Several lakeside camping options surround Killeen, Texas, offering various amenities within a short drive. Lake Belton and Lake Georgetown provide the primary camping destinations, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F during summer months. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access at certain campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Wilson H Fox Park maintains hiking trails and shoreline paths with wildlife viewing opportunities. "This campsite is nice because it has a swimming area as well as a ton of good fishing spots. Good facilities and camping spots," notes Quentin D.
Swimming in clear waters: Natural swimming areas provide relief from Texas heat. At Dana Peak, "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," according to Laura F.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakeside locations offer productive fishing spots. "You you wonder what this lake is best for fishing it's crappie," explains a visitor to Wilson H Fox Park, highlighting the lake's fishing specialty.
What campers like
Shaded camping spots: Many sites provide tree coverage to mitigate summer heat. 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. Bathrooms clean and staff very friendly," says Maxine C.
Covered picnic structures: Most lakeside campgrounds provide permanent shade structures. "Each site seems to have its own pavilion, which i have not seen before. especially at $26 per night. some sites even had a screened-in bunkhouse," notes a reviewer at Wilson H Fox Park.
Wildlife viewing: Cedar Ridge Park offers frequent wildlife encounters. "Lots of deer in camp and we saw a turkey. Sites that we really like with lots of shade 3,13,16,18," shares Dean H. after his visit.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Some parks close during off-seasons. At Dana Peak, one visitor notes, "I haven't stayed here yet but I wanted to make a review about their open season. They have it listed on their website, but they are only open from March 2nd to September 30th for the year of 2022."
Bathhouse conditions vary: Facility quality differs between parks. "The bathrooms are more enclosed so not too many bugs in there. Laundry facilities available," reports a Cedar Ridge visitor.
Site selection matters: Many parks have significant variations between sites. At Cedar Breaks Park, "The sites along the outside of the loop have lake views and are level. The sites along the inside are scary unlevel! Some of the big rigs were backed in and jacked up 4 feet or so in front. Saw a lady break her ankle stepping out of her camper."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Several parks maintain play areas for children. "We road bicycles, played on the playground. Hiked around and fished," shares a family visitor to Cedar Ridge Park.
Swimming beach quality: Dedicated swimming areas vary by location. At Berry Springs Park, "Small, but very clean/new restrooms. Lots and lots of fields, walking trails. Perfect for dogs who like to run," notes a visitor, highlighting amenities beyond just water access.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many sites offer nature observation areas. "We love Lake Georgetown. Beautiful trees. A COE campground," shares a regular visitor to the area.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness considerations: RVers should research site conditions before arrival. At Cedar Breaks Park, a reviewer cautions, "Be prepared to level your camper! I suggest odd numbers 19-35 and even numbers 36-42 as the most level sites with the best lake views."
Hookup availability: Most glamping in Killeen, Texas area provides partial hookups. At Live Oak Ridge, a camper notes, "We stayed in Site 3 which was waterfront, but no water access, however was shaded and spacious. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and will stay again."
Weather preparation: Local conditions can impact equipment. At Dana Peak, one camper warns, "This is a gorgeous place to camp. We did tent camping this pass week. Our camp site was right by the water an absolutely gorgeous view to wake up to. I will definitely come back. The only draw back was the winds, they were so strong they shattered our tent poles."
