DOUG C.
Traveler
TravelerAirport Park - Waco Lake
Airport Park Waco TX
This is a beautiful campground. The sites are good size and paved parking.
Best Campgrounds near Salado, TX
Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake provide the backbone for camping near Salado, Texas, with several campgrounds offering lakeside access. Dana Peak, Union Grove, and Live Oak Ridge campgrounds are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, featuring a mix of tent and RV sites with basic amenities. Gather Campground in Bell County stands out with full hookups and resort-style facilities. Most campgrounds in the area provide water and electric hookups, with select locations offering sewer connections for extended stays.
Camping is primarily concentrated around the two lakes, with most developed sites requiring reservations. Many campgrounds remain open year-round despite Central Texas heat. "Awesome visit to Union Grove and Stillhouse hollow lake. Inexpensive, great campsites along the lake. Clean bathrooms. Quiet. Awesome sunrise and sunsets," noted one visitor about their experience. Tent camping options are somewhat limited, as several reviews mention challenges finding tent-friendly locations in the Salado area. Access roads are generally well-maintained with paved surfaces at most developed campgrounds, though high winds can affect comfort in exposed areas during winter months.
The waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers, with Union Grove and Dana Peak particularly praised for their lake views. Several visitors highlighted the crystal-clear water at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, which features a rocky bottom ideal for swimming. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with numerous reviews mentioning deer sightings near campsites. One camper remarked, "Words can't describe the beauty this little camp area had. The lake is gorgeous, with wildlife all around." Most campgrounds provide covered picnic tables and basic restroom facilities, though shower availability varies significantly between locations. RV-focused parks like Tranquil Gardens RV Park and Gather Campground - Bell County offer more amenities including full hookups and on-site conveniences, while the Corps of Engineers sites maintain a more natural setting with spacious sites and better lake access.
Best Camping Sites Near Salado, Texas (171)
1. Dana Peak
13 ReviewsHarker Heights, TX8 milesWebsite+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. Live Oak Ridge
11 ReviewsBelton, TX12 milesWebsite+1 (254) 780-1738$24 - $30 / night
"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. "
"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."
3. Union Grove
6 ReviewsHarker Heights, TX7 milesWebsite+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. Stillhouse
6 ReviewsBelton, TX6 milesWebsite+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"
5. Military Park Fort Hood Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area
10 ReviewsBelton Lake, TX13 milesWebsite+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."
6. Jim Hogg - Lake Georgetown
28 ReviewsGeorgetown, TX22 milesWebsite+1 (512) 930-5253$26 - $48 / night
"Lake Georgetown is a great destination with very good camping facilities. The campground is very peaceful and the prime spots on the Lake make for some excellent photo ops."
"Close to Austin, Lake Georgetown will never disappoint. The campsites are clean, ours was next to the lake."
7. Cedar Ridge (TX)
11 ReviewsTemple, TX16 milesWebsite+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."
8. Gather Campground
2 ReviewsBelton, TX6 milesWebsite+1 (254) 236-2866$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."
10. Belton Lakeview Park
4 ReviewsBelton, TX11 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Salado, TX
121 Photos of 171 Salado Campgrounds
Raymond B.
Union Grove
James T.
Cedar Ridge (TX)
Miranda Michelle O.
Friendship Park
Zane T.
Jim Hogg Park
Troy W.
Jim Hogg - Lake Georgetown
Karen H.
Cedar Breaks Park
Mark H.
Russell Park
Guillermo L.
Walnut Springs Primitive Campground
Julie K.
Tejas Park
Emily M.
Mother Neff State Park Campground
Victor K.
Sunset Ranch RV Park
Merry M.
Leander-NW Austin KOA
Recent Reviews near Salado, TX
535 Reviews of 171 Salado Campgrounds
- W
Wayne F.
ScoutCedar Breaks Park
Beautiful Park not far from Dining and Shopping
Great 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.
Julie K.ScoutTejas Park
Peace
Camp Tejas was very peaceful and I felt very safe here. Campsites are very well maintained porta potties as well. Has good fields of grass and beautiful old trees to shade the sites. The water was very pure and good. The trails along the river really well maintained. I discovered ribbons of courts crystal in the riverbed. So much space that even if the parking lot's full of recreation you don't really see anybody around. There's only 12 campsites so that's nice. And yeah if you don't want to be around RVs and electronics and want to do some basic camping and be one with nature this is the spot. The civilization isn't far away but far enough.
John & Amy M.TravelerMother Neff State Park Campground
One of the best State Parks we’ve ever visited
Unbelievable customer service, spotless amenities, great campsites with full hookups! The gravel was even raked in our campsite before we arrived. I thought I’d accidentally pulled into a Zen rock garden! Kudos to TX State Parks for this park. A real Crown Jewel!
- MMatt W.Scout
Oak Forest RV Park
Good price
Good price for all the amenities you get. Washroom were not very clean.
WoolffieeScoutRiver Forest Haven
Amazing location!
Came to austin for a convention and didn’t want to stay in a hotel, this property is beautiful, safe, clean, and my camping neighbors were all great people! we had a nice cold front the night i stayed and a couple dogs were wondering around too, they were both skittish but sweet. bonus!! no light pollution! the stars are beautiful :)
Jim P.
RangerSpeegleville Park
Awesome find in Waco
Stayed here with the pup while visiting the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame. Nice hookups, clean set up. Very quiet. Lots of deer in and around the sites (which are very big. Many sites available right on the water.
Christopher P.
GuideJim Hogg - Lake Georgetown
Nice ACOE Campground
Nice campground with water each site and electric. Restrooms which are very dated but staff does their best. Many of the facilities could use updating. Sites are nicely spaced apart. Near city life. Places to walk. Lots of deer.
Randal L.ScoutRedbud Ranch RV Resort
Nice but Trains
It's a very nice rv park overall. It is a bit more expensive, especially with the nearby train tracks. I'm a heavy sleeper but with close by road crossings, the horns are loud and frequent throughout the night
Guide to Salado
Salado camping options extend beyond the immediate town boundaries, with the most accessible sites primarily positioned along Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake approximately 15-20 minutes away by car. The area maintains a typical Central Texas climate with hot summers reaching 95-105°F and mild winters where temperatures can drop to 30°F with occasional freezes. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 600-700 feet, with limestone terrain creating rocky lake bottoms and clear water conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Dana Peak Park offers several miles of trails for both hiking and mountain biking. "This campsite is perfect for all your needs. It has everything. Hiking, boating, biking, swimming, fishing. It is so perfect and the views are amazing," notes Sarah P. in her review of Dana Peak.
Wildlife observation: Cedar Ridge Park provides excellent deer viewing opportunities throughout the camping areas. "This is just flat out a beautiful, no frills park. It is water and electric only. There aren't any activities and there aren't a lot of trails but there is tons of wildlife. You will see large groups of deer, turkey etc just wandering around," according to Jeff H.'s experience at Cedar Ridge.
Water recreation: The parks around Stillhouse Hollow Lake offer water activities with exceptionally clear conditions. "The water is crystal clear, so we just went down and hopped in the water when it got to hot," explains Sheila C. about her July camping trip at Dana Peak.
What campers like
Waterfront accessibility: Most lakeside campsites at Union Grove provide direct water views. "The sites sit on the lake but there is really limited lake access due to the craggy nature of the shore line. The shelters are great. Like most Texas camp grounds, it could use a few more trees. But we will be back!" according to Michael C. in his review of Union Grove.
Clean facilities: Live Oak Ridge consistently receives praise for its well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "The showers gave me life... 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!" writes Cari E. about her stay at Live Oak Ridge.
Spacious sites: Jim Hogg Park on Lake Georgetown offers well-spaced campsites. "This is a large campground with many sites, some of which are even double sites if you're camping with friends. A decent number of them are lake front and all have a cement covered pad for the picnic table," notes Laura F. from her experience at Jim Hogg Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some parks have limited operational seasons. "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," reports Joel K. about Dana Peak Park's schedule.
Limited tent options: Finding tent-specific camping can be challenging near Salado. "Around Salado there is not a lot of opportunity to be close to the historic areas and have tent camping," notes Crystal C. about Tranquil Gardens RV Park, which doesn't accept tent campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Salado, TX?
What campgrounds are available in Salado, TX?
Salado offers several camping options within the area. Salado Sky RV Park provides full hookup sites with regular community campfires and well-maintained facilities. For those seeking tent camping near historic Salado, options are limited as Tranquil Gardens RV Park only accommodates RVs. Just a short drive away, Stillhouse offers lakeside camping, though visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles. Additional nearby options include Dana Peak near Harker Heights and Belton Lakeview Park, both offering water access and basic amenities.
Where can I find family-friendly camping near Salado?
Where can I find family-friendly camping near Salado?
Mother Neff State Park Campground is an excellent family-friendly option near Salado, featuring a new visitor center and 20 well-designed campsites built among historic CCC structures. The park combines modern amenities with historical elements. Another great choice is Berry Springs Park & Preserve, located just north of Georgetown and about 1 mile off Interstate 35. This county park offers plenty of open space for families to enjoy outdoor activities in a convenient location not far from Salado.
What camping is available near Salado, TX?
What camping is available near Salado, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Salado, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 171 campgrounds and RV parks near Salado, TX and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Salado, TX?
Which is the most popular campground near Salado, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salado, TX is Dana Peak with a 4.1-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salado, TX?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salado, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Salado, TX.
What parks are near Salado, TX?
What parks are near Salado, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Salado, TX that allow camping, notably Cordell Hull Lake and Belton Lake.
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