Inks Lake–one of 7 lakes in the Highland Lakes chain–sits about an hour north of Austin, and provides the perfect setting for a daytrip or weekend retreat. Grounds have playgrounds, a fishing pier, a park store that rents canoes, kayaks and surfbikes, and friendly rangers. We explored the park on our bikes before settling on a pink granite swell to watch the sun set. Park authorities are proactive and progressive to offer family-friendly entertainment. The night we were there, a bluegrass band entertained campers after sunset. They also host nature walks, geology hikes and canoe tours. But you can be as social and participatory or as reclusive as you’d like. Hike 1.5 miles in for a primitive site ($8). Or, if you don’t mind hearing the murmurs of nearby campers or the neighbor’s kids coming to pet your dog, $10-$16 gets you a campsite with water, electricity and restrooms close by in the more populated (but still clean) areas of the park. The best part: since it’s a constant-level lake, you never have to rule out swimming, boating, skiing, scuba diving or fishing. Park entrance is $4 per adult. Children under 12 enter free.
