Texas / Bell County

Winkler Park

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates seasonally from March 1 through October 31. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Limited to 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.

About

Winkler Park is a small primitive campground located on the northern shore of Belton Lake in central Texas, tucked into the mouth of the Leon River. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this facility offers a rustic camping experience with 14 lakefront campsites. While the park does not have electrical hookups, each site features water service, a covered picnic table with grill, and a fire ring. All sites are paved back-in sites with asphalt parking pads and provide direct views of the lake. The campground includes a central water borne restroom facility equipped with flush toilets, sinks, and showers. Though the campsites themselves are sunny and unshaded, the perimeter of the facility and portions of the shoreline are forested, providing scenic surroundings. The area serves as habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and a variety of water birds including great blue herons, ducks, geese, songbirds, and occasional bald eagles. Belton Lake, created by the construction of Belton Dam in 1954, is a 12,300-acre reservoir with 136 miles of shoreline. The long, narrow, winding lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and sunfish. Winkler Park's proximity to the shoreline makes it particularly popular with anglers and campers seeking a peaceful, back-to-basics experience. The park is nestled against White Flint Wildlife Management Area, which offers additional opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting. White Flint Park, located just down the road, provides a multi-lane boat ramp and courtesy dock for water access.

Directions

From Interstate 35 in Temple, Texas take State Highway 53/36 west towards Gatesville approximately 10 miles. Just after Leon River Bridge, turn right on White Flint Park Road. Turn left on Winkler Park Road and follow it to the park entrance.

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