navigating your way through the terrain is fairly easy since there are landmarks to note.

According to the website: “Visitors enjoy camping, backpacking, hiking, and golf. Since Inks is a constant level lake, droughts do not affect water-related activities such as lake swimming (unsupervised beach), boating, water skiing, scuba diving, and fishing.”

The park is located in Burnet and is definitely worth the stop. Visitors will have to pay a fee for parking, and there are many fun activities to do while visiting Inks Lake.

Photos by Jessica Schneider

* Story Contributed by: Jessica Schneider

[edit]

Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	34,690 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	28,367 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	31,315 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	29,475 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	33,468 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	29,834 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	27,616 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	26,867 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	30,599 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	23,137 Readers

Entertainment

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	27,747 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	25,750 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	29,282 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	28,179 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	31,996 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	27,702 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	29,971 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	27,536 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	37,760 Readers
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend Jul 1, 2016	39,456 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	14,977 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	29,657 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	22,977 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	24,451 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	24,469 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	24,739 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	26,492 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	29,680 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	27,167 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	28,421 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	22,518 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	27,072 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	28,460 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	38,747 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	38,358 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	36,037 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	38,111 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	40,481 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	40,854 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	41,761 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	26,750 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	25,788 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	26,349 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	27,016 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	27,763 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	27,478 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	27,305 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	26,573 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	27,896 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	36,497 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	26,302 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	24,166 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	29,430 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	29,871 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	27,515 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	27,728 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	37,676 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	37,861 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	37,782 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	41,595 Readers

News Archives 2009 - Select a Month