Best Dispersed Camping near Belton Lake
Several primitive camping areas exist around Belton Lake, Texas, with Iron Bridge Park offering drive-in access approximately 20-30 minutes from the nearest highway. The park features a gravel parking lot, covered cement picnic tables, trash cans, and pit toilets, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. The area has no designated campsites but provides ample flat space for tents and room for larger vehicles to maneuver. According to one visitor, "The park is open 24/7 and doesn't require a permit or pass of any kind."
For backpackers seeking more remote experiences, primitive sites are available along the San Gabriel River Trail, which circles nearby Lake Georgetown. Walnut Springs, Sawyer Park, and several unmarked areas along the 26.2-mile trail offer boondocking options accessible only by hiking or boating. These sites typically provide minimal amenities—some have picnic tables or fire rings, but most require practicing Leave No Trace principles including digging cat holes for waste. One camper noted, "This is primitive dispersed camping. There are a few areas with clear land or tent pads where you may camp, but there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock." Summer heat can be intense, so carrying sufficient water is essential when accessing these backcountry areas.
