Devil’s Waterhole is a limestone swimming hole and short nature-trail destination at 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611, inside Inks Lake State Park in the Texas Hill Country west of Burnet. Part of the park created around the Colorado River’s Inks Lake reservoir in the 1930s, it draws travelers for clear-water swimming, granite-and-limestone scenery, wildlife watching and an easy introduction to the park’s rugged shoreline.
What to Expect at Devil’s Waterhole
The waterhole sits in a rocky inlet where a compact pool is framed by pale limestone shelves, juniper, live oak and exposed Hill Country stone. It is a popular warm-weather swimming area rather than a developed beach: expect natural rock underfoot, variable water levels and no lifeguard. Bring water shoes, drinking water, sunscreen and a dry bag, and check conditions before entering the water after rain or during changing lake levels.
From the parking area, the Devil’s Waterhole Nature Trail gives visitors a short walk through the park’s rocky habitat and connects the swimming stop to wider exploration of Inks Lake State Park. The landscape reflects the Llano Uplift’s ancient exposed rock, while the larger park offers more trails, fishing, paddling and lakeside day-use areas. This is a place for an unhurried swim and walk, not a commercial attraction: facilities and rules are managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
- Natural swimming pool: Cool off in a sheltered, rock-edged Hill Country waterhole; there is no lifeguard on duty.
- Devil’s Waterhole Nature Trail: Follow a brief, uneven natural-surface route through juniper and limestone terrain near the pool.
- Limestone shelves: The rocky margins make striking photographs, but wet stone can be slick and requires careful footing.
- Inks Lake access: Pair the stop with the reservoir’s shoreline, fishing opportunities and paddling areas elsewhere in the state park.
- Hill Country wildlife: Watch for white-tailed deer, songbirds and reptiles while staying on trail and giving wildlife space.
Devil’s Waterhole at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Inks Lake State Park, Texas Hill Country, west of Burnet |
| Operating Hours | Day use is generally 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; confirm seasonal access, gate status and water conditions before leaving. |
| Admission / Price Range | $7 daily adult entry to Inks Lake State Park; children 12 and under enter free. Texas State Park Pass holders receive entry benefits. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours for the waterhole and short trail; longer with swimming or other park trails. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | No fixed-route public transit serves the park. Drive via Park Road 4 West and use designated Devil’s Waterhole/park day-use parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | Texas Parks & Wildlife: Inks Lake State Park; 512-793-2223 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near opening, especially on spring weekends and summer holidays, when limited day-use parking and the waterhole are at their quietest. Buy or reserve park entry through the official Texas Parks & Wildlife system when availability is tight, and keep your receipt or pass ready at the entrance. Swimming is at your own risk; do not dive from rocks, climb closed areas or assume that a familiar route is safe after storms. Pack out every item and leave glass at home.
A car is essential from Burnet, Marble Falls and the Highland Lakes: there is no local bus stop at the park. The waterhole’s rocky trail and irregular stone edges are not step-free or suitable for independent wheelchair or stroller travel; visitors with mobility limitations should contact park staff about accessible day-use facilities and current routes. Within a 5- to 15-minute walk, explore the Inks Lake shoreline and the park’s picnic and camping areas; by car, Inks Dam and the broader lakeside recreation areas provide a useful extension to the outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Devil’s Waterhole open, and what is the best time to go?
Day visitors generally access Inks Lake State Park from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Go early in the morning for easier parking, cooler trail temperatures and calmer waterhole conditions; always verify same-day park alerts and hours on the official park page.
How much does it cost to visit Devil’s Waterhole?
Access is included with Inks Lake State Park admission: $7 for adults, while children age 12 and under enter free. Reservations are strongly advisable for busy weekends, holidays and peak swimming season, as day-use capacity can be reached.
How long should I allow for Devil’s Waterhole?
Allow one to two hours to park, walk the short nature trail, take photographs and swim at a relaxed pace. Budget a half-day if adding lunch, lakeshore time, fishing, paddling or another Inks Lake State Park trail.
Is Devil’s Waterhole suitable for children or visitors with limited mobility?
Families can enjoy it with close supervision, confident swimmers and footwear that grips wet rock; children should remain within arm’s reach in the water. The natural approach includes uneven terrain and rocky edges, so it is not an accessible, step-free swimming destination and strollers are impractical on the trail.
When planning your Burnet travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Burnet, pair this stop with standout local spots including Best Western Post Oak Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, LBJ Inn, and Inks Lake State Park (1.5 km away).
