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Stillhouse Hollow Lake
Stillhouse Hollow Lake is one of the clearest lakes in Central Texas: about 6,430 acres of deep, blue-green water in limestone hills just west of Belton. With 58 miles of shoreline, rocky bluffs and plenty of open water, it is a great lake for surf sessions, jet ski runs and swimming off the back of the boat.
The lake is right off I-14 and I-35, about 15 minutes from Killeen and Harker Heights and a little over an hour north of Austin, so it is an easy pick for groups from all over Central Texas.
Reserve Your Stillhouse Hollow Day
MasterCraft surf boats for 12 to 18 people, three-seat Sea-Doos, a Kawasaki stand-up jet ski and a full rack of water toys, all ready at the lake when you arrive. Book online in a few minutes, or call or text 888-205-7119 any day from 7am to 10pm.
Stillhouse Hollow Lake Quick Facts
| Where | Bell County, just west of Belton |
| Nearby towns | Belton, Harker Heights, Killeen, Salado and Temple |
| Size | About 6,430 surface acres with 58 miles of shoreline |
| River | Lampasas River |
| Managed by | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Since | 1968 |
| Best for | Clear-water surfing, swimming and long jet ski runs |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
The Corps of Engineers runs the parks and ramps around the lake. Most parks charge a day-use fee, and a Corps annual pass covers it.
- Stillhouse Park: on the northeast shore near the dam, with a ramp and a marina.
- Dana Peak Park: on the north shore, with a ramp, campground and swim beach.
- Union Grove Park: at mid-lake on the south shore, with a four-lane ramp and a campground.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Run the open middle. The main body of the lake is wide and deep, with plenty of room for surf passes and jet ski runs.
Swim in the clear coves. Rocky coves along the bluffs are great for anchoring, floating and swimming.
Plan around the wind. Afternoon wind can roughen the open water. Surf early, then find a sheltered cove.
Slow down up the lake. The upper end narrows toward the river and gets shallower. Take it easy up there.
Rentals That Fit Stillhouse Hollow Lake
Clear, deep water makes Stillhouse Hollow a great surf lake. A MasterCraft surf boat rental seats 12 to 18 people, and a couple of Sea-Doo jet skis let the rest of the group explore the bluffs and coves. Add tubes, wakeboards and a floating lily pad, or book a captained charter so nobody has to drive. Everything is ready at the lake when you arrive, and life jackets are available for everyone on board.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Bring goggles. The water is clear enough that swimming is half the fun.
- Get a Corps pass. If you visit often, an annual Corps pass covers the day-use fees.
- Pair it with Lake Belton. Lake Belton is only a few minutes north if you want a second lake.
- Bring shade. There is little shade on the water, so pack hats, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Rules on the Water
- Jet skis must be off the water between sunset and sunrise. Everyone riding wears a life jacket, and the driver keeps the safety lanyard clipped on.
- Stay at least 50 feet from other boats, swimmers, docks and the shoreline unless you are at idle speed.
- Life jackets are available for everyone on board, and kids should wear one any time the boat is moving.
- When you tow a rider, keep someone on board watching them the whole time, and wrap up towing before dark.
- Zebra mussels are in this lake. Drain all water from the boat, the ballast and your gear before you leave the lake. It is Texas law, and it helps stop the spread of zebra mussels.
More Central Texas Lakes
Lake Belton is just a few minutes north, and Lake Georgetown and Granger Lake are both within about 45 minutes to the south. See our Austin boat rentals page, or browse every lake on our destinations page.