Between Austin And Waco Is Texas' Fishing And Boating Paradise Filled With Park Beauty And Lakefront Campsites

The Central Texas region situated between Austin and Waco is renowned for its charming towns, natural beauty, and bevy of outdoor activities. The region is characterized by a mix of limestone cliffs, rolling prairies, rivers, lakes, and streams. One water body that exemplifies what visitors have come to expect when spending time outdoors in Central Texas is Belton Lake. Located on a cove about halfway up the lake's eastern shore, Cedar Ridge Park is a great place to catch pretty views and is a paradise for anglers, boaters, and campers hoping to experience all Belton Lake has to offer.

Belton Lake was created in 1954 when a dam was erected across the Leon River a few miles north of Belton. The lake covers more than 12,000 acres. Because the lake has such an irregular shape with meandering turns and countless arms, branches, and coves, it actually feels much bigger than it is. Belton Lake and all of the surrounding parks, including Cedar Ridge Park, are owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Part of the stated purpose of creating the water body was for fish habitat and recreation. To that end, the lake has been a tremendous success, as it provides an outstanding outlet for fishing, boating, water sports, and camping.

Cedar Ridge Park is often considered one of the best among the half-dozen campgrounds the Corps operates around the lake. This is due to a combination of stunning lake views, campsite quality (all 76 RV and tent sites have hookups), and amenities. In addition to the individual campsites, there is a group site and two group pavilions within the campground. Amenities include a swim beach, full service marina, boat ramp, activities center, playground, and courtesy docks. There is even a hiking trail for those who wish to explore off the water.

Belton Lake has a reputation as a quality fishery for numerous species of gamefish. Four bass species — largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid striped, and white — are at the top of the list for most fishermen. Cedar Creek Cove, where the park is situated, is considered one of the better areas to target largemouth and smallmouth bass, particularly during spring and fall. Hybrid striped bass are usually found in the main body of the lake. White bass are also typically in the main lake, except in the spring when they move into the rivers and creeks. During this time, the largest concentration of white bass is found on the river, between the lake and Mother Neff State Park, Texas' first state park.

Boating is also extremely popular on Belton Lake. Cruising and sightseeing, as well as water skiing, tubing, and jet skiing are among the more common ways boaters spend time on the water. It is also common to see kayakers and paddleboarders paddling along the shorelines, particularly in the protected coves. The boat ramp and marina at Cedar Ridge Park is available for use by both campers and day-use visitors. Paddle craft, such as kayaks, can be hand-launched from the shore. Anglers have adequate shore fishing access within the park as well. 

Getting to Cedar Ridge Park is relatively easy. Step one is to get to Temple, the affordable city nestled between Austin and Waco. To do that, take Interstate 35 south from Waco or north from Austin. The closest commercial airport is Waco Regional Airport, but travelers may find more flight options to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. While spending time at the lake, make sure to explore nearby Belton, Texas' hidden gem with a historic downtown.