Belton Lake campgrounds offer limited options for equestrian activities though horseback riders can find accommodations with trailer parking at various locations. Lake Waco's surrounding areas provide more suitable terrain for horse enthusiasts. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winters remain relatively mild with occasional freezing temperatures.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park offers a drive-through safari experience about 40 miles from Belton Lake. One visitor noted, "The drive through safari is an extra $15 per car and worth it," making it a good day trip option for campers wanting to see exotic animals.
Fishing at Lake Waco: Reynolds Creek provides a "nice boat ramp and dock for fishing" according to reviewers. The lake contains populations of catfish, bass, and crappie, though anglers should note that "there are limited places to get down to the water in the park."
Hiking trails: Berry Springs Park and Preserve features "lots of fields, walking trails" that are "perfect for dogs who like to run," according to visitors. Reynolds Creek also offers "a nice little 1 mile hike were you can bird watch and view Lake Waco, it is very shaded and flat."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Live Oak Ridge campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites. One camper observed, "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."
Peaceful atmosphere: Many reviewers mention the quiet environment at campgrounds near Belton Lake. At Reynolds Creek, campers enjoy that "the whole park is very secluded and away from street noise which is so lovely. Perfect place for viewing the stars over the water and listening to nature speak around you!"
Clean facilities: Speegleville Park receives consistent praise for its maintenance. A camper noted it was an "excellent campground. Very clean. Hard stand shelters over picnic tables. Beautiful views of Waco lake."
What you should know
Water access varies: Despite being lakefront properties, many campgrounds have limited lake access. At Speegleville Park, "All sites were overgrown with tall grass/weeds" and at Reynolds Creek "there is a lot of brush grown up around the lake and sites so it is hard to see."
Bathroom quality differs: Willis Creek Park offers "free hot showers" though some campgrounds have more basic facilities. At Reynolds Creek, "Bathrooms and showers need some work, but they do the job."
Insects can be problematic: Campers should prepare for mosquitoes, particularly in warmer months. One Willis Creek visitor called it "skeeterville at night" noting they were "overwhelming with skeeters everywhere."
Cell service limitations: Reception varies throughout the region. At Buena Vista Wildlife Safari, there's "not much for any type of cell service, ESPECIALLY AT&T," while Live Oak Ridge campers report, "I had good enough service with AT&T to work with my phone's hotspot, but Verizon was pretty poor."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Williamson County Berry Springs Park and Preserve features open fields ideal for children. A visitor described "lots and lots and lots of fields, walking trails. Perfect for dogs who like to run."
Covered picnic areas: Many campgrounds offer sheltered eating areas, helpful during summer heat. At Willis Creek, "Spacious pavilion at every spot" provides shade for family meals.
Swimming options: Natural swimming areas are limited near Belton Lake. One Live Oak Ridge camper noted, "I only gave it 4 stars because there is no swimming area. There is a boat launch." Families seeking swimming should research designated swimming areas before arrival.
Budget-friendly options: Willis Creek offers good value with one camper reporting, "We used our discount card so it was only $13 a night."
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Most campgrounds around Belton Lake offer suitable RV parking. At Willis Creek, "All back in sites have plenty of grass and are in level pavement," while Buena Vista Wildlife Safari features "level, flat, and wide sites" that are "clean, rock covered."
Hookup availability: Live Oak Ridge provides "50 amp and water hookups with dump site available." Multiple campgrounds offer electrical and water connections but full-service sites with sewer are less common.
Gate access considerations: Several campgrounds have security gates with specific hours. Live Oak Ridge has "a gated entrance and the gates locked at 11:00pm," while campers should note that "no one mans the entry gate" and entry codes are required for access after hours.
