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."
$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."
$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."
$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. "
$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."
$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."
$12 - $200 / 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."
"Great park (first one in Texas) that has some interesting history. So well maintained. Site 007 has some great shade and a cute feral kitty that comes begging for food."
$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."
$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."
$32 - $82 / night
"The exercise room was particularly impressive, and the spacious and clean lots added to the overall positive experience."
"We don’t have pets, but there are pet areas around the campground that the guests used frequently."
TravelerOverall, the people here are super friendly and most importantly, aren't nosy and mind their own business. I've been to parks where it seems that the campers only purpose is to see how many times you can break a rule or make a noise after curfew. Its not like that here.
ScoutThis is a wonderful campsite with plenty of activities. Everyone is friendly, and the camping area is well-maintained. This is a destination I will definitely add to my travel journal for future vacations.
TravelerIf you are a pro camper you should try this place no water no electricity perfect lake view beautiful sunset and star gazing Note: Site 01 and 02 are not good for camps if you have truck bed camp or roof top camp then it’s the best place
ScoutThe volunteer park host in gray dodge tried to act like he was the owner. I had a 30 ft rv , a truck and fishing boat , he didn't like the way I parked , one boat trailer tire was in the gravel next to the rv and 25 year old blacktop drive.
He said I was on the grass, not it was gravel placed there by the Corps of Engineers.
He then suggested i take the boat and park it 500 yards away in the parking area near the boat launch. I said I have a problem with that, look in this boat there are $10, 000 dollars of Garmin electronics in there that an be stolen in 5 minutes, and your not providing any security other than closing the gate at 10 pm.
Fishing is good in Willis creek in the spring , need a boat or walk in for bank fishing .
Park host said , 1st day work with us the restrooms are not working properly, we used our rv.
Roads needed repaved 10 years ago, major uneven swells.
Boat ramp, floating dock for use with tying boat was torn up and dragged on the bank !
3 family park host for 30 camp sites, only 7 being used , most were empty .
Taylor park on the other side of lake has had much work done and is nice compared to Willis park.
Federal park director has to deal with budgets that come short, I think they must be giving up on Willis park and ready to abandon.
They have the oldest park with the worst volunteers!
Trump would fix it quickly if he only new .
TravelerI’m so impressed. First of all we were looking for a place to camp while also being highly busy doing other multiple things and it got a little overwhelming. We came across this and while website turned us away we decided to take the chance. The lady at the gate was phenomenal and I hate I missed her on my way out! Reese you rock woman! She was extremely sweet and helpful. We literally found the most perfect spot we could have that day. The place is clean and quiet. Just what camping should be! You don’t need all that extra stuff. The biggest plus of all was the fact that you can swim in the lake! How refreshing!!
RangerNot worth $30 for tent camping unless you have to, like I did for a night while traveling through the area. To be fair though, it is a very well maintained camp with many amenities other similarly priced camps don't offer.
RangerNo tent camping, RV parking only.
TravelerThis is a beautiful campground. The sites are good size and paved parking.
ScoutGreat COE park near Georgetown, TX. Very clean, LOTS of cedar trees and very nice staff. Sites along the lake are some of the best I’ve experienced at any COE park.
Campgrounds near Harker Heights, Texas cluster primarily around Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake, offering waterfront camping options at Corps of Engineers sites. Dana Peak, Union Grove, and Live Oak Ridge provide established campsites with electricity hookups, picnic tables, and lake access. These campgrounds accommodate a mix of tent and RV camping, with some locations like Cedar Ridge Park also featuring cabin options. Most sites are within a 15-mile radius of Harker Heights, providing easy access to both natural settings and urban conveniences.
Seasonal availability varies across the area's campgrounds, with many sites open year-round but some, like Dana Peak, operating on limited seasonal schedules. Most established campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. Facilities typically include water and electric hookups, with some offering sewer connections for RVs. The terrain consists primarily of open, grassy sites with limited natural shade, making summer camping potentially challenging. "This is a beautiful, well maintained and very clean park. We were a little concerned about camping here in July with no shade. The breeze off the lake really helped make the 100 degree days better," noted one visitor about Dana Peak.
Lake access represents the primary attraction for most campgrounds in the Harker Heights area, with Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Campers frequently mention the clear water quality and rocky shorelines as highlights of their experience. Several campgrounds feature hiking and mountain biking trails, particularly at Dana Peak where miles of trails complement the waterfront camping. While proximity to water enhances the camping experience, the lack of shade trees at many sites presents challenges during hot summer months. Despite this limitation, the consistent lake breezes help moderate temperatures at waterfront sites. Visitors appreciate the spacious sites, covered picnic tables, and clean facilities found at most Corps of Engineers campgrounds in the area.
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 173 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.
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