Lake Belton Texas. (original) (raw)

Four miles northwest of Belton via Texas 317 north, then FM 2271 west.
About eighty miles from Austin.

Lake Belton is a 12,300-acre impoundment of the Leon River. Numerous creeks, coves and long peninsulas make the lake scenic and account for over one hundred miles of shoreline. Built by the Army Corps of Engineers between 1949 and 1954, Belton Dam is 3,800 feet long and 172 feet high. Lake Belton extends to the boundaries of Mother Neff State Park, the first park in the state system. The lake provides water for nearby Fort Hood and spans Bell and Coryell counties. A mural on the east side of Belton Dam tells the story of this area's history. Lake Belton is calm and has lots of swimming docks and picnic areas. Of the thirteen public parks, three have swimming beaches: Cedar Ridge, Westcliff and Temple's Lake.

Miller's Spring Park

Of interest is Miller's Spring Park created when Lake Belton overflowed in 1992, carving out a huge canyon and wetland. This area is now a nature preserve referred to as the 'Miracle Mile', and includes a boardwalk trail that is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Hiking is allowed but swimming is not. Open dawn to dusk.

Temple's Lake Park

From IH35, take TX 36 north to FM 2305, then to the north side of the dam on FM 2271.

Claiming 172 acres on Lake Belton, this park is the best for swimming. A sandy beach is roped off, and there are open, grassy areas with shade. Several peninsulas create protected swimming areas. A bathhouse with showers is nearby. Boat rentals are available, as well as skin diving and Scuba equipment. Camping facilities dot the park. Private and group picnic areas have a great view of the lake. Pets are okay on leashes. There is plenty of parking.

Day use fee

LAKE BELTON
Reservoir Manager
99 FM 2271
Belton, Texas 76513
(254) 939-1829

Excerpted from Splash Across Texas, 1999
Copyright Chandra Moira Beal and La Luna Publishing