Lake Belton and Lake Georgetown offer moderate climate conditions for glamping close to Copperas Cove, Texas, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F. The Texas Hill Country terrain provides a mix of wooded sites and lakefront locations, with elevation changes that create scenic camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 600-1,100 feet above sea level.
What to do
Hiking trails at Dana Peak: The park features extensive trail networks suitable for hikers of all abilities. "Beautiful scenery along the trails at Dana's Peak," notes Janese W., while another camper mentions that "the park has many miles of mountain bike and hiking trails," making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore.
Water activities at Cedar Ridge: The proximity to Lake Belton creates opportunities for swimming and fishing directly from campsites. "We saw lots of deer and birds," reports Stephanie A., who enjoyed the wildlife viewing opportunities. Another camper notes the convenience of water access: "We had a trail from our spot to the lake which we took advantage of."
Cliff jumping at Pace Bend Park: For adventurous visitors, the cliffs at Lake Travis provide natural jumping platforms. "My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake," states Aaron S. The park also offers "deep-water soloing opportunities for the seeking," according to Kadyn D., providing unique recreational options not found at other area campgrounds.
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Many campers praise the lake access and views. "All of the campsites are directly on the water. The lake is beautiful and there are usually very few people there," mentions Marci W. about Dana Peak. The waterfront location provides both recreational opportunities and scenic views.
Spacious sites with privacy: Campers appreciate the room to spread out. "Live Oak is next to Lake Belton. It's a small Corps of Engineers Park. It is great for a break from the work life," notes Cathy C. Another camper describes Cedar Ridge as having "large, shady campsites with fire ring and BBQ" that "can accommodate an RV and a tent or two tents."
Shaded camping areas: The tree cover offers relief from Texas heat. "We loved the view and the shade," notes Stephanie A. about Cedar Ridge. At Live Oak Ridge, "Pretty much all sites have trees above, very romantic setting and enough space between site that you dont feel on top of others," according to Maxine C.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. "They are only open from March 2nd to September 30th for the year of 2022," notes Joel K. about Dana Peak. Plan accordingly as several parks have similar seasonal restrictions.
Limited shade at some sites: Exposure can be challenging during summer months. "Not many actual camp sites and every site is sunny," warns Deb about certain areas at Dana Peak. Another camper advises that "the sites do not have decent sized trees so I expect this would not be a great place to stay in the middle of summer."
Weather considerations for tent campers: Wind conditions can affect camping experience. "The only draw back was the winds, they were so strong they shattered our tent poles. So i would recommend to definitely check the weather before selecting a date," cautions Janese W. after camping at Dana Peak.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Russell Park offers "restroom was decently clean, shower worked well," according to David, but suggests, "If you want a spotless bathroom, hike over to the underused day use area."
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Live Oak Ridge features "a better-than-typical playground is set in a great interior place for all to enjoy," according to Cheryl D. This provides entertainment options for children during downtime at camp.
Swimming access points: Not all water access is equally family-friendly. "The park has a designated swimming area within the campground," notes Troy W. about Russell Park, making it convenient for families with children who want to swim safely.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Sulphur Springs Camp offers excellent nature observation. "There's also a ton of wildlife. Saw some bald eagles, reptiles, fish, turtles, heard coyotes howling at night," reports Michael B., creating educational opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require careful selection for RVs. "The sites along the outside of the loop have lake views and are level. The sites along the inside are scary unlevel!" warns Karen H. about Cedar Breaks Park. "Some of the big rigs were backed in and jacked up 4 feet or so in front."
Tree clearance issues: Larger RVs may struggle at certain campgrounds. Regarding Krause Springs, one camper cautions, "My only warning is low hanging trees everywhere. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate the campground in a 5th wheel or class A. You could do some rooftop damage."
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are standard, but sewer connections are limited. "It is water and electric only. There are some primitive sites but there are not full hookups," notes Jeff H. about Cedar Ridge. Most parks offer dump stations as an alternative to sewer hookups.
