Marlin is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Marlin is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Marlin, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
The year-round campground at Airport Park is perfectly located between Waco Lake and the Waco Airport. Campers can look south and view the pristine waters of the lake, or look north and watch airplanes take off and land.
The main lake shoreline has a large amount of submerged timber, which typically holds fish year-round. Anglers will find plenty of catfish, crappie, large and smallmouth bass as well as sunfish. A boat ramp and dock help visitors enjoy the lake.
The main lake shoreline has a large amount of submerged timber, which typically holds fish year-round. Anglers will find plenty of catfish, crappie, large and smallmouth bass as well as sunfish. A boat ramp and dock help visitors enjoy the lake.
Airport Park is on the northern banks of Waco Lake, near the dam. The lake is primarily fed by the Bosque River, which runs for 115 miles through central Texas.
For local information, please call (254) 756-5359 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.
Airport Park is located within the City of Waco and is 10 miles from Magnolia Market. About 15 min from Airport Park, Waco Lake Wetlands offers educational tours that take visitors through a six-acre nursery of aquatic plants and more than 130 species of birds. Cameron Park Zoo is also located nearby.
$150 / night
Cedar Ridge Park Campground is located at Belton Lake, which provides some of the best fishing, camping and boating in Central Texas. This year-round campground accommodates both tents and RVs and has several sites with screened shelters for those who do not have camping equipment. The facility provides many amenities, including hot showers and group picnic areas . A concession marina within the park offers fuel and basic convenience store items, as well as a seasonal restaurant.Belton Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Belton Dam in 1954. The 12,300-acre lake is located on the Leon River, just upstream of the confluence of the Leon River and the Little River.
With 136 miles of shoreline, Belton Lake offers a wide variety of recreation activities, and there is no shortage of family activities at Cedar Ridge. The facility has two multi-lane boat ramps with courtesy loading docks, a large lighted fishing dock, a designated family swimming beach, a playground, basketball court and hiking trails. Hawks, Great blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and even an occasional bald eagle visit the lake area, yielding year-round opportunities for birders.
With 136 miles of shoreline, Belton Lake offers a wide variety of recreation activities, and there is no shortage of family activities at Cedar Ridge. The facility has two multi-lane boat ramps with courtesy loading docks, a large lighted fishing dock, a designated family swimming beach, a playground, basketball court and hiking trails. Hawks, Great blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and even an occasional bald eagle visit the lake area, yielding year-round opportunities for birders.
The campground is partially forested with a mix of sun and shade. It lies on the shores of Belton Lake and Cedar Creek, with its scenic white limestone bluffs. Some of the campsites are directly on the shore, while others are a short walk away. The springtime brings an abundance of wildflowers that blanket areas of the park. Deer, turkey and other small game are commonly seen, and a man-made wetland on the opposite side of the lake provides an additional 25 acres of wildlife habitat in the area.
For facility specific information, please call (254) 742-3050.
Belton Lake is located adjacent to the Fort Hood Army Base, which has several points of interest for the military buff. The mural painted on the spillway wall of Belton Dam depicts the history of the Bell County area.
$70 / night
Come stay at the largest full-service RV Park in Waco, TX! We offer 250 affordable full hook-up RV sites, swimming, fishing, free WiFi, and a long list of fabulous facilities. You have to try our Texas-Size Big Howdy Breakfast, made-to-order! Ideal for long-term stays and family vacations, this park is convenient too!
$39 - $59 / night
Live Oak Ridge Campground is located at Belton Lake, which provides some of the best fishing, camping and boating in Central Texas. This year-round campground accommodates both tents and RVs and has many amenities, such as a playground, showers, and a group meeting area.Belton Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Belton Dam in 1954. The 12,300-acre lake is located on the Leon River, just upstream of the confluence of the Leon River and the Little River.
With 136 miles of shoreline, Belton Lake offers a wide variety of recreation activities, including camping, water recreation, picnicking and nature trails. The facility has a multi-lane boat ramp, and hiking trails are available adjacent to the park at Miller Springs Nature Area. Hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and even an occasional bald eagle visit the lake area, offering year-round opportunities for birders.
With 136 miles of shoreline, Belton Lake offers a wide variety of recreation activities, including camping, water recreation, picnicking and nature trails. The facility has a multi-lane boat ramp, and hiking trails are available adjacent to the park at Miller Springs Nature Area. Hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and even an occasional bald eagle visit the lake area, offering year-round opportunities for birders.
Live Oak Ridge lives up to its name, with many large oak trees, a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of shade. The campsites are flat and grassy, and several overlook the lake (others are only a short walk away). Springtime brings an abundance of wildflowers that blanket areas of the park. There is a man-made wetland on the lake between White Flint and Winkler Parks, providing an additional 25 acres of wildlife habitat to the lake area.
Belton Lake is located adjacent to the Fort Hood Army Base, which has several points of interest for the military buff. The mural painted on the spillway wall of Belton Dam depicts the history of the Bell County area.
For facility specific information, please call (254) 742-3050.
$30 / night
Liberty Hill Park is located on the southern shore of Navarro Mills Lake in central Texas. Visitors can enjoy a view of the lake from the facility and participate in popular outdoor actives like camping, boating, fishing and picnicking. The lake area provides the perfect setting to get away from it all, especially for city-dwellers from the nearby Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.
Birdwatching is a favorite year-round pastime for lake guests. Many species of songbirds, hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, other shorebirds and even an occasional bald eagle visit the area. Fishing is also popular at Navarro Mills, and the lake holds the current state record for white crappie. Fishermen come from near and far to sample some of the best crappie fishing anywhere. 2 multi-lane boat ramps, a fishing pier, and marina are available within Liberty Hill Park. There are also healthy populations of channel and yellow catfish, and hefty hybrid stripers are often caught below the dam when water is being released. Swimming is available at the designated swim beach from April 1- September 30 for day users and year round for registered campers. No lifeguard on duty and swimming is at your own risk. Life Jackets are available to borrow from the gatehouse.
Birdwatching is a favorite year-round pastime for lake guests. Many species of songbirds, hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, other shorebirds and even an occasional bald eagle visit the area. Fishing is also popular at Navarro Mills, and the lake holds the current state record for white crappie. Fishermen come from near and far to sample some of the best crappie fishing anywhere. 2 multi-lane boat ramps, a fishing pier, and marina are available within Liberty Hill Park. There are also healthy populations of channel and yellow catfish, and hefty hybrid stripers are often caught below the dam when water is being released. Swimming is available at the designated swim beach from April 1- September 30 for day users and year round for registered campers. No lifeguard on duty and swimming is at your own risk. Life Jackets are available to borrow from the gatehouse.
Liberty Hill is also a favorite viewing area for wildflowers. The brilliant array of native flowers draws visitors from all over to the lake area during the spring. Bluebonnets, paintbrushes and a myriad of other native plants transform the often-bleak winter landscape into an incredible palette of colors. A wide variety of habitat provides a home and abundant food supply to diverse wildlife. Visitors might stumble across squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, white-tailed deer, raccoon or armadillo.
$95 / night
Dana Peak Campground is located on a peninsula on the shoreline of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas. The lake offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, large group pavilions, hunting, fishing and more. The facility is one of only two reservable campgrounds on the lake and often fills up on weekends during summer. Stillhouse Hollow Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Stillhouse Hollow Dam in 1968. The 6,430-acre lake is located 16 miles upstream of the confluence of the Lampasas and Leon Rivers, which flow into the Little River.
With 58 miles of shoreline, Stillhouse Hollow Lake is an often uncrowded haven for boaters and fishermen. The campground has a four-lane boat ramp, and visitors who do not have motor boats, canoes or kayaks can rent them nearby. Families can enjoy soaking up the sun, swimming at the beach or exploring the Dana Peak Trails (located just outside the main entrance to the park) by foot, bike or horseback. Birding is a favorite pastime for many visitors with hawks, Great Blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and even an occasional bald eagle, yielding year-round opportunities for bird sightings.
With 58 miles of shoreline, Stillhouse Hollow Lake is an often uncrowded haven for boaters and fishermen. The campground has a four-lane boat ramp, and visitors who do not have motor boats, canoes or kayaks can rent them nearby. Families can enjoy soaking up the sun, swimming at the beach or exploring the Dana Peak Trails (located just outside the main entrance to the park) by foot, bike or horseback. Birding is a favorite pastime for many visitors with hawks, Great Blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and even an occasional bald eagle, yielding year-round opportunities for bird sightings.
Aside from two campgrounds and a nearby day-use park, very little of the lakeshore is developed. The edges consist of rocky beaches and sandy bluffs. Much of the lake area is forested, though the campground is mostly grassy, flat and open with little to no shade. Most campsites are right along the water's edge; others are within a short walk. The lake has noticeably clear and deep water inhabited by largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. A man-made wetland was constructed on the south shore of the lake, providing an additional 10 acres of wildlife habitat in the area.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (254) 939-2461.
Within a short drive, the Village of Salado offers golf, art galleries and shopping, among other pastimes. Chalk Ridge Falls Environmental Learning Center is below the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam. The center has about five miles of hiking trails, including a one-mile nature trail along the Lampasas River, a spring-fed creek, a waterfall, bridges and several wildlife viewing points. Stillhouse Hollow Lake is located near the Fort Hood Army Base, which has several points of interest for the military buff.
$120 / night
125 acres 7 water and electric RV sites (RESERVATIONS ONLY)
Electric RV camping and tent camping (FIRST COME FIRST SERVE) RV Sewage dumping/Water fill up station Beaches and Swimming Picnic Tables Fire Pits Boat and Jet Ski launch Public restrooms (No Showers)
$10 - $50 / night
Remember laying on your back as a child and gazing into the infinite sky full of twinkling stars, where dreams lived? Revive that wanderlust and revisit your dreams at our starlit glampground...
Our glampground is home to a night sky still full of twinkling stars...and dreams. Cozy up next to a firepit on the deck of your personal sanctuary under the stars. Our luxury filled tents will soothe your soul as your mind wanders to a relaxing, magical state.
Our tents are unlike any others around. Enjoy all the amenities of a five-star hotel, including AC and heat, without the hustle and bustle of busyness underneath the stars.
Oak Park is located on the northeastern shore of Navarro Mills Lake in central Texas. Visitors can enjoy a view of the lake from the facility and participate in popular outdoor actives like camping, boating, fishing and picnicking. The lake area provides the perfect setting to get away from it all, especially for city-dwellers from the nearby Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.
Birding is a favorite year-round pastime for lake guests. Many species of songbirds, hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, other shorebirds and even an occasional bald eagle visit the area. Fishing is also popular at Navarro Mills, and the lake holds the current state record for white crappie. Fishermen come from near and far to sample some of the best crappie fishing anywhere. There are also healthy populations of channel and yellow catfish, and hefty hybrid stripers are often caught below the dam when water is being released. Liberty Hill has a fishing pier, and there is a full-service marina at the lake.
Birding is a favorite year-round pastime for lake guests. Many species of songbirds, hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, other shorebirds and even an occasional bald eagle visit the area. Fishing is also popular at Navarro Mills, and the lake holds the current state record for white crappie. Fishermen come from near and far to sample some of the best crappie fishing anywhere. There are also healthy populations of channel and yellow catfish, and hefty hybrid stripers are often caught below the dam when water is being released. Liberty Hill has a fishing pier, and there is a full-service marina at the lake.
Most of the campsites are shady, and Oak Park is also a favorite viewing area for wildflowers. The brilliant array of native flowers draws visitors from all over to the lake area during the spring. Bluebonnets, paintbrushes and a myriad of other native plants transform the often-bleak winter landscape into an incredible palette of colors. A wide variety of habitat provides a home and abundant food supply to diverse wildlife. Visitors might stumble across squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, white-tailed deer, raccoon or armadillo.
$95 / night
It was nice to sit by such a lake and look at such beautiful nature. I, gvibe, really liked it here.
Lake Bryan Campground offers a serene escape with its picturesque surroundings and well-maintained facilities. Nestled by the tranquil Lake Bryan, campers can enjoy various water activities and stunning views. The campground provides a perfect blend of nature and comfort, featuring spacious sites and modern amenities. Whether you're an RV enthusiast or a tent camper, there's a suitable spot for everyone. The peaceful ambiance and friendly staff enhance the overall experience. For those seeking adventure, Lake Bryan Campground is an ideal choice. Plan your getaway and explore the beauty of nature. Also, check out https://mybestcasino.ca/review/n1-casino/ for exciting online entertainment.
The airport park offers a variety of amenities and camping options for visitors. We can camp together and play Elastic Man to have fun and memorable experiences together.
Jake from the Dyrt here! Purdon Groves has a few awesome glamping tents near Waco Texas overlooking a working farm. Check them out and make sure to share some pics of your stay!
From the moment we spoke to them on the phone late in the afternoon, to the moment we left the next morning, these were the kindess people we have met in Texas. The facilities and grounds are clean and very fresh looking. The only issue i might mention, if it not a sacrilege to add a negative thought is that the noise from the highway does not belong there. But I sure am glad we found on the side of the highway.
Site #9 was extremely unlevel, narrow, and not for big rigs. Only 30 amp service and the 110 did not work. The campsite host (?) said to load up and move to another site. He was very unfriendly, sarcastic, and just plain sad. This is a party place at night, not suitable for small children or sensitive folks at night. The shade was wonderful! It was also wonderful that they came around every morning to empty trash cans and replace them with new liners.
Bryan lake is my favorite camping area. I often come here on the weekend. I recommend it to my friends. They also love it. We often create a party or play spacebar clicker
Beautiful and quiet park with 30/50amp hookups. Water but no sewer (dump station with easy access). Plenty of deer frequent the park.
 Stayed there during the winter and the staff made sure you were OK we were frozen for two days
We are headed south. I look for spots close to interstate. The park is clean, well kept and no appearance of lost long timers. The attendant put us in spot 59 across the street from the dog park. But more importantly a big open field with a walking path around it. Made our fur babies happy. I get in a hurry when we are moving again so we did not try the breakfast. I'm sure it was great. Definitely, a place to stop along Texas I-35 south of Dallas.
Pros
Discount with National Park pass
Shady
Quiet
Dark sky friendly
Nice metal roof cover over concrete picnic table
Saw park ranger drive thru during daylight
2 bars T-MOBILE
Successful streaming with T-MOBILE hotspot device
Cons
So day #2 without any TP in men’s restroom. Went to front gate to report it and was told they would call it into the Army Corps of Engineers as gate volunteers have no stock of TP on hand. Never saw any TP before leaving on third day
Toilet facility #1 women’s had raw sewage throughout deep enough to cover your foot. Site 11 has electrical hook up at rear on the door side of the camper
Site 11 water connection is centered at the rear of the parking pad.
Site 11 unlevel.
Numerous piles of charcoal ash throughout site 11 campsite not in the fire pit.
Concrete picnic table needs degreased as surface has lots of large greasy stain
Site numbers are painted on the concrete picnic table so extremely difficult to see in the dark.
No WIFI
We really enjoyed the nature at this park. Sunsets on Lake Waco are mesmerizing. The deer wander right out to the road at dusk. We started out in the second section of sites however the bathrooms were closed completely for construction (looks like a brand new building) so we moved to the first section. Bathrooms worked fine and were relatively clean, just typical campground stuff- bugs and some dirt. Site 15 is up a hill so you’ve got a great view of the lake. The fallen trees and rocks make for great exploration and photos. We extended our stay and moved sites to site 57. There’s no sewer hook up there but man the views! Large open grassy area with beautiful twisty trees and a little beach area. We put our camp chairs near the little cliff to sit. Park is very very quiet and peaceful! Watched hawks and lions catch fish. The wind can be a bit much at times but it was fine. This back section of bathrooms was awful- first has a door missing, one had the shower knob missing, another very dirty and mildewy. Gave my husband and daughter sneezing fits. One you had to torque the shower handle and twist weird to get it to work, someone couldn’t shut it off one night and it was left on until morning when my husband got it turned off. The handicap bathroom wasn’t functional. The women’s bathroom seemed to be cleaned every other day but I don’t think the showers were touched. Other than that we enjoyed it a lot! Dump station works great and the gal at the gate was super sweet. Gates close at 10pm and you can not get back in until 6am. No idea why that’s a thing but that’s the rule.
The park was really nice. The sites were spaced apart well but not very level. Our site backed up to the lake. We only stayed overnight while traveling. The price was great with a NP Access pass. Had water and 30amp electric. Park had an RV dump. Quiet and very family friendly.
The park sites are beautiful. The lake is beautiful. The signage and routing are substandard. Very confusing and the turns are extremely tight. I do not recommend people with motorhome over 40 feet come here. That’s why I give this 4 out of 5 stars
Was there attending races at HoT Speedway. Propane refill, nice driveway, easy to navigate campground, two dog parks, lots of open land to go roam, pool.
Oh yeah, breakfast is AWESOME! We payed more than if we woulda gone out because we were so impressed. But, it was technically free breakfast.
It is a nice campground and the breakfast is awesome (please do not forget to tip the cook) and free. Yeah the road noise is high because you are just off the highway but that adds a level of convenience to this for a overnight or two. All in all a bit high priced for one or two nights but it makes up for it
Pros
Not charged a fee to make my own on-line reservation
Friendly gate attendant
Level asphalt site surrounded by crushed granite
Grass neatly mowed throughout campground
Large aluminum picnic table that is moveable from site concrete pad
BBQ grill, metal fire pit and lantern pole
Night sky friendly. No street lights
Spacious-space between each site but no privacy due to lack of vegetation
Very quiet Sunday thru Wednesday nights except for Waco airport aircraft approach and Space X rocket testing
Entrance gate locked 10pm-6am. Exit only permitted
Clean toilets and showers
Plenty of TP in restrooms
Trash can in toilet/shower facility
Sufficient trash dumpsters throughout park
Deer sightings at Park entrance only
2 LTE Verizon bars signal
Cons
Exterior restroom doors desperately need repaired. Have to move rock away from door to gain access.
Sewer connection at rear of parking pad. Bring the looooong stinky slinky!
Waco airport aircraft departing/arriving as early as 6am and as late as 11pm. One night we counted aircraft performing touch and go manuvers 42 times. Approach was directly over our campsite.
No patrolling host or ranger
No soap or hand towels in toilet facility
No playground, basketball or tennis or volleyball courts
No lake swimming area
No park WIFI
No hiking trails
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. This might change for 2023. Just wanted to clarify for anyone that might want to stay here and read from that other review that they’re closed.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Belton, but never at this campsite. I was delayed by a day due to tornadoes in the area, so I was already frustrated when I arrived to find that no one mans the entry gate…ever. I also did not receive my confirmation email upon booking, which contains your code to enter the gate, but luckily enough they have a number posted you can call and camp hosts within sight of the gate who can help you get in. I was on loop 4, which has the best shade, but some of the sites can be a little crammed in (and it can become loud on the weekends which is to mostly be expected). No sewer hookups, but they do have a dump station on site. Another perk is the private boat ramp for campers along with covered picnic tables at the less shaded sites and a playground for kids. My favorite part was honestly the showers though—they were so fantastic! The bathroom is heated in the cooler months and the water pressure and hot water can’t be beat; it’s the best camp shower I’ve experienced! I also had good enough service with AT&T to work with my phone’s hotspot, but Verizon was pretty poor and even streaming videos was choppy, though you can call and text as usual.
We stopped by here and unfortunately they were not open. It looks like a beautiful place and there sign says open April-September.
A wonderful place to stay and visit Waco, TX. plus it's right on the lake for boating, fishing and all other water activities.
The staff was great! Sites are spread apart and pretty level.
Would stay again if in area.
There are ample spots, very spread out—although there is not any kind of screening between sights. Covered picnic tables and fire rings, big boat launch and lovely views of the lake.
Relaxing and fun place to just enjoy company and magnet fishing. People are all very nice and will talk with you. I have no complaints for this place at all. The man that is the over seer is very nice and respectful also.
Another great COE park with beautiful waterfront sites with large covered picnic tables. We were only here one night so we didn’t explore the park very much. But the sunsets were amazing.
I love COE parks and Dana Peak is awesome. They have large covered picnic tables, Crushed Granite sites, easy water access. The lake is crystal clear with a rocky bottom. There are some sites that you can beach your boat.
Great campsite and volunteer hosts.
Wonderful views of the lake.. Pretty level and well maintained. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Camping near Marlin, Texas, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Marlin, Texas, has a lot to offer, whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Marlin, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Marlin, TX is Airport Park - Waco Lake with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Marlin, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 glamping camping locations near Marlin, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
