Lost World of Central Texas

This region is rich in driving and outdoor experiences.
There is Belton Lake, which has both a military and civilian side to it. The military side has free waterslides, paddleboats, and swimming area during the summer season. There are also, jetski, fishing-, speed-, deck-, and party-boat rentals available. Camping tracts are available for everything from pup tents through RVs.
For those who'd like to stay away from 'civilized' campgrounds, outside them are an off-roader's dream. These 'roads' lead off into the wilds near the river. Beware nude individuals carousing late about their campfires! Hikers: trails wind their way from well-used 'paths' to slopes all about the lake. For tame surroundings, cottages are available for rent via reservation. The price isn't high, and they come with many 'civilized' perks, too! Not too far off the path is Stillhouse Lake and Dam. This is one of the man-made lakes, originally created to stifle river overflow by the Army Corps of Engineers. Numerous natural and man-made hiking paths are available here, with an automobile-go-bye-bye gate curfew of 6PM. Hikers can then enjoy after-hours in the serenity of their surroundings.

Quick Tips:

If you are moving to the area due to military obligations, you WILL need a vehicle...and soon. Central Texas is home to the largest military installation in the world (Fort Hood). Unfortunately this doesn't come with adequate local transportation. Vehicles and taxis do not come cheaply hereabouts due to price gouging of soldiers. Best and cheapest taxi service is Cove Taxi (T# 1-254-542-8626) vs. Yellow Cab or Kelly Cab (basically the same company). Cove is more reliable than the others, but has fewer cabs. The area military-created cities of Killeen, Copperas Cove, Belton, Harker Heights, and Nolanville have tentatively started a bus system, with 8 routes currently open, and more planned. For more information in the CenTex area, I suggest doing an internet search for 'Killeen, Texas'. Browse the local papers online for area info, or email me for updates.

Best Way To Get Around:

Experience says to either drive, take a Cove Taxicab or even try out the new Central Texas bus system.

Requirements for boating equipment rental are: Obtain a Fort Hood Boating License - tests are a 2-part written and boating practical administered Wednesday to Sunday during operational hours. Patrons must be 17 years or older and possess a valid military I.D. card (DOD Civilian, Military, Retiree, or Dependant). Minimum boat rental is a 2-hour block, & fishing boats 1 hour.
Boat types are fishing boats (FB), deck boats (DB), party boats, pontoon boats (PB), and deluxe party boats. Also available for rental at the Marina are Pedal-Bikes, which can be taken anywhere on the lake your legs can handle taking you to. SeaDoo jetskis (single or double), which are more expensive but fun, can be rented through the Marina at an alternate dock. Bait, tackle, State licenses, and snack goods are available for rental or purchase.
There is no ATM machine located anywhere near the Marina, so bring enough cash for your needs. The closest two ATMs are at the BLORA entrance, or 25 minutes NE at a gas station in the middle of the countryside. BTW, the station's ATM charges over $2 for usage. There are plans to add more machines, but as yet haven't been implemented.

3/4 of Belton Lake resides on a military reservation. This side of the lake is known as BLORA (Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area). It's staffed by Army soldiers from Fort Hood located 30-45 minutes away. The military protects the majority of wildlife within its borders around the nation. And thanks to the lake's nesting within this reservation, there is an abundance of wildlife to be seen year-round.
Boating on the lake is fun, and can be quite outrageous at times. There are numerous boating ramps around the lake, and slips are available at the Marina. Activities on the lake can fetch anything from waterskiing to body boards. For personal craft, your safety is in your hands. For rental craft, ALL users must use lifevests provided at the Marina, and have both a qualified driver and a spotter if waterskiing. If fishing is your forte, bait&tackle as well as FishFinders can be found at the Marina. Good luck!
If swimming and getting wet, but not half-drowned, is for you, then I suggest roaming Sierra Beach. This segment of the lakeshore has several areas for entertainment for everyone. Volleyball nets, snacks, both a swim-at-your-own-risk and Lifeguarded swimming areas, dual waterslides, and picnic sites galore! Kiddie playgrounds mushroom out of various portions of BLORA.
Near the entrance there is a tower on a tall hill that gives you a view of - almost - the entire lake. You get a feel for how large this canyon-like region really is from up here. Campgrounds, hiking trails, Club-sponsored mountain bike trails, a horseback camp, and the thrill of the outdoors can make BLORA an experience to remember.