Temples Lake

2.13

16 reviews

Temples Lake

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

62 campsites

Season

Seasonal; all but th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Showers

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

62 campsites

Season

Seasonal; all but th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Showers

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Temples Lake

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Changes and cancellations are subject to a $10.00 administrative fee. Refund requests are processed through the recreation.gov website or app.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(254) 742-3050

What Campers Say

2.13

Mixed Reviews

Based on 16 reviews

950 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lakestafffriendly

"Reviews are broadly positive, emphasizing that Temples Lake is a fun, scenic, and affordable spot for swimming, boating, picnics, and gatherings. Visitors highlight a great atmosphere for families, friends, and work groups, with only one notable complaint about pavilion management and enforcement of reservations."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Temples Lake

Temple's Lake Park follows the rhythm of Central Texas seasons, welcoming visitors during the warm months when Belton Lake sparkles under the sun. From March through September, the park buzzes with activity as families flock to the swim beach and boaters launch from both ramps. Come October 1st, the park transitions into its winter rest—the swim beach closes, one boat ramp shuts down, and most amenities take a seasonal break until spring returns. However, lake access never truly disappears: the main road and primary boat ramp remain open year-round for those hardy anglers and boaters who don't mind cooler temperatures.

Best

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasonal; all but the main road and main boat ramp will close Oct 1 - March 1.

About Temples Lake

Nestled along the sun-drenched southern shores of Belton Lake, Temple's Lake Park welcomes day-trippers to over 60 shaded picnic sites, a sandy swim beach, and dual boat ramps perfect for launching your next lake adventure. Whether you're planning a family reunion in the reservable group area or spending a summer day fishing and swimming, this seasonal park offers the complete lakeside experience with modern conveniences like flush restrooms and outdoor showers. Note that the park embraces a quieter rhythm from October through early March, when most facilities close for the season.

Temple's Lake Park is described as a day-use facility with over 60 picnic sites and a reservable group pavilion; the site does not advertise overnight camping amenities in the provided information.

Historical SignificanceThe story of Belton Lake begins in 1954, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed Belton Dam, transforming the landscape and creating the sprawling reservoir that defines this region today. As you visit, take time to view the striking mural adorning the dam's spillway wall—a colorful tapestry that chronicles the rich history of Bell County, from its earliest days through the modern era. This artistic tribute serves as a reminder that beneath the lake's shimmering surface lies a deeper story of progress, community, and the land's transformation over generations.

Weather and SeasonsTemple's Lake Park follows the rhythm of Central Texas seasons, welcoming visitors during the warm months when Belton Lake sparkles under the sun. From March through September, the park buzzes with activity as families flock to the swim beach and boaters launch from both ramps. Come October 1st, the park transitions into its winter rest—the swim beach closes, one boat ramp shuts down, and most amenities take a seasonal break until spring returns. However, lake access never truly disappears: the main road and primary boat ramp remain open year-round for those hardy anglers and boaters who don't mind cooler temperatures.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's landscape unfolds as a sun-soaked canvas where open grassy areas meet the lake's edge, punctuated by clusters of shade trees that offer respite on hot Texas afternoons. The real show, however, belongs to the wildlife: white-tailed deer browse at dawn and dusk, while wild turkeys strut through the grounds with surprising confidence. Scan the shoreline and you'll spot elegant herons fishing in the shallows, ducks and geese paddling in formation, and songbirds filling the air with their chorus. Lucky visitors might even glimpse a bald eagle soaring overhead, especially during winter months. Across the lake, a 25-acre man-made wetland serves as a thriving sanctuary, drawing even more species to this already biodiverse corner of Central Texas.

Campsite details

Total Campsites62 campsites

Recommended CampsitesPavilion can be reserved on recreation.gov for private events; facility supports groups up to 80 people. Note one boat ramp and the swim beach are seasonal; plan visits outside the Oct 1–March 1 partial closure for full access.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

One reservable group area/pavilion for events, accommodating groups of up to 80 people
reservable on recreation.gov.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutDay-use layout with 62 covered picnic sites (with grills), three restroom facilities with sinks and flush toilets, one vault restroom, one outdoor shower, two multi-lane boat ramps (one seasonal), one courtesy dock, a playground, one basketball court, two volleyball courts, one reservable pavilion, and a seasonal swim beach.

Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal; all but the main road and main boat ramp will close Oct 1 - March 1.

Reservation Platformsrecreation.gov

Cancellation PolicyChanges and cancellations are subject to a $10.00 administrative fee. Refund requests are processed through the recreation.gov website or app.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Picnic tables

Flush toilets

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Belton Lake offers a variety of water-based recreation and shoreline activities. Temple's Lake Park focuses on day-use activities including boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Nature trails are available around Belton Lake.

Fishing

Park/lake offers fishing; popular species include hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish and sunfish.

Swimming

Seasonal swim beach available.

Boating

Two multi-lane boat ramps (one seasonal), plus a courtesy dock; park provides boat launch access and good boating opportunities. Note: one ramp is seasonal and the main boat ramp remains open during the park's seasonal closure.

Wildlife viewing

Frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, many songbirds and occasional bald eagles; nearby man-made wetland adds habitat.

Beach activities

Seasonal swim beach with nearby playground, volleyball and basketball courts.

Water Sports

Water recreation is available (boating, fishing, swimming).

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

Weather at Temples Lake

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 46%

Wind: 6.7 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Proximity to water featuresDirectly on the southern shore of Belton Lake with multiple boat ramps and a swim beach.

HostOn-site park hosts / maintenance volunteers are present.

Campground Map

Temples Lake

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 35 in Temple, Texas take the Farm-to-Market Road 2305/Adams exit. Travel west on 2305 to the park.

Accessible from Interstate 35 via the Farm-to-Market Road 2305/Adams exit; travel west on FM 2305 to the park.

Reviews from booking and map sources

2.1

16 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Temples Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are broadly positive, emphasizing that Temples Lake is a fun, scenic, and affordable spot for swimming, boating, picnics, and gatherings. Visitors highlight a great atmosphere for families, friends, and work groups, with only one notable complaint about pavilion management and enforcement of reservations.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the lake as “very nice” and “very fun,” with a nice open feel and a designated swim area. They like the covered picnic tables with grills, the ability to pull a boat into the cove to...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

The only clear complaint is about pavilion management and enforcement of reservations: one reviewer who had reserved and paid for the large pavilion reports having to wait while an unauthorized party...

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One reviewer advises arriving early and planning to stay all day, suggesting the area can be popular and possibly fill up. For events using the large pavilion, it may be wise to bring proof of...

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Nice swim area, several covered picnic tables w/grills. Can pull ur boat in to cove n go 4 a swing. Get there early stay all day;)” “Pet friendly, live action volleyball, great atmosphere for...

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The specific site mentioned is the pavilion in the TEMPLE site, TEMPLES LAKE loop. One reviewer notes it is the only large pavilion on the lake, making it important for group events, and reports a...

Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One review explicitly notes the area is “Pet friendly,” suggesting that pets are allowed and welcomed around the lake and recreation areas. No details are given on specific pet rules, leash...

Based on 16 reviews