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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 30 miles.

Waterfall Wonders at Chalk Ridge Falls Park★ 7.0⌖ 7 miHiking
Chalk Ridge Falls Park

Waterfall Wonders at Chalk Ridge Falls Park

Explore Chalk Ridge Falls Park in Belton, TX, known for its beautiful waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy family-friendly swimming and photography opportunities. Best visited in the spring and fall, but watch for slippery rocks near waterfalls.

Waterfall Wonder at Chalk Ridge Falls★ 7.5⌖ 7 miHiking
Chalk Ridge Falls

Waterfall Wonder at Chalk Ridge Falls

Explore the charming Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton, Texas. Enjoy hiking and nature photography by the stunning waterfall. Best visited in spring and fall. Not wheelchair accessible, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Adventures on the Goodwater Loop★ 8.0⌖ 29 miHiking
San Gabriel River Trail/Goodwater Loop Trailhead

Adventures on the Goodwater Loop

Explore the 26-mile San Gabriel River Trail/Goodwater Loop near Georgetown, TX. This spot offers diverse views of limestone bluffs and Lake Georgetown, ideal for hiking, biking, and fishing. Visit in spring or fall for milder weather and enjoy this adventure-seekers paradise.

The Falls: Nature's Hidden Gem in Texas★ 6.8⌖ 43 miFishing
The Falls

The Falls: Nature's Hidden Gem in Texas

Explore The Falls near Marlin, Texas, known for its scenic cascades and lush surroundings. Ideal for fishing and hiking, it's a peaceful getaway. Enjoy tranquil waters and scenic trails best visited in spring or fall.

Mountain Biking at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park★ 7.0⌖ 47 miMountain Biking
Austin

Mountain Biking at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

Explore 15 miles of mountain bike trails at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, just 20 minutes from downtown Austin. Suitable for a range of skill levels with exciting flow and technical sections. Popular year-round with a high visitation in summer.

Mountain BikingView Details→
Explore Austin’s Best Moderate Mountain Biking Trails★ 7.0⌖ 47 miMountain Biking
Walnut Creek Metro Trail

Explore Austin’s Best Moderate Mountain Biking Trails

Explore Austin's moderate 11-mile trail at Walnut Creek Metro Trail. Ideal for mountain biking, the trail features various terrains and is a favored spot for adventure seekers. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.

Mountain BikingView Details→

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
⌖ 1.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nolanville, Texas

A quiet, small town that offers easy access to hill country scenery, calm waterways, and prairie trails for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer a relaxed setting.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Killeen
⌖ 6.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Killeen, Texas

A practical outdoor hub near Fort Hood, offering accessible parks, water activities, and nearby natural preserves for casual adventure lovers and families.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Belton
⌖ 9.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Belton, Texas

A welcoming Central Texas town offering easy access to lakes, parks, and historic trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Copperas Cove
⌖ 16.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Copperas Cove, Texas

A quiet Texas town offering access to diverse outdoor activities with a friendly small-town atmosphere near natural parks and reservoirs.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Temple
⌖ 16.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Temple, Texas

A growing town in Central Texas offering a mix of urban parks, lakes, and easy access to hill country outdoor adventures.

Spring and FallExplore Town
McGregor
⌖ 27.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

McGregor, Texas

A quiet Central Texas town offering access to natural parks, trails, and outdoor activities with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Spring and FallExplore 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.

12 bookable experiences

Hidden Passages Tour at Innerspace Cavern — Guided Cave Exploration in Georgetown, TXGeorgetown, Texas · 30.85 mi away
All Adventures· Inner Space Cavern

Hidden Passages Tour at Innerspace Cavern — Guided Cave Exploration in Georgetown, TX

Slip beneath the Hill Country and explore a newly opened, intimate section of cave on the Hidden Passages Tour at Innerspace Cavern. This guide-led, 1 hour 15 minute experience offers close-up views of fragile limestone formations and a raw, undeveloped trail for adventurous visitors ages 7 and up.

1 hour 15 minutes

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.