Camping near Moody, Texas centers around Belton Lake, a 12,300-acre reservoir created in 1954 by damming the Leon River. The lake features limestone shores with rocky outcroppings and cedar trees that provide habitat for white-tailed deer frequently seen at campgrounds. Summer humidity ranges from 60-90%, creating hot, muggy camping conditions from June through September with occasional evening thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mother Neff State Park Campground offers fishing along the Leon River when water levels permit. One visitor mentioned that "the Leon river runs through this park, although we are currently in a drought so it is as dry as a bone. The Tonkawa tribe lived along the river in the 1800's and many artifacts have been found."
Wildlife viewing: Iron Bridge Park provides opportunities to observe native wildlife in a rustic setting. A camper noted, "This place is kind of out of the way, around 20/30 mins of driving off of the nearest highway/interstate. The area consists of a medium sized gravel parking lot and grassy areas with covered cement picnic tables as well as a boat ramp at the end."
Night sky observation: Camping locations away from Interstate 35 offer darker skies for stargazing. At Cedar Ridge, one camper described their experience: "Sunsets on Lake Waco are mesmerizing. The deer wander right out to the road at dusk... This park is very very quiet and peaceful! Watched hawks and lions catch fish."
Historical exploration: The region contains significant historical sites like Native American settlements. A visitor to Mother Neff State Park described, "You can also see the wash pond and parts of the original park in the 1930's. There are lots of trees which make for some great trails and lots of shade. Plus the facilities are brand new and so nice."
What campers like
Abundant wildlife: Live Oak Ridge provides regular animal sightings around campsites. A reviewer mentioned, "We saw lots of deer and birds. We will definitely return!" The campground's location makes wildlife encounters common during morning and evening hours.
Lakefront camping: Numerous campers appreciate the water access at lakefront sites. One camper at Live Oak Ridge explained their experience: "Live Oak Ridge COE Campground is excellently maintain and is a very low-key, restful place to land. 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."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the condition of newer campground facilities. A visitor at Cedar Ridge noted, "The campsites are located on small loops which limits the traffic past the individual camp sites. Many people, but spread out so didn't feel crowed."
Spacious camping areas: Sites at many campgrounds provide ample space between neighbors. One camper at Mother Neff State Park described, "The campsites are spacious, clean and very well maintained. Full hook-ups and very level. Clean bathrooms and facilities."
What you should know
Gate closure hours: Most Corps of Engineers parks implement strict entrance policies. At Airport Park, "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."
Bathroom maintenance inconsistency: Facility conditions vary significantly between campgrounds and seasons. A camper at Airport Park reported, "The 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."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. An Airport Park visitor detailed: "Waco airport aircraft departing/arriving as early as 6am and as late as 11pm. One night we counted aircraft performing touch and go maneuvers 42 times. Approach was directly over our campsite."
Seasonal water levels: Lake and river access can change dramatically with weather patterns. A camper at Iron Bridge Park explained: "The Leon river runs right through iron bridge camping out the rough way not for any candy whinny asses no water or elec nothing but laterns living the old school way if u can't handle bugs or critters I suggest this camp isn't for u."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Not all campgrounds have dedicated play areas. At Airport Park, a visitor observed: "No playground, basketball or tennis or volleyball courts. No lake swimming area."
Swimming options: Belton Lake offers swimming opportunities but designated areas are limited. One camper at Belton Lake Military Park explained: "The lake beach area wasn't open for swimming due to a Lifeguard shortage. Overall though we had a great time for our first outing in our trailer though. The area is quiet."
Wildlife encounters: Family-friendly wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region. A camper at Cedar Ridge shared: "This is just flat out a beautiful, no frills park. It is water and electric only. There are some primitive sites but there are not full hookups. The sites along the water give amazing sunset and sunrise views. Our site was right on the water allowing us to fish from our spot."
Bug protection: Several campgrounds report significant insect activity during warmer months. One camper advised: "The only thing I don't like about this place is the chiggers and other bugs. Bring your lavender oil to keep those chiggers off."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campsites require leveling equipment. At Airport Park, a camper reported: "Sites look level but we needed to reposition a couple times to get everything thing level and maximize the view."
Sewer connection placement: Hookup locations vary between campgrounds and sites. One Airport Park camper advised: "Sewer connection at rear of parking pad. Bring the looooong stinky slinky!"
Campsite selection strategy: When booking, consider shade availability during summer months. An experienced camper at Cedar Ridge suggested: "We were in site 27, which our camp side is shady during the afternoon and evening. Each site has a fire ring, bbq grill, & lantern post. The RV parking pad is asphalt and long. Big Rigs would have no problems here."
Cell service considerations: Signal strength varies significantly between carriers and locations. A visitor noted: "I 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."
