Heart of Texas Lake Resort - Lake LBJ

Heart of Texas Lake Resort - Lake LBJ (Private Camp)
Burnet, Texas

We really like Lake LBJ. It's a good size constant level lake that's part of the LCRA Highland Lake chain. Inks Lake is at the top with Lake Marble Falls at the bottom. The cool part is the Llano river runs into the lake right at Kingland, Texas. Both arms are good for skiing and exploring. The lake also has several large coves that are excellent for skiing and wakeboarding. The kids love the sand bar located in the Sunrise Beach cove. Horseshoe Bay and resort are close to the Marble Falls dam.

The problem with Lake LBJ is that there are a limited number of private RV parks. So camping on Lake LBJ is difficult. There isn't a SP or LCRA camping park.

We tried this location because it did have access to Lake LBJ. The spots were not paved or level and were right on top of each other. The park did have a narrow boat ramp and slips you could rent on a daily basis. There wasn't a swimming area and the weeds by the water should of been cut down.....looked to be a haven for snakes. The RV area was a good walk up away from the water. They did have some cabins that had a water view. The park is at the top of the Colorado arm and close to the Inks Dam. I wouldn't go too further up this part of the river for fear of shallow rock. It is a pleasant 15 minute boat ride down the Colorado to the main body of the lake. Be careful at night, there are lots of twists and turns.

As far as camping goes, we didn't rate it very well. However, it did score points for having lake access.

Pros
- Lake LBJ access (boat ramp and slip rental).

Cons
- Poor RV spots (not level and very close to each other.
- good walk to the waterfront.

Rating - 5 out of 10

Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake Texas State Park
Burnet Texas
December 2006
June 2005

Inks Lake SP is a fantastic campsite. Fairly large park with lots to do. Reservations are recommended because this park is pretty popular. This park is on Inks Lake which is a small constant level lake that's part of the LCRA Highland Lake chain (Buc is above and LBJ is below).

Most of the park sits on a cove off of Inks Lake. The cove is a no-wake zone so it's easy on the paddle boaters. The park has a nice fishing pier, several cabins, and a huge playground (we practice hitting tee ball here). There is a two lane boat ramp and park store that is nicely equipped with ice, food, drinks, charcoal, etc. (no beer - it's part of the SP and display of alcoholic beverages are prohibited). Just keep it in a coozie. The store also rents paddle boats and canoes. There is also a nine hole golf course just up the park road. On the way to Kingland (15minute drive), is the Longhorn Caverns, another SP destination.

I highly recommend the hiking trails.....especially the trail to Devils Waterhole and watch the cliff jumpers hit the water. Hiking and paddle boats are the best way to get there. You can try your motor boat just be prepared to anchor it and swim in. It gets pretty shallow in spots and you can easily ruin a prop if you are not careful.


There are lots of RV sites with water and electric (no sewer hookups). Most sites are level and are paved with shade. Fire rings, lantern holder and picnic tables are part of each RV site. The spots are good size and there are several small loops that can accommodate a group of RVers. We had a family reunion there one year and owned one circle. There are about a dozen super sites that sit right on the water. I like to get close to one of these sites, so I can leave my boat in the water.


Pros
- Close to Round Rock - on average about 8o minutes each way.
- Lots to do (boating, swimming,fishing, golfing, caverns, hiking, cliff jumping).
- Lots of wildflowers (blue bonnets and Indian paintbrushes)
- Really nice on the water RV sites.
- Nice constant level lake.
- Great park store.
- Devil's Waterhole.


Cons
- Ants - bring some ant spray. It's Texas after all, but there are lots of fire ants around.
- No fuel or food on the lake - closest gas station is about 5 miles down the park road.
- First come first served. You can reserve a spot, but you can't reserve a specific spot.
- Get a State Park Annual Pass or you will incur a fee per adult per day.


Rating
9 out of 10