Best Tent Camping near Belton Lake
Tent campers visiting Belton Lake in central Texas have multiple established campgrounds within close proximity of the water. Notable options include Tejas Park near Georgetown, featuring spacious tent pads with fire rings, and Russell Park, which offers 27 tent-only sites with sun awnings and picnic tables. Iron Bridge on the southern shore provides more primitive tent camping opportunities along the Leon River, though reviews indicate facilities are minimal.
Tent sites around Belton Lake typically include flat tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings, but amenities vary significantly between locations. Most established campgrounds require reservations through recreation.gov, with check-in times typically starting at 3 PM and checkout by 2 PM. Sites at Russell Park have electric hookups, while locations like Iron Bridge are more primitive with vault toilets but no electricity or running water. Several campgrounds enforce regulations on alcohol consumption, with policies differing between locations. During summer months, adequate shade becomes essential, as many areas around the lake feature limited tree cover.
The Goodwater Trail provides tent campers with excellent hiking opportunities, circling Lake Georgetown for approximately 26 miles through varied terrain. According to one visitor, "Tejas Park is perfect for those in the area looking for tent camping without wanting to be surrounded by RVs." The sites are typically well-spaced, with some locations like Tejas Park offering group sites that can accommodate multiple tents and hammocks. Many campgrounds remain sparsely populated during weekdays, though weekend reservations are recommended. Water access varies significantly by location and season, with some areas providing opportunities for swimming and fishing when water levels permit. Coyotes are active in the region at night but generally keep their distance from established campsites.
