Dispersed camping near Belton Lake offers secluded shoreline sites with rustic amenities in central Texas. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F from June through September, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Located in Bell County about 60 miles north of Austin, this area features limestone outcroppings and juniper-oak woodlands characteristic of the Edwards Plateau ecological region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Iron Bridge Park provides direct lake access for anglers seeking bass, catfish, and crappie. According to Ethan B., "When you get to the paved parking lot, take the gate to the right and follow the road. It does get rough, so be prepared."
Trail hiking: San Gabriel River Trail circles Lake Georgetown with 26.2 miles of varied terrain. "The trail passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries," notes Troy W., adding that "40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed."
Stargazing: The remote location of primitive camping areas creates excellent night sky viewing. One visitor at Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake mentioned, "It's far enough out of the way that the stars were beautiful, and despite being near a popular-ish waterway it did not smell like dead fish."
What campers like
Accessible primitive options: Mike M. noted about Iron Bridge Park, "More of a boat launch, does have some flat grass spots for tents. I found a spot to back in my 34' travel trailer. Remote area, a little busy during the day. Nice spot though."
Waterfront sites: Some dispersed campers create their own experience along the shoreline. Alexandra from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites shared, "People had clearly used the shore as a campsite before as there was a makeshift fire pit and some cleared areas for tents. Water and views were beautiful."
Tree coverage: At Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, the natural canopy provides shelter during inclement weather. Guillermo L. reported, "Enjoyed our stay during a thunderstorm under the big trees."
What you should know
Water preparation: For primitive sites along Lake Georgetown, Troy W. advises, "Pack in some water and bring a water filter to obtain more. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown, it is not always convenient to access the water."
Bathroom facilities: Iron Bridge Park has basic pit toilets but limited supplies. One camper reported, "There are trash cans and two bathrooms (holes in the ground with four walls). Be prepared for no toilet paper!"
Access challenges: Some primitive sites require significant hiking effort. At Sawyer Park, "The site is only accessible by hiking or by a boat. It is about 5 miles from the Tejas Campground and 5 miles from Cedar Breaks Campground."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible spots: For families with young children, locations with shorter approach hikes work best. Walnut Springs can be "biked in from Camp Tejas four miles away or can hiking from Russell Park 2 mi away," according to Guillermo L.
Prepare for weather: Summer temperatures can make hiking uncomfortable, especially for children. Troy cautions, "In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water."
Weekend planning: Expect more company on weekends. As one camper noted, "The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Iron Bridge Park accommodates some RVs despite being primarily primitive. Mike M. shared his experience: "I found a spot to back in my 34' travel trailer. Remote area, a little busy during the day."
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive areas can be challenging. Ethan B. warns about Iron Bridge Park, "It does get rough, so be prepared."
Overnight parking: Some areas allow 24-hour access without permits. At Iron Bridge Park, "The park is open 24/7 and doesn't require a permit or pass of any kind," though RVers should verify current regulations before arrival.
