Best Campgrounds near Temple, TX
The Temple, Texas area features a mix of established campgrounds primarily clustered around nearby lakes and waterways. Cedar Ridge Park and Live Oak Ridge on Belton Lake provide year-round camping with boat access and hookup options for RVs. Mother Neff State Park Campground, located northwest of Temple in Moody, holds historical significance as Texas' first state park and offers well-maintained facilities with CCC-era structures. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several sites like Union Grove and Westcliff providing lakefront views. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages several properties around Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Lakes, offering spacious sites with water and electric hookups.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most campgrounds, particularly during spring and fall when milder temperatures attract more visitors. Summer camping requires preparation for intense heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September. Many campers note the importance of securing shaded sites during warmer months. As one visitor to Mother Neff State Park observed, "The campsite itself was wonderful with plenty of spacing between neighboring sites, freshly raked gravel, and covered picnic tables." County-wide burn bans are common during dry periods, potentially restricting campfires. Most campgrounds feature paved or level gravel pads suitable for RVs, though some sites at certain locations may require significant leveling equipment, as noted by visitors to Lake Georgetown campgrounds.
Lake access represents a primary attraction for many campgrounds in the Temple area, though shoreline conditions vary significantly. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings including deer, raccoons, and various waterbirds. Several campers note the quality of night sky viewing at more remote locations. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude, while weekends bring higher occupancy rates, especially at swimming areas. The proximity to Interstate 35 makes the region convenient for travelers between Austin and Dallas, with several RV parks catering specifically to overnight stays. As one camper at Cedar Breaks Park remarked, "The sites are ideal for both sunrise and sunset color displays with stunning rocky cliff shoreline views." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with Verizon users reporting consistent coverage at most established campgrounds.
