Did you know that Belton Lake outside of Belton in Central Texas has abundant scenic beauty, inspiring views, and plenty of recreational opportunities? We often spend our summer holidays in the Austin area visiting family and friends and Lake Belton is one of our go to spots for a day outdoors near Belton.
Located in Bell County and Coryell County, this reservoir spans approximately 12,300 acres and offers a scenic retreat for outdoor lovers.
Belton Lake was formed by the building on Belton Dam over the Leon River. It is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake was constructed for flood control, water supply, and recreational activities in 1954. The lake is within the Brazos River Basin.
There’s no shortage of things to do at Belton Lake. Enjoy a day of relaxation and picnicking at popular parks along its shores, such as Temple Lake Park and Live Oak Ridge Park. For the adventurous, camping is available at several campgrounds, offering the perfect opportunity to sleep under the starry Texas sky.
Water sports enthusiasts will delight in the lake’s vast expanse, perfect for boating, kayaking, and jet skiing. Anglers will find ample opportunities for fishing, with Belton Lake boasting a diverse array of fish species, including bass, catfish, and crappie.
With its tranquil waters, scenic surroundings, and abundance of outdoor activities, Belton Lake is a great place to visit for families seeking adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re casting a line, paddling along the shoreline, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Belton Lake offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Parks along shores of Belton Lake
Here is a little information about the several parks that line the shoreline of the lake. Almost all of these are popular for camping, fishing, water sports, and birding.
Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA)
Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) is one of the most popular parks on the shores of Lake Belton. The park has outdoor activities for all ages including campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and scenic trails. Water lovers can enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports on the lake’s waters.
Miller Springs Nature Center
Nature lovers should head to Miller Springs Nature Center. Situated along the Lampasas River, this nature preserve spans over 260 acres and has over 11 miles of marked hiking trails. The trails wind through diverse ecosystems, including woodlands and riparian areas and provide multiple opportunities for birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
Live Oak Ridge Park
Live Oak Ridge Park offers a clean and peaceful location for camping. The sites are shaded by trees while the park has a good view of the lake and Belton Dam. Plus it’s close enough to downtown Temple and its many activities.
Cedar Ridge Park
Cedar Ridge Park is a great place to camp on the shores of Lake Belton. The park is great for wildlife and bird watching. The shoreline here is worth exploring from a kayak or boat.
Winkler Park
Winkler Park is located in Moody, Texas. It is a serene park with many camping spots for both RVs as well as tents. The only downside is when lake levels are low, this park barely has any water access.
White Flint Park
White Flint Park is also a nice and clean park with expansive lake views in Moody, Texas. The park has many amenities like RV Campsites, cabins, day use area, and boat ramp.
Westcliff Park
Westcliff Park is one of our favorite parks on the shores of Lake Belton. It has a day use area with picnic tables, beach, and restrooms. It also has great RV camping spots for those looking for a longer stay. The lake here is great to put boats in – you can even catch a glimpse of a beautiful man-made waterfall near the park.
Belton Lakeview Park
Belton Lakeview Park is located on top of a bluff overlooking Lake Belton. It has picnic tables, bbq grills, boat ramp, and docks. However, the park has not been maintained well on many occasions and we often favor the nearby Temple Lake Park more over this park.
Arrowhead Point Park
Arrowhead Point Park is perfect for day use. It has great lake views, a nice hiking trail, as well as a boat ramp for launching your water crafts. You can also enjoy shoreline fishing at the lake.
Temple Lake Park
With its prime location, Temple Lake Park provides ample opportunities for picnicking, fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the lake while indulging in recreational activities or simply relaxing in nature.
Kleypas Park
Kleypas Park in Morgan’s Point Resort is a hidden gem on the banks of Belton Lake. The park has plenty of exercise equipment, well-maintained modern play areas, and even basketball and tennis courts! Plus the lake views are amazing.
Rogers Park
If you love rock climbing, then you should head to Rogers Park. The boulders along the shore are great fun – however the area is not maintained so be careful with kids. The park is also good for paddling, fishing, and enjoying the scenery.
Leona Park
Leona Park in Temple is a great place to watch the sunset, walk around, or just hang with your family. Shore fishing is quite popular here. In April, you will find bluebonnets in the park.
Owl Creek Park
We stumbled upon this small park while driving around the lake near Gatesville, Texas. It has great views of the lake but a rocky shoreline. We saw several people camping and fishing at the park.
Fishing at Belton Lake
offers anglers a diverse range of fishing opportunities amidst its clear waters. Commonly found fish species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish.
Whether you’re casting your line from the shoreline or venturing out onto the lake in a boat, you’re sure to reel in a catch worth boasting about. Read more about fishing at Belton Lake at TPWD website here.