Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park wilderness guide
Reservoir Recreation Area · TX

Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park

Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park offers diverse outdoor recreation around a large reservoir in Central Texas, featuring boating, fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities surrounded by rolling hill country terrain.

Reservoir Recreation AreaApproximately 7,000 (lake and surrounding managed land)4+ Trails

Designation

Reservoir Recreation Area

Total Wilderness Area

Approximately 7,000 (lake and surrounding managed land)

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park

Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park offers diverse outdoor recreation around a large reservoir in Central Texas, featuring boating, fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities surrounded by rolling hill country terrain.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park is centered on the 6,750-acre Stillhouse Hollow Lake, which was created by the impoundment of the Lampasas River in Bell County, Texas. The lake and park are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and provide a multi-use outdoor destination with abundant recreational possibilities. The park’s geography includes gently rolling Texas Hill Country landscape with mixed woodlands and grassy areas that support a diverse blend of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, various waterfowl, and native fish species. Established in 1968 following the completion of the dam, the lake and surrounding park area play an important role in flood control and regional water supply as well as recreation. Visitors are drawn to the park for boating, with multiple boat ramps and extensive open water to explore. Anglers find good fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The park also offers developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and miles of hiking and biking trails winding through scenic hill country terrain. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, photography, or simply relaxing by the water's edge. Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park provides a peaceful, family-friendly experience close to the city of Belton and the Fort Hood military base. This accessible destination appeals to anyone looking to enjoy fresh air and outdoor activities in a natural lakeside environment.

Field Guide · Reservoir Recreation Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Large reservoir ideal for boating and fishing with multiple public boat ramps✦ Diverse Texas Hill Country habitat with excellent wildlife and bird watching✦ Multiple developed campgrounds and day-use picnic areas with lake access✦ Popular mountain biking trails with scenic lake views around the park perimeter
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; standard Corps of Engineers daily use permits apply for some areas and camping fees are required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Stillhouse Hollow Park Campground

Main campground located on the south shore offering water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and lake access.

Kempner Park Campground

Smaller campground with shaded sites, boat ramps nearby, and close proximity to hiking trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Nolanville, Texas
⌖ 1.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nolanville, Texas

Nolanville is a peaceful Texas Hill Country town offering easy access to hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling. Ideal for travelers seeking low-key outdoor adventures close to water and woods in a small-town atmosphere.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Killeen, Texas
⌖ 6.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Killeen, Texas

Killeen offers easy outdoor access with hiking, biking, and paddling near still lakes and natural preserves. Ideal for families and casual adventurers looking for nature close to town and Fort Hood.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Belton, Texas
⌖ 9.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Belton, Texas

Belton, Texas, offers outdoor lovers easy access to hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing at Stillhouse Hollow Lake and nearby parks. With mild spring and fall weather, it’s a great spot to camp, explore nature trails, and enjoy quiet lake adventures.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Copperas Cove, Texas
⌖ 16.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Copperas Cove, Texas

Copperas Cove offers quiet outdoor enjoyment with hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling around Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Its friendly vibe and natural parks make it a great basecamp for exploring central Texas nature.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Temple, Texas
⌖ 16.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Temple, Texas

Temple, Texas offers easy access to lakes, nature trails, and parks perfect for hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching. Located near the Texas Hill Country, it’s ideal for outdoor lovers seeking a laid-back adventure basecamp.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
McGregor, Texas
⌖ 27.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

McGregor, Texas

McGregor, Texas is a laid-back Central Texas town offering hiking, biking, kayaking, and bird watching along the Brazos River and nearby parks. Ideal in spring and fall, it’s a quiet spot for relaxing outdoor adventures.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Stillhouse Hollow Lake Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Up‑Close Otter Swim and Playtime in McGregor
ADVEXPEDITION
McGregor, Texas
AttractionADV Bookable

Up‑Close Otter Swim and Playtime in McGregor

A private, 60‑minute experience offering an intimate chance to swim and play with otters—this guide lays out what to expect, who it fits, and where to meet.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Into the Wild: A Hands-On Cave Maze Under Georgetown
ADVEXPEDITION
Georgetown, Texas
AttractionADV Bookable

Into the Wild: A Hands-On Cave Maze Under Georgetown

A 3.5–4 hour, staff‑led expedition through tight passages and vast decorated chambers—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip