Things to Do
Stillhouse Lake & Marina
Stillhouse Hollow Lake
Stillhouse Lake Park
4050 SIMMONS RD BELTON, TX 76513 254-939-6741
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.
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 and playground popular with families.
It has great fishing spots, swim beaches, a marina, camping, picnic areas and scuba diving (there’s a dive shop open on the weekends at the marina). It’s a beautiful place for a family outing or to go relax and read a book.
Stillhouse Marina is located on beautiful Stillhouse Hollow Lake. They offer indoor and outdoor fishing 24 hrs Friday thru Sunday as well as live (& frozen) bait, and a full grill featuring the best burgers this side of the Colorado River!
33 locals recommend
Stillhouse Hollow Lake
Stillhouse Lake Park
4050 SIMMONS RD BELTON, TX 76513 254-939-6741
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.
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 and playground popular with families.
It has great fishing spots, swim beaches, a marina, camping, picnic areas and scuba diving (there’s a dive shop open on the weekends at the marina). It’s a beautiful place for a family outing or to go relax and read a book.
Stillhouse Marina is located on beautiful Stillhouse Hollow Lake. They offer indoor and outdoor fishing 24 hrs Friday thru Sunday as well as live (& frozen) bait, and a full grill featuring the best burgers this side of the Colorado River!
Parks
Chalk Ridge Falls Park
5600 Farm to Market Road 1670, Salado, TX 76571
+1 254-939-2461
This is a beautiful location for an easy hike with family. It is located between Belton and Salado near Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Such a beautiful spot nearby to enjoy nature. 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.
30 locals recommend
Chalk Ridge Falls Park
5600 FM1670Chalk Ridge Falls Park
5600 Farm to Market Road 1670, Salado, TX 76571
+1 254-939-2461
This is a beautiful location for an easy hike with family. It is located between Belton and Salado near Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Such a beautiful spot nearby to enjoy nature. 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.
Dana Peak Park
3800 Comanche Gap Road, Harker Heights, TX 76548
Dana Peak Campground is located on a peninsula on the shoreline of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas. The lake offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, large group pavilions, hunting, fishing and more. The facility is one of only two reservable campgrounds on the lake and often fills up on weekends during summer. 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.
The campground has more than 30 campsites, including RV and tent sites with electric hookups and eight primitive tent sites. The park offers restrooms with flush toilets and showers, a swimming beach, several picnic sites and a boat ramp. Primitive campsites include a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill. A group shelter is available by reservation for up to 80 people at a time.
Love the trail options at Dana Peak Park. We frequently hike and ride horses on the miles of trails. Lots of mountain bikers as well so trails must be shared by all. Shady trails are plentiful but be sure to bring your own water as it can get hot on the open trails. Free to park at the end of Comanche Gap Rd before the entrance kiosk to the rest of the park where the trail-head for hike and bike is located. There is a horse off-loading area inside the park that requires a day use fee. Current coggins required for horses. Dogs welcome on a leash.
30 locals recommend
Dana Peak Park
3800 Comanche Gap RdDana Peak Park
3800 Comanche Gap Road, Harker Heights, TX 76548
Dana Peak Campground is located on a peninsula on the shoreline of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas. The lake offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, large group pavilions, hunting, fishing and more. The facility is one of only two reservable campgrounds on the lake and often fills up on weekends during summer. 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.
The campground has more than 30 campsites, including RV and tent sites with electric hookups and eight primitive tent sites. The park offers restrooms with flush toilets and showers, a swimming beach, several picnic sites and a boat ramp. Primitive campsites include a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill. A group shelter is available by reservation for up to 80 people at a time.
Love the trail options at Dana Peak Park. We frequently hike and ride horses on the miles of trails. Lots of mountain bikers as well so trails must be shared by all. Shady trails are plentiful but be sure to bring your own water as it can get hot on the open trails. Free to park at the end of Comanche Gap Rd before the entrance kiosk to the rest of the park where the trail-head for hike and bike is located. There is a horse off-loading area inside the park that requires a day use fee. Current coggins required for horses. Dogs welcome on a leash.
Union Grove
8680 UNION GROVE ROAD
SALADO, TX 76571 254-947-0072
Union Grove Park is located on the southwestern shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas. The lake offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, large group pavilions, hunting, fishing and simply enjoying the scenery. This facility has RV and tent camping sites with water and electric hookups available, as well as three screen shelters available for guests without camping equipment. The facility is one of only two reservable campgrounds on the lake. 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.
The campground has more than 30 campsites, including RV and tent sites with electric hookups, double sites and screened shelters. The park offers restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, a swimming beach, fishing dock, playground and boat ramp.
Union Grove
Union Grove
8680 UNION GROVE ROAD
SALADO, TX 76571 254-947-0072
Union Grove Park is located on the southwestern shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas. The lake offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, large group pavilions, hunting, fishing and simply enjoying the scenery. This facility has RV and tent camping sites with water and electric hookups available, as well as three screen shelters available for guests without camping equipment. The facility is one of only two reservable campgrounds on the lake. 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.
The campground has more than 30 campsites, including RV and tent sites with electric hookups, double sites and screened shelters. The park offers restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, a swimming beach, fishing dock, playground and boat ramp.
Belton Lake Park
2782 FM 439
BELTON, TX 76513 254-939-2461
Belton Lakeview Park is a great destination for boaters and anglers. Popular fish species include hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish and sunfish. Guests can also make use of the playgrounds and nature trails.
Belton Lakeview Park has two reservable group day-use areas along the lower shore of Belton Lake, providing some of the best fishing and boating in Central Texas. The facility is perched on a bluff overlooking Belton Lake and Dam, a year-round scenic location for group picnics and large gatherings. The site offers many amenities, such as flush toilets, water and electric hookups, a playground and a two-lane boat ramp, ensuring your stay is both comfortable and enjoyable. Belton Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Belton Dam in 1954. The 12,300-acre lake is located on the Leon River, just upstream of the confluence of the Leon River and the Little River.
The group use areas are along the forested shoreline of Belton Lake; there is plenty of shade provided by trees and picnic shelters. The sites are not directly on the water, but provide a view of the lake. The lake area is a habitat for deer, wild turkey and water birds such as Great Blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds and even an occasional bald eagle.
51 locals recommend
Belton Lake
Belton Lake Park
2782 FM 439
BELTON, TX 76513 254-939-2461
Belton Lakeview Park is a great destination for boaters and anglers. Popular fish species include hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish and sunfish. Guests can also make use of the playgrounds and nature trails.
Belton Lakeview Park has two reservable group day-use areas along the lower shore of Belton Lake, providing some of the best fishing and boating in Central Texas. The facility is perched on a bluff overlooking Belton Lake and Dam, a year-round scenic location for group picnics and large gatherings. The site offers many amenities, such as flush toilets, water and electric hookups, a playground and a two-lane boat ramp, ensuring your stay is both comfortable and enjoyable. Belton Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Belton Dam in 1954. The 12,300-acre lake is located on the Leon River, just upstream of the confluence of the Leon River and the Little River.
The group use areas are along the forested shoreline of Belton Lake; there is plenty of shade provided by trees and picnic shelters. The sites are not directly on the water, but provide a view of the lake. The lake area is a habitat for deer, wild turkey and water birds such as Great Blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds and even an occasional bald eagle.
Museums
Bell County Museum
201 N Main St, Belton, TX 76513-3160
Bell County Museum is open:
Tue - Fri 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For a small regional museum, this is a really informative and interesting place. It provides a historical look into Bell County history as well as educational displays on the nearby Gault Site, one of America's most significant prehistoric archaeological digs. One of the side exhibits is the world's largest collection of mustache cups. These were popular from 1850 to 1900 when the large, flowing mustache was in style. The ornate cups were made with a lip across the inside so gentlemen could drink without getting their mustache wet. There are both right-handed and left-handed cups! Entry to the museum is free, but there is a donation box available where you can monetarily show your appreciation.
12 locals recommend
Bell County Museum
201 N Main StBell County Museum
201 N Main St, Belton, TX 76513-3160
Bell County Museum is open:
Tue - Fri 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For a small regional museum, this is a really informative and interesting place. It provides a historical look into Bell County history as well as educational displays on the nearby Gault Site, one of America's most significant prehistoric archaeological digs. One of the side exhibits is the world's largest collection of mustache cups. These were popular from 1850 to 1900 when the large, flowing mustache was in style. The ornate cups were made with a lip across the inside so gentlemen could drink without getting their mustache wet. There are both right-handed and left-handed cups! Entry to the museum is free, but there is a donation box available where you can monetarily show your appreciation.
Water Parks
Summer Fun Water Park, Temple
1401 Waco Rd, Belton, TX 76513-2316
Summer Fun is free for Seniors who show proper ID. You can even bring a cooler with water and a sandwich. Add sunglasses and sunscreen and you have several hours of no-cost relaxation and exercise. Tubes are provided for floating on the lazy river and I've found lounge chairs available in the late afternoon hours when I visit. Guards do a good job of maintaining order without being obnoxious. There's a large pool, but don't expect to lap swim. There are several trees on the property that provided shaded areas for those who want to stay out of the sun.
18 locals recommend
Summer Fun Water Park
1410 Waco RdSummer Fun Water Park, Temple
1401 Waco Rd, Belton, TX 76513-2316
Summer Fun is free for Seniors who show proper ID. You can even bring a cooler with water and a sandwich. Add sunglasses and sunscreen and you have several hours of no-cost relaxation and exercise. Tubes are provided for floating on the lazy river and I've found lounge chairs available in the late afternoon hours when I visit. Guards do a good job of maintaining order without being obnoxious. There's a large pool, but don't expect to lap swim. There are several trees on the property that provided shaded areas for those who want to stay out of the sun.
Lions Junction Family Water Park, Temple
5000 S 5th St, Temple, TX 76502
Great mid-size water park for the whole family to enjoy. Whether it's floating in the lazy river, going down the water slides, chilling in the kiddie pool area, or swimming in the pool, there is fun for everyone.
7 locals recommend
Lions Junction Family Water Park
5000 S 5th StLions Junction Family Water Park, Temple
5000 S 5th St, Temple, TX 76502
Great mid-size water park for the whole family to enjoy. Whether it's floating in the lazy river, going down the water slides, chilling in the kiddie pool area, or swimming in the pool, there is fun for everyone.
Shopping, Wineries, Craft Beer, Historical, Art District
Visit historical Salado one day and stroll the shops and eat at the historic Stagecoach Inn. Enjoy the wineries and the craft beer and see all the arts and crafts available. Make a day of it
The revitalization of Salado began in the 1940s as the fame of the dining room of Stagecoach Inn spread. It continued with the founding of the Central Texas Area Museum in 1959 and the construction of the first new residential area, Mill Creek, in 1960. The many shops catering to visitors have led to the popularity of Salado. Today Salado has approximately 130 businesses of many kinds, adding to the charm of this small village.
38 locals recommend
Salado
The revitalization of Salado began in the 1940s as the fame of the dining room of Stagecoach Inn spread. It continued with the founding of the Central Texas Area Museum in 1959 and the construction of the first new residential area, Mill Creek, in 1960. The many shops catering to visitors have led to the popularity of Salado. Today Salado has approximately 130 businesses of many kinds, adding to the charm of this small village.
Food Scene
The revitalization of Salado began in the 1940s as the fame of the dining room of Stagecoach Inn spread. It continued with the founding of the Central Texas Area Museum in 1959 and the construction of the first new residential area, Mill Creek, in 1960. The many shops catering to visitors have led to the popularity of Salado. Today Salado has approximately 130 businesses of many kinds, adding to the charm of this small village.
38 locals recommend
Salado
The revitalization of Salado began in the 1940s as the fame of the dining room of Stagecoach Inn spread. It continued with the founding of the Central Texas Area Museum in 1959 and the construction of the first new residential area, Mill Creek, in 1960. The many shops catering to visitors have led to the popularity of Salado. Today Salado has approximately 130 businesses of many kinds, adding to the charm of this small village.
City advice
Don't miss
Bell County Star Party @ Overlook Park at Still House Hollow
Great stargazing opportunities await at the lake! Get away from the lights of the city and stargaze!
Go to the website for more details: https://www.centexastronomy.org/
Stargazing arranged by the Meyer Observatory
https://www.facebook.com/CentexAstronomy/live/
CTAS phone is 254-326-1027 for more information