Welcome to Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Lakes.  We want you to have a safe and enjoyable visit.  The following are some answers to frequently asked questions.  If you have any other questions during your visit please contact the Gate Attendant, a Park Ranger, or between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, call the lake office at (254) 939-2461.

How do I contact BLORA (Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area)?BLORA is operated by the US Army at Fort Hood, not the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The facility can be reached at 254/ 287-2523.

Why does the lake produce a "rotten egg" smell in the spring and early summer?During the months of winter, the upper layer of water (Epilimnion) becomes colder than the lower layer (Hypolimnion). Since the cold water is heavier, it "sinks". The warmer water "rises" to the surface and since decomposing organic material is present on the lake bottom, the water brings along several gases, primarily Hydrogen Sulfide, that are released into the air. People commonly refer to this process that occurs in the winter and spring as the lake "turning over". Although some of these gases, such as Hydrogen Sulfide, smell like rotten eggs and can be dangerous when concentrated in enclosed areas, the release of the gas from the lake does not pose any risk to humans or wildlife.

How long may I camp?  You may camp up to 14 days at each lake within a thirty-day period.

Can I make a reservation?  Reservations can be made at Belton or Stillhouse Hollow camping parks, by visiting the web site: www.recreation.gov or by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-(877) 444-6777.  Reservations for a campsite may be made 3 days to 6 months in advance and 3 days to one year in advance for group facilities.

What are the park hours? The park gates open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. The gatehouse opens at 8:00 a.m. Quiet hours are 10p.m. to 6a.m. There is a night exit for after hour’s use. Check out time is 1:00 p.m.

May I use my Golden Age or Golden Access Card?  The holder of either card will receive a 50% discount on camping fees. The holder must show the card and identification to receive the discount.

Is there a campsite capacity?  Most campsites are designed to accommodate 8 to 10 people, a Recreational Vehicle (RV), trailer and/or tent.

May I have visitors?  Visiting hours are from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Where can I park?  All vehicles and trailers must be parked in designated areas to help protect the natural environment you came to enjoy.

May I have a campfire? You may have a fire in locations where cookers or fire rings are provided as long as a Burn Ban is not in effect. Please bring your own firewood or gather dead wood from the ground. Remember fire safety, attend your fire at all times and completely extinguish it upon departure. For information on the Burn Ban call 254/933-5555.

Where do I dump my trash? Please help us control pests in the campground by placing your trash in the dumpsters provided.  A trailer dump station is also located in the park for emptying trailer-holding tanks.

May my pet camp with me?  Yes. Your pet must be restrained at all times when in the park. Leashes must be no more than 6’ in length. Any waste produced by your pet must be picked up and disposed of properly.

May I have a firearm in the park?  A concealed handgun permit is not valid on Federal property. The possession of a firearm and/or ammunition is prohibited.

 While visiting our parks, please observe all of the park rules in order to ensure your visit is enjoyable while protecting yourself, others, the park and environment. A copy of the park rules and regulations is available at the gatehouse or lake office. For additional information please visit our web sites:
www.corpslakes.us/belton or www.corpslakes.us/stillhousehollow

 We hope your stay with us is enjoyable and you will return often!

       

Daniel E. Thomasson
Lake Manager