Belton Lake is located in Belton, Texas, on the Leon River. The lake is a reservoir which was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Constructed originally for flood control and water supply, the 12,300-acre lake has become a popular location for outdoor recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming. There is something for everyone at Belton Lake. The lake is long and winding with many coves to discover and explore. Many boat ramps provide access for visitors with boats, kayaks, and canoes. There are plenty of fishing opportunities as well whether you’re on the water, shore, or the fishing dock. Two designated sandy swimming beaches await those who want to cool off in the water or sunbathe. There are several camping options for staying overnight to make the most of a visit to Belton Lake. If planning to camp, there are five campgrounds, all with many amenities to make your stay comfortable. The campgrounds are pet-friendly, so there is no need to leave your pet at home in the care of others. Campsite reservations are encouraged at each of the campgrounds.
Belton Lake is located in the city of Belton. The lake is about 50 miles southwest of Waco and 70 miles north of Austin. Visitors to the lake won’t have to drive more than a few miles to access services. Belton has many options for food, groceries, and gas.
The lake is about 12 miles off of I-35. The roads leading to the park are mostly major roads and are maintained. The campsites at the recreation areas are spacious. Most are back-in, but due to the length and size, big rigs shouldn’t have much trouble parking. Once settled at a campsite, many lake activities can be accessed by just a short walk. Driving to other parks may be necessary to access trails and swimming areas.
Live Oak Ridge has 48 campsites, all with water and electric hookups. Many of the campsites are spacious enough to fit large rigs easily. Each campsite has a covered picnic table to shield guests from the sun. Some campsites have partial shade, while others are open with little to no shade.
The park is equipped to handle group events with a meeting area and a service center. Additional park amenities include wifi, a playground, and a two-lane boat ramp.
The campground also provides many comforts for overnight guests. Flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station are all located within Live Oak Ridge Campground. Full-time gate attendants are present should any questions arise.
Westcliff has 31 campsites, which are a mix of RV and tent sites. Most of the campsites are lakefront. It’s just a short walk to access the lake for those who don’t stay in a lakefront campsite. The campground is mostly open with very few trees for shade.
The RV campsites have electric and water hookups. The tent-only sites are primitive, with no hookups. A picnic shelter is at each campsite to provide from the sun or rain. Each campsite also has a grill and lantern pole. All campsites at Westcliff are pet-friendly.
The campground has many amenities to be enjoyed by visitors, including hot showers and restrooms. The day-use area at Westcliff has a swim beach and boat ramp. Parking is available at the day-use area, though it is walking distance from the campground.
Cedar Ridge has 76 campsites, and a handful of them have screened shelters. Each campsite has electric and water hookups for guests with an RV or trailer. A grill and covered picnic table are amenities of each campsite. The covered picnic table provides shade and relief from poor weather. The campground is mostly open with limited partially shaded campsites. For any questions or concerns during check-in or throughout your visit, full-time gate attendants and campground hosts are present.
The service center at Cedar Ridge provides campground guests with free WiFi and a meeting area. Laundry facilities are also on-site for guest use. Recreational amenities at Cedar Ridge include a fishing dock, swimming beach, a playground, and group picnic shelters. A basketball court and horseshoe pit are also at the campground. A marina is located on the west side of the campground, where those with boats can find supplies.
Swimming is a popular activity during the hot spring and summer days. While swimming is permitted in most areas on the lake, it is recommended that visitors only swim in designated areas.
Both Westcliff and Temple’s Lake COE parks have a swimming beach in the day-use area. These sandy swim beaches provide shallow entry into the water and are buoyed off, keeping swimmers safe from passing boats.
The over 12,000-acre lake has many coves. What better way to explore the coves and shoreline of Belton Lake than by boat? Boat ramps are located at each of the day-use parks except Winkler Park. Those with boats won’t struggle to find access to the water.
Whether you’re in a kayak, canoe, or motorboat, there are many nooks to explore. Drop anchor in one of the coves or quiet places to sunbathe or continue to navigate the many twists and turns of this winding lake.
A picnic at Belton Lake is a great way to enjoy a beautiful sunny day. There are many picnic sites at the day-use areas that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservable day-use picnic pavilions are available for use by large groups. The pavilions can accommodate groups of up to 150 people - perfect for a big party or reunion. A playground and restrooms are nearby each of the picnic areas for convenience.
White Flint Park is a small campground with 13 RV campsites and 12 sites with screened shelters. All of the campsites have water and electric hookups as well as a covered picnic table and grill. The campsites are mostly open with very little to no shade. Plan to use your awning, bring a canopy, or make use of the covered picnic table for shelter from the sun and rain.
Lots of amenities are available to campers, such as a dump station and restrooms with showers. White Flint Park is pet-friendly. If you bring your pet along, be sure to keep them on a leash that is no longer than six feet. Campers with boats can take advantage of the multi-lane boat ramp for lake access. For assistance or questions, a gate attendant is stationed at the park.
The COE campground at Winkler Park is small, with very few campsites. Fourteen campsites can be used for RVs or tents. The campsites do not have electricity but do have water hookups. Campsites at Winkler Park also have a grill and covered picnic table. The parking pad at each campsite is paved, and RVs and trailers must be backed in. The campsites are long and spacious, with some extending to 75 feet in length. None of the campsites are well-shaded. Depending on the weather, campers will want to make use of the covered picnic table or use their RV’s awning for shelter.
The campground has a restroom for campers with flush toilets and hot showers. Though the campsites don’t have sewer connections, there is a dump station that RVers can use to empty their black tank. Leashed pets are welcome at Winkler Park. Leashes should be no longer than six feet. For guests with boats, a boat launch is located at White Flint Park, which is about a mile south of the campground.
Belton Lake has many nature trails throughout the recreation areas. Additionally, there are several hiking trails at the Miller Springs Nature Area, directly across from Live Oak Ridge Park.
Depending on the time of year of your visit, you may see many colorful wildflowers in bloom. Luckily, many birds live or migrate through the area throughout the year. While on the trails or walking through other areas of the COE park, keep an eye out for herons, geese, and songbirds.
Belton Lake offers many options for anglers to fish in its waters. Fishing from the shore is permitted in most areas except for on the boat ramps and in designated swimming areas. There is also a fishing dock at Temple’s Lake Park. If you are traveling with a boat, you can head out for a fun, relaxing day of fishing and picturesque views.
Bluegill, crappie, catfish, and bass are the most common fish caught at Belton Lake.
Due to the presence of many different species of wildlife, hunting is a perennially popular pastime in Belton lake. Hunting is permitted on public lands at Belton Lake and the nearby Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Hunting is only allowed in designated areas. Visitors who plan to hunt should check maps and regulations before their trip.
Popular hunting game includes waterfowl, rabbit, squirrel, and quail. Hunting licenses can be obtained from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
