Established Camping
Stillhouse
Stillhouse, near Belton, Texas, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of comfort. This campground is situated by Stillhouse Hollow Lake, offering a scenic backdrop for your camping adventures, whether you're pitching a tent or just soaking in the views.
The area is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors often rave about the chance to picnic by the lake, take a refreshing dip, or cast a line for some fishing. One camper noted, “Stillhouse Park offers a combination of natural beauty and recreational amenities,” making it a popular choice for families and groups.
Amenities include electric hookups and picnic tables, which make your stay a bit easier. While there are no showers or reservable sites, the clean facilities and friendly atmosphere help create a welcoming environment. Reviewers have highlighted the park's appeal for gatherings, with one stating, “The park offers a variety of amenities and activities, making it a popular destination for family gatherings.”
If you're up for some exploration, the surrounding area is rich with wildlife and picturesque landscapes, perfect for hiking or biking. Just a short drive away, you can find charming spots in Belton and Salado, where local art and history come alive. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer retreat, Stillhouse has plenty to offer for a memorable outdoor experience.
Description
Overview
Stillhouse Park is a day use area that has two reservable group pavilions along the shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas. With activities such as picnicking, swimming, basketball and fishing, the park is popular for family gatherings and other large group events. 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.
Recreation
With 58 miles of shoreline, Stillhouse Hollow Lake is an often uncrowded haven for boaters and fishermen. Those who do not have motor boats, canoes or kayaks can rent them nearby. A variety of land-based activities are also offered, such as volleyball, basketball and horseshoes. Birding is a favorite pastime for many visitors. 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 bird sightings.
Facilities
The lake's only marina and fuel dock are located within the park. There are two reservable group pavilions, Island View and Tear Drop, which can each hold up to 120 visitors. There are also nearly 40 individual picnic sites around the beach area, as well as a swimming beach popular with families.
Natural Features
Aside from the park and two nearby campgrounds, very little of the lakeshore is developed. It has rocky beaches and sandy bluffs along the edges, and much of it is forested. Stillhouse Park has grassy, open areas interspersed with trees. 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 lake area.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby Village of Salado offers golf, art galleries and shopping, among other activities. 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.
Location
Stillhouse is located in Texas
Directions
From Interstate 35 in Belton, Texas take State Highway 190 west to the Simmons Road exit. Exit and turn left under 190 onto Simmons Road. Proceed about three miles to the park.
Address
4050 Simmons Road
Belton, TX 76513
Coordinates
31.0366667 N
97.5344444 W
Drive Time
- 12 min from Killeen
- 44 min from Waco
- 50 min from Austin
- 1 hr 27 min from College Station
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
