Inks Lake, reservoir in Texas, United States of America

Inks Lake is a reservoir in the Texas Hill Country, set between rocky granite shores and low cedar brush. Unlike many other lakes in the area, its water level stays relatively constant throughout the year, which gives the lake a steady, predictable shoreline.

The lake was formed in the 1930s when the Inks Dam was built across the Colorado River as part of a chain of dams managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority. The project was designed to generate electricity and help control flooding in the surrounding area.

Inks Lake is closely tied to the state park that sits along its shore, drawing visitors from across the region who come to swim, fish, and camp. The exposed pink granite along the banks gives the water's edge a look that is immediately recognizable to anyone who has been there.

The lake is open year-round, but spring and early summer tend to be the most comfortable times to visit, when temperatures are mild and the water is warm enough for swimming. Anyone planning to camp nearby should book a site at the adjacent state park well in advance, especially around holidays.

Inks Lake is one of six large Highland Lakes on the Texas Colorado River listed by the Lower Colorado River Authority, and its dam holds the smallest hydroelectric generator in the chain, rated at 12,500 kW. The reservoir is also linked with Lake Buchanan in a pumped-storage scheme moving about 23.8 m³/s.