The Temple, Texas area features a mix of established campgrounds primarily clustered around nearby lakes and waterways. Cedar Ridge Park and Live Oak Ridge on Belton Lake provide year-round camping with boat access and hookup options for RVs. Mother Neff State Park Campground, located northwest of Temple in Moody, holds historical significance as Texas' first state park and offers well-maintained facilities with CCC-era structures. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several sites like Union Grove and Westcliff providing lakefront views. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages several properties around Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Lakes, offering spacious sites with water and electric hookups.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most campgrounds, particularly during spring and fall when milder temperatures attract more visitors. Summer camping requires preparation for intense heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September. Many campers note the importance of securing shaded sites during warmer months. As one visitor to Mother Neff State Park observed, "The campsite itself was wonderful with plenty of spacing between neighboring sites, freshly raked gravel, and covered picnic tables." County-wide burn bans are common during dry periods, potentially restricting campfires. Most campgrounds feature paved or level gravel pads suitable for RVs, though some sites at certain locations may require significant leveling equipment, as noted by visitors to Lake Georgetown campgrounds.
Lake access represents a primary attraction for many campgrounds in the Temple area, though shoreline conditions vary significantly. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings including deer, raccoons, and various waterbirds. Several campers note the quality of night sky viewing at more remote locations. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude, while weekends bring higher occupancy rates, especially at swimming areas. The proximity to Interstate 35 makes the region convenient for travelers between Austin and Dallas, with several RV parks catering specifically to overnight stays. As one camper at Cedar Breaks Park remarked, "The sites are ideal for both sunrise and sunset color displays with stunning rocky cliff shoreline views." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with Verizon users reporting consistent coverage at most established campgrounds.
$20 - $200 / night
"Has 30 & 50 amp hookups with water does not have sewer hookups at sites but does have dump station close by."
"Campers next to us cleaned fish the evening we arrived and the next morning. We had awesome phone and wi fi coverage with T-mobile. We were in spot 62 and it was mostly level."
$24 - $30 / night
"Large sites with ample vehicle parking that offer substantial distance from the neighboring sites give room to bring multiple vehicles or a boat along with the RV. "
"It is located on Belton Lake. It is a gated entrance and the gates locked at 11:00pm. Our site was situated at the end of the loop and it was very spacious. It had water/electric with a dump station."
$12 - $160 / night
"Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPW) goes BIG with this sweet little park! In 2015, a new Visitors Center and 20-site campground were built among the remnants of the old CCC structures."
"Great park (first one in Texas) that has some interesting history. So well maintained. Site 007 has some great shade and a cute feral kitty that comes begging for food."
$6 - $18 / night
"We ended up near the entrance with full hookups for our Trailer. The spot are decent didn’t mind the area we were at. My only thing is the area could be better maintained."
"The lake was nice to canoe on and had a beautiful view of the sunset. The bathrooms were to far to walk so we had to drive to them ever time and there were no showers so this was a negative."
$20 - $120 / night
"Wonderful time with the family walking the trails enjoying the views"
"This is a nice campground with spacious sites right on the lake with covered picnic tables. The park has many miles of mountain bike and hiking trails."
$120 / night
"My wife and I got away from the city here several years ago. We weren't sure where to go and settled at this nice park near the lake."
"There are several other areas in and around this park where you can explore or even do some primitive day camping."
$120 / night
"Exploring Stillhouse Park sounds like a serene escape with clear lake waters and diverse wildlife."
"Whether it's enjoying a picnic by the lake, taking a dip in the water, engaging in sports activities, or casting a fishing line, visitors can make the most of their time in this scenic area managed by"
$20 - $30 / night
"Great access to water for fishing.swim area.clean bathrooms and showers.friendly staff.quiet peaceful.great place to take your family.boat ramp too.we love it."
"Was possible they were waiting to mow until right before the weekend but the grass even around the campsites was about 8-10 inches and over a foot the rest of the way near the bathrooms."
$32 - $82 / night
"The exercise room was particularly impressive, and the spacious and clean lots added to the overall positive experience."
"We don’t have pets, but there are pet areas around the campground that the guests used frequently."
$24 - $60 / night
"The lake is gorgeous, with wildlife all around. A must stop by and enjoy what central Texas has to offer."
"Asphalt with grass all around. The roads are one way, so it’s a hike to the dumpster. The sites sit on the lake but there is really limited lake access due to the craggy nature of the shore line."
ScoutI stayed one night and felt safe. There are vault toilets, but not close to where I camped, so it’s probably best to be self contained. There are covered picnic tables and trash cans at each site.
RangerNot worth $30 for tent camping unless you have to, like I did for a night while traveling through the area. To be fair though, it is a very well maintained camp with many amenities other similarly priced camps don't offer.
RangerNo tent camping, RV parking only.
TravelerThis is a beautiful campground. The sites are good size and paved parking.
ScoutGreat COE park near Georgetown, TX. Very clean, LOTS of cedar trees and very nice staff. Sites along the lake are some of the best I’ve experienced at any COE park.
ScoutCamp Tejas was very peaceful and I felt very safe here. Campsites are very well maintained porta potties as well. Has good fields of grass and beautiful old trees to shade the sites. The water was very pure and good. The trails along the river really well maintained. I discovered ribbons of courts crystal in the riverbed. So much space that even if the parking lot's full of recreation you don't really see anybody around. There's only 12 campsites so that's nice. And yeah if you don't want to be around RVs and electronics and want to do some basic camping and be one with nature this is the spot. The civilization isn't far away but far enough.
TravelerUnbelievable customer service, spotless amenities, great campsites with full hookups! The gravel was even raked in our campsite before we arrived. I thought I’d accidentally pulled into a Zen rock garden! Kudos to TX State Parks for this park. A real Crown Jewel!
ScoutVery nice spot, quiet,sounds of animals,open sky! Crackling of fire pit, loved watching all the wild life and farm animals!
RangerStayed here with the pup while visiting the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame. Nice hookups, clean set up. Very quiet. Lots of deer in and around the sites (which are very big. Many sites available right on the water.
Temple, Texas camping options stretch primarily along the shorelines of Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake, situated within the rolling limestone terrain of central Texas. Most sites sit between 600-700 feet elevation with average summer daytime temperatures reaching 96°F in July and August, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Winter camping remains viable with average lows rarely dropping below 35°F, though occasional cold fronts can bring brief freezing conditions.
Biking and hiking trails: At Dana Peak Park, campers can access multiple miles of mountain bike and hiking trails directly from their campsites. As reviewer Laura F. noted, "The park has many miles of mountain bike and hiking trails" making it convenient for outdoor enthusiasts staying at Dana Peak.
Water activities: Stillhouse Hollow Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with clear water conditions. One camper at Union Grove mentioned, "We stayed 5 days. Would come back in a heart beat... The sites sit on the lake but there is really limited lake access due to the craggy nature of the shore line." Union Grove provides waterfront sites perfect for anglers.
Wildlife observation: Multiple parks feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly deer sightings. A visitor to Cedar Ridge Park shared, "We loved the view and the shade. We saw lots of deer and birds. We will definitely return!" Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities at Cedar Ridge.
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Campers consistently appreciate the quality of site maintenance and spacing. As one Cedar Ridge visitor remarked, "The campsites are located on small loops which limits the traffic past the individual camp sites. Many people, but spread out so didn't feel crowed."
Lake views: Many sites offer direct views of either Belton or Stillhouse Hollow Lakes. At Live Oak Ridge, campers enjoy scenic vistas, with one reviewer noting, "Live Oak Ridge COE Campground is excellently maintain and is a very low-key, restful place to land. Large sites with ample vehicle parking that offer substantial distance from the neighboring sites."
Quality shower facilities: Several campgrounds feature well-maintained shower facilities, an important consideration during hot months. A Live Oak Ridge camper highlighted this: "My favorite part was honestly the showers—they were so fantastic! The bathroom is heated in the cooler months and the water pressure and hot water can't be beat; it's the best camp shower I've experienced!"
Site exposure: Some campgrounds offer little shade, making summer camping challenging. A Dana Peak visitor cautioned, "We were a little concerned about camping here in July with no shade. The breeze off the lake really helped make the 100 degree days better." Consider bringing shade structures during summer months.
Wind conditions: Waterfront sites can experience significant winds. A camper at Belton Lake noted, "If you stay on the water just plan for the wind it was blowing the whole time and really hard at some points. Also there is no shade by the water so bring a shade tent."
Reservation timing: Campgrounds near Mother Neff State Park and other popular sites fill quickly, especially during moderate weather seasons. One camper observed, "I really like this place but it's hard to get a spot. Lots of shade, there is actual space between you and your neighbors."
Seasonal conditions: Winter camping requires preparation for sudden temperature changes. A Union Grove camper shared, "I probably wouldn't stop here again tent camping in the winter. Random windstorm 30mph no way really to block it."
Playground access: Several campgrounds include playground facilities for children. At Military Park Fort Hood Belton Lake, a camper noted, "My family camped out here for memorial weekend. The spot are decent didn't mind the area we were at. My only thing is the area could be better maintained. Playground had weeds and tall grass growing within the play area."
Swimming options: Swimming areas vary by location and season. As one visitor observed, "The lake beach area wasn't open for swimming due to a Lifeguard shortage," indicating the need to check current conditions before planning water activities with children.
Biking opportunities: Many sites offer kid-friendly biking opportunities. A camper mentioned, "Very family friendly park. We road bicycles, played on the playground. Hiked around and fished," highlighting the variety of family activities available.
Bug protection: Prepare for insects, especially during warmer months. One experienced camper warned, "The only thing I don't like about this place is the chiggers and other bugs. Bring your lavender oil to keep those chiggers off."
Leveling requirements: Most RV sites feature concrete or asphalt pads, though leveling needs vary. At Union Grove, a camper shared, "Our site was a pull through. Asphalt with grass all around. The roads are one way, so it's a hike to the dumpster."
Cell service: Coverage varies by location and carrier. At Cedar Ridge, a camper reported, "We had awesome phone and wi-fi coverage with T-mobile," while another campground visitor noted, "There is no WiFi and cell service is very limited."
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer water and electric, but not all have sewer connections at individual sites. A Cedar Ridge camper clarified, "Has 30 & 50 amp hookups with water does not have sewer hookups at sites but does have dump station close by."
Water quality concerns: Some campers recommend filtering the water. One experienced camper advised, "I don't recommend drinking the water, we hooked up an osmosis and it was fine."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any lakeside camping options near Temple, TX?
Yes, several excellent lakeside camping options exist near Temple. Cedar Breaks Park on Lake Georgetown offers spectacular lakefront living with swimming, boating, and paddling access. The sites feature shaded shelters over picnic tables and clean facilities. Another great option is Union Grove, which provides beautiful lake views and abundant wildlife. For additional lakeside camping, consider Dana Peak Park or Belton Lakeview Park on Belton Lake, both offering water access and scenic views within a short drive from Temple.
What RV parks are available in Temple, Texas?
Blue Sky I-35 RV Park is a clean, well-maintained option conveniently located near the interstate. The park features amenities like a dog park and walking paths, making it suitable for travelers with pets. Berry Springs RV Park near Georgetown (about 20 miles north of Austin) is another good choice, offering ample space and numerous amenities. It's located just off I-35, making it easily accessible for both long-term stays and overnight stops. Both parks can accommodate large and small rigs.
Can I rent rustic cabins for camping near Temple, Texas?
While most campgrounds near Temple focus on RV and tent camping, rustic cabin options are limited. Gather Campground - Bell County is worth checking for potential cabin rentals. Another option is the Military Park Fort Hood Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area, which sometimes offers cabin accommodations. For a more primitive experience with basic facilities, Tejas Park provides an affordable camping option with amenities like bathrooms and water while maintaining a rustic feel.
Where are the best campgrounds near Temple, TX?
Mother Neff State Park Campground is among the best options near Temple, featuring a newer campground with 20 sites built in 2015 alongside historic CCC structures. The park offers modern facilities while preserving its historical charm. Live Oak Ridge is another excellent choice, with exceptionally maintained grounds, spacious sites that provide ample distance between neighbors, and room for multiple vehicles or boats. Both campgrounds offer a peaceful atmosphere and are within easy driving distance of Temple.
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