Best Campgrounds near Harker Heights, TX

Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake form the backbone of camping options near Harker Heights, Texas. Several Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds including Dana Peak, Union Grove, Live Oak Ridge, and Cedar Ridge provide established camping with water and electric hookups around these reservoirs. Most campgrounds offer a mix of tent and RV sites, with Union Grove and Cedar Ridge also featuring cabin accommodations. These campgrounds generally sit within 15 miles of Harker Heights, with Dana Peak located just 3 miles from town on Comanche Gap Road.

Reservations are recommended for most campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly. Many Corps of Engineers campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Dana Peak typically open from March through September. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, though lakeside locations benefit from cooling breezes. Winter camping is available at several year-round facilities including Union Grove, Live Oak Ridge, and Mother Neff State Park, located about 30 miles northwest of Harker Heights. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and toilets. As one camper noted, "Dana Peak is a beautiful, well maintained and very clean park. The water is crystal clear, so we just went down and hopped in the water when it got too hot."

Waterfront access represents the primary draw for most campsites in the region, with numerous opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer spacious sites with good privacy, many featuring covered picnic tables and direct water access. Shade can be limited at certain campgrounds, particularly Dana Peak, making summer camping challenging without additional shade structures. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer sightings, particularly at Union Grove. Hiking and mountain biking trails are available at Dana Peak and nearby Chalk Ridge Falls. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "This campground has large covered picnic tables, crushed granite sites, and easy water access. The lake is crystal clear with a rocky bottom."

Best Camping Sites Near Harker Heights, Texas (165)

    1. Dana Peak

    13 Reviews
    Harker Heights, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 698-4282

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Wonderful time with the family walking the trails enjoying the views"

    "This is a nice campground with spacious sites right on the lake with covered picnic tables. The park has many miles of mountain bike and hiking trails."

    2. Military Park Fort Hood Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Belton Lake, TX
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (819) 460-5507

    $6 - $18 / night

    "We ended up near the entrance with full hookups for our Trailer. The spot are decent didn’t mind the area we were at. My only thing is the area could be better maintained."

    "The lake was nice to canoe on and had a beautiful view of the sunset.

    The bathrooms were to far to walk so we had to drive to them ever time and there were no showers so this was a negative."

    3. Union Grove

    6 Reviews
    Harker Heights, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 947-0072

    $24 - $60 / night

    "The lake is gorgeous, with wildlife all around. A must stop by and enjoy what central Texas has to offer."

    "Asphalt with grass all around. The roads are one way, so it’s a hike to the dumpster. The sites sit on the lake but there is really limited lake access due to the craggy nature of the shore line."

    4. Live Oak Ridge

    10 Reviews
    Belton, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 780-1738

    $24 - $30 / night

    "It is located on Belton Lake. It is a gated entrance and the gates locked at 11:00pm. Our site was situated at the end of the loop and it was very spacious. It had water/electric with a dump station."

    "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. "

    5. Stillhouse

    6 Reviews
    Belton, TX
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 939-6741

    $120 / night

    "Exploring Stillhouse Park sounds like a serene escape with clear lake waters and diverse wildlife."

    "Whether it's enjoying a picnic by the lake, taking a dip in the water, engaging in sports activities, or casting a fishing line, visitors can make the most of their time in this scenic area managed by"

    6. Cedar Ridge (TX)

    11 Reviews
    Temple, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 986-1404

    $20 - $200 / night

    "Has 30 & 50 amp hookups with water does not have sewer hookups at sites but does have dump station close by."

    "Campers next to us cleaned fish the evening we arrived and the next morning. We had awesome phone and wi fi coverage with T-mobile. We were in spot 62 and it was mostly level."

    7. Mother Neff State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Moody, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 853-9044

    $12 - $160 / night

    "Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPW) goes BIG with this sweet little park! In 2015, a new Visitors Center and 20-site campground were built among the remnants of the old CCC structures."

    "The other reviews sum up the area around the cg, so I thought I'd share an opinion of the cg itself."

    8. Westcliff

    3 Reviews
    Belton, TX
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 939-9828

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Great access to water for fishing.swim area.clean bathrooms and showers.friendly staff.quiet peaceful.great place to take your family.boat ramp too.we love it."

    "Was possible they were waiting to mow until right before the weekend but the grass even around the campsites was about 8-10 inches and over a foot the rest of the way near the bathrooms."

    9. Belton Lakeview Park

    4 Reviews
    Belton, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 939-2461

    $120 / night

    "My wife and I got away from the city here several years ago. We weren't sure where to go and settled at this nice park near the lake."

    "There are several other areas in and around this park where you can explore or even do some primitive day camping."

    10. Tranquil Gardens RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Salado, TX
    7 miles

    $40 / night

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Recent Reviews near Harker Heights, TX

633 Reviews of 165 Harker Heights Campgrounds


  • Jacob F.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    Great time!

    Great staff, felt like home the minute we pulled in. Big, level site, full hookups, and the manager was very accommodating.

  • Shay T.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    Wonderful RV Park!

    Excellent Park!  Grounds are clean, staff is friendly and went out of their way to help us. We will definitely be back!

  • c
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Fishers of Men Ranch

    This place sounds magical

    This place sounds magical—spacious wooded campsites with lake views, free firewood, homemade cookies& jam, wildlife sightings, and owners who truly look out for you. A hidden Hill Country gemPalabras

  • P
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Shady River RV Resort

    Excellent Location

    We stayed here for 1 weekend in early August. Great location. Very peaceful.

  • A
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Fishers of Men Ranch

    nice

    A peaceful private ranch with hookups, tree-shaded sites, and warm hospitality—complete with homemade cookies, wild‑grape jam, and a beautiful lake to explore. A hidden Hill Country gem! Astrocartography

  • Keri S.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Midway

    Showers & fishing

    They are a little bit strict here but there are friendly and the showers are always clean and fishing is good.

  • D
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Turkey Bend

    Spacious Skies Bear Den Review

    Camp Creek sounds idyllic! A true escape from the digital world. Imagine trading your phone for a fishing rod, and the constant notifications for the sound of the river. It's like the real-world version of Snow Rider 3D, but instead of virtual slopes, you're navigating the great outdoors. The simplicity and the views alone seem worth the trip, a perfect recharge for the soul. Just remember to bring everything you need to fully embrace the off-grid experience!

  • Eddie H.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Winkler Park Campground

    Catfish

    This is a great tent camping spot has water no electric they do have showers and a restroom there is 11 camps spots camp host is very helpful and respectful. Good place for catfishing bring your kayak

  • Morgan B.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Turkey Bend

    spacious, comfortable & lovely campsite!

    We were seeking a free campsite for us and our dogs when traveling from San Antonio to Austin, Texas and landed here for one night! It was a "self check-in" process and we did not research the price or see a direct sign, so left $5 due to the "entrance fee" - oops! We found out later it was $25 for the overnight camping. Not free, but worth it. 

    I enjoyed the spaciousness of this campsite. It felt private, although there were large groups of campers all around. We walked down to the Colorado River where the dogs enjoyed swimming. Perfect for paddle boards, kayaking, or picnicking on the small beach.


Guide to Harker Heights

Camping near Harker Heights, Texas, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the well-maintained trails at Inks Lake State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "The hiking trails are very well maintained, and there’s plenty of variety in difficulty level / length."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing opportunities at McKinney Falls State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "Fabulous fishing and great hiking" which highlights the dual appeal of this location.
  • Swimming: Take a dip at Krause Springs, where one camper mentioned, "The swimming hole is cool but gets crowded on hot days."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis rave about the stunning scenery. One review states, "We paid for the improved tent camping site but ended up switching to a site North Gracy Cove which had way better views of the river."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at Lake Whitney State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The bathrooms were clean and nice to use."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff at Mother Neff State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Staff were all friendly."

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Colorado Bend State Park Campground, recommend making reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. A camper mentioned, "Reservations are a must during busy weekends."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, such as Jim Hogg - Lake Georgetown, may lack certain amenities. One review pointed out, "I didn’t use the bathrooms there and I didn’t see the showers but I’d go back."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings, especially at Cedar Breaks Park. A visitor shared, "We saw lots of deer run through our campsite during breakfast!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds like McKinney Falls State Park Campground, which offers a mix of amenities and activities. A family noted, "Well maintained campsites clearly marked with restroom and hot showers close by."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. One camper at Inks Lake State Park Campground said, "The Lake is beautiful and the campgrounds are right on the water."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks and drinks, especially during hikes. A reviewer from Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis mentioned, "Great drive on beach area where you can swim or lay out."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A camper at Mother Neff State Park Campground noted, "The sites are a bit tight for a big rig."
  • Use Dump Stations Early: If you're at a busy park like Lake Whitney State Park Campground, get to the dump station early to avoid long waits. One RV user shared, "The dump station was very easy to access from both directions."
  • Stay Connected: Check cell service availability before you go. A reviewer at Colorado Bend State Park Campground mentioned, "Do be aware the cell service is pretty much nonexistent down at the campsites."

Camping around Harker Heights, Texas, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed weekend, these campgrounds have you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping facilities are available around Harker Heights?

Tent campers near Harker Heights have several good options within driving distance. Mother Neff State Park Campground features a beautiful 20-site campground built in 2015 among historic CCC structures. Berry Springs Park & Preserve near Georgetown offers a nice local county park experience with plenty of open space. For those willing to travel a bit further, Belton Lake recreation areas provide tent sites with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water. Most of these campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons.

Are there any camping spots near Harker Heights?

Yes, there are several camping options near Harker Heights. Open Air Resorts is located directly in Harker Heights and offers full hookups, a pool, private shower rooms, laundry facilities, a playground, and a fenced dog park. Dana Peak is another nearby option with reservable sites, water access, toilets, and accommodations for big rigs. For those willing to drive a bit further, Belton Lake offers multiple camping areas including Military Park Fort Hood Recreation Area and Live Oak Ridge, all within 30 minutes of Harker Heights.

What camping is available near Harker Heights, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Harker Heights, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Harker Heights, TX and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Harker Heights, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Harker Heights, TX is Dana Peak with a 4.1-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Harker Heights, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Harker Heights, TX.

What parks are near Harker Heights, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Harker Heights, TX that allow camping, notably Cordell Hull Lake and Belton Lake.