The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates three lakes near Killeen, Texas. These lakes provide flood control and recreational opportunities for Killeen and the surrounding countryside. Each of the lakes also has privately owned parks and facilities as well as those operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Located 15 miles east of Killeen is Belton Lake, which is on the Leon River and has more than 136 miles of shoreline. Construction began in 1949 to conserve water for recreation, water conservation, fish and wildlife habitat, general recreation and to help control flooding. Recreational facilities and activities include camping, group areas, picnicking, fishing, hunting boating and swimming. It also has hiking, biking and horse trails. Wildlife watching is an excellent pastime at Belton Lake.
The park and lake does have fees, including day use, camping and boat ramp fees. For camping, the Army Corps of Engineers recommends you make reservations to be assured a campsite.
Belton Lake is a great place to hold a group event. For group events, Belton Lake requires lake activity permits, (LAP) to assist with control of overcrowding at the park and lake facilities. There is no cost for the permits, and groups are welcome. The permits are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. The LAP needs to be filled out a minimum of three days prior to your visit.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Belton/Stillhouse Hollow Lake
3740 FM 1670
Belton, TX 76513
254-939-2461
www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/belton
About 15 miles southeast of Killeen is Stillhouse Hollow Lake, which is just south of Belton Lake and is also under the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The corps' mission at the lake is to provide flood risk management, supply water and offer recreational opportunities. Its goal is to supply some of the best fishing, camping and boating in central Texas.
Originally called Lampasas, construction began in 1962, and it has 58 miles of shoreline, with camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking and wildlife watching activities available. It requires day use and camping fees for using the facilities.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Belton/Stillhouse Hollow Lake
3740 FM 1670
Belton, TX 76513
254-939-2461
www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/stillhouse/
One of the newest lake near Killeen is Granger Lake, on which construction began in 1972 and which was originally named Laneport Lake and started as a flood control measure. Camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and horseback riding trails are available. Granger Lake provides your choice of either peaceful and quiet or re-creating with lots of friends and family.
Thirty miles south of Killeen, Granger Lake has day use permits available, as well as group and camping rates. With more than 4,400 surface acres, there is plenty of room to enjoy yourself. The dam is 16,320 feet long and has a maximum height of 115 feet above the stream bed.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Granger Lake Office
3100 Granger Dam Road
Granger, TX 76530
512-859-2668
www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/granger
