You and your family are about to get to BLORA for vacations. Now is the top 10 lake activities at BLORA – Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area. Let’s check it out!
What is BLORA?
Belton Bale is a reservoir of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), located on the Leon River in the Brazos River basin, far from 5 miles (8 kilometers) northwest of Belton, Texas, USA. The Lake is located in both Bell County and Coryell County.
The Belton Lake is owned by the Fort Worth District of the USACE. This Lake was officially created in 1954 to control flooding and provide drinking water to Belton, Temple, and surrounding communities.
This Lake is also a fascinating destination. Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) is fourteen miles northeast of leading Fort Hood, and therefore the drive is pretty scenic. From wildflowers to longhorns to troopers coaching within the field, the gently winding road has lots to examine and makes the miles fly by.
When you reach BLORA, you and, therefore, the family can have your selection of activities, and some offered for low fees and a few for no cost. The cost when entering the entrance of BLORA and accessing the water slide, swimming areas, fishing, and water activities are free for the Department of Defense ID cardholders and $8 for those while not military-issued ID.
Belton Lake outdoor recreation area contact information:
| Blora | Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area |
| Address | Cottage Road NAF 126 |
| Map | |
| Open Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Phone | +1 (254)287-2523 |
| Website | https://hood.armymwr.com/programs/belton-lake-outdoor-recreation-area1 |
Belton Lake Favorite Locations
As a result of this are some interesting events in BLORA that every tourist should attend. Here are the most favorite events at BLORA according to the tourists.
Nature in Lights
Nature in Lights is an annual event at BLORA held from November to January of the following year. It occurs through Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year Eve periods, so it is one of the most important festivals in BLORA.
The event is free open to residents and visitors from walks of life to drive through more than 800 acres of park and 5-and-a-half-mile drive showcasing of the exhibition, playground areas. There is also the occurrence of computer-animated displays, widening of 40′ x 300′ in size with the artful lighting effects. Moreover, architectural and foliage lighting effects are spectacular.
BLORA Water Park
There is a swimming area at BLORA, which hosts many events such as annual fishing, Oktoberfest, BOSS events, and the most well-known one, Nature in Lights.
The park is quite sunny because the trees have just been planted but have yet to bloom. Besides, the sheltered seats are distributed sparsely and dusty. A lot of people sit down, avoid the sun in the shadow of the tubes – something we feel quite concerned about.
An adult only takes about 1 hour to be able to conquer all thrilling games here. On the other hand, children might play more games slower speeds so that they can play for about 2 hours.
BLORA Cabins
Blora, Texas also has cabins if you want to have a more comfortable stay while visiting the lake. All types of cabins are available including log cabins and family cabins. Many of the cabins even offer a lake view or back up to the lake.
The cabin rentals in BLORA are available throughout the whole day and night, on the weekend at BLORA’s recreational lot and primary camping areas. The camping areas are spread through three central locations within the park.
All the camping sites are supplied with electrical power and a water system. There are dump stations located near the recreational vehicle parks conveniently. The books and rental registrations are first come, first serve.
Belton Lights
During Christmas time, there are more than millions of lights will be turned on and transform the region into a dazzling mile-long picturesque lighting area. There are numerous items in the festival also, such as singing trees, a scented garden, alighting tunnel, and a laser beam garden at Belton.
The lighting system of the tree-tops will sparkle to the rhythms of classical Christmas tunes sounding on the grounds of the National Trust’s Belton House, which is a reputable local country house near in Lincolnshire. The more details shall reveal when you book your entry slot.
Looking for some fun activities to do near Belton Lake? Head to Fort Hood Sportsman Center, which offers hunting, fishing, archery, and so much more. Learn about all the activities here: Fort Hood Sportsman Center Overview.
Top 10 Lake Activities at BLORA
At this moment are the top 10 lake activities at BLORA – Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area.
Tel: +1 (254)287-5847
Mountain Biking / Cycling
BLORA is a perfect place to take your bike to the trails and enjoy the most beautiful biking experience. The mountain biking trails for BLORA are classified by skill level and located outside the main gate to the local park.
These trails cover different levels of strength requirements and challenging obstacles. Our advice is all the riders should beware that the trails can get bumpy than your expectations.
The roads can run from 4 to 14 miles. Moreover, here are some affordable mountain bikes , protective equipment, and other essential items are available to rent through the administrative office.
Some guests love cycling with their family members and friends around the blora lake on their hybrid bikes. They really enjoy the feeling of cool weather under trees and lake views.
For seniors and the disabled, they prefer the three-wheeled bikes because they are easy to ride as adults can balance easily on the trike. The seniors enjoy the air along with their pets on the basket behind the tricycles.
Iron Horse Gym
The Directorate of Logistic Transportation Motor Poll offers free transportation service to BLORA. Free BLORA shuttle services include a stop building location named Iron Horse Gym.
The stopping schedule is 12:07, 2:07, 4:07, and 6:07 p.m. every day. Visitors are encouraged to use the shuttle to enjoy the BLORA during vacations.
Horseback Riding
If you are the person who prefers sports at dry places, BLORA offers the service of horseback riding. BLORA Stables opens from Wednesday to Sunday every week and offers fantastic activities for all enthusiastic tourists.
The fee for trail rides is $20 per hour. The tour guide will take you to the hills and favorite locations around the Lake. People who own horses can make the most advantage of the trails for the whole day with only an extra $3. For small children, pony rides are available for $5 per 20 minutes.
Overnight rides are also available for $80. The overnight program includes breakfast and dinner with a barbecue party at a primitive camping site. Horse riding lessons are offered for reasonable prices.
RV Camp
When you and your family members are exhausted with engaging activities during the day, spending a night at recreational vehicle (RV) camping sites are excellent choices. Tent and RV camp locations are available for rent and cottages sprinkled.
The cottages offer the options of one and two bedrooms depending on the fixed prices. It is between $15 and $18 per night. For the tent rent, the prices lie between $6 and $10.
Notably, the pavilions are also available for rent for team parties or family unions. Pavilions in BLORA offer amazing Texas sun viewing for tourists. There are also large grass-covered areas for those who enjoy lying down and relaxing on the grass. The rented price runs between $25 for specific hours and $125 for the whole rented day.
For a water container, the collapsible container is a good one for camping to save weight and space. Make sure you check out these 5-7 gallons of water containers for camping. The water container has handle and spigot, so that makes life easier.
Paintball
Wanting a battle with your friends on the weekend? Paintball service at BLORA offers three courses corresponding to all the challenging levels for all paintball lovers. The service is available for all the tourists who are above ten years old.
Game players can join the group with people on the course or bring your team. For the prices, a standard paintball match costs $25 if you can bring gear and paintballs by yourself. There will be a $5 extra charge for the equipment, which includes paintballs.
All the services must be dealt with on the site. The paintball game is available on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays during the daytime. From Monday to Friday, you need to book the slots if you want to participate in the game.
Swimming
As introduced from the beginning, this pretty little Lake is the main attraction for the tourist, and most of them come for swimming. A leisurely day of breathing fresh air here will have no bald dust, no smell of smoke from traffic vehicles, and no crowds that make you feel more comfortable and spoiled for the green sky.
The best time to come here is from February to June, and the weather is fresh, with no rain and much fog, you can freely enjoy the full view without being blocked from sight. However, not all lake areas are authorized for swimming. Signs mark the authorized swimming locations.
The most famous swimming area is Sierra Beach. You can enjoy the freshwater, and there is also a small cafeteria located nearby with hot and cold drinks serving. Most of the available swimming locations have the lifeguard and security team in charge, which guarantee the total safety for the tourists.
Kayaking
The other highly recommended activity is kayaking. Introduced in the 1990s and has rapidly grown throughout the country, this type of sport needs small investment, and it is easy to play and enjoyable to adventurous tourists.
Moreover, guests can get acquainted with the sport quickly. This sport is invested by most resorts and tourism nationwide to serve tourists. Most kayaks are imported from abroad with very high quality, so visitors are assured of the experience. Service prices are relatively low and suitable for most travelers.
If you want to enjoy an exciting experience, there are some remarks that you can refer to your trip:
- Always follow the instructions of the tour guide, even if you already know how to row.
- Always wear a life jacket when sailing, and always follow the group.
- The trick for you is to warm up before sailing. Because when in the water, the temperature radiating from the water is lower than on the shore. At first, you will feel a little cold, so it’s essential to warm up the body.
- Don’t forget to bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Water Sports
Boater and other watercraft activities are the most appropriate thing to guide you through all the Lake’s corner. There are also designated areas for riding, driving, and swimming activities.
In specific, all of the boaters are required for a conditional license and have completed a safety training course. You can rent all types of the boat such as party boat, fishing boat, and canoe through the services of Morale or Welfare at BLORA.
For jet ski activities, the rentals are not available through the military services. Instead, you can make renting deals with the private watercraft dealers for reasonable offers. The other sports equipment, such as kneeboards, skis, wakeboards, paddle boats, and tubes, are all available for rent.
Fishing
Blora is a great place to visit if you enjoy fishing, as it has 400 acres of water for fishing. Fishing is one of the most common favorite activities at Belton Lake in Blora, Texas. It will give you the opportunity to take a break from your busy life and enjoy some quiet time on the lake.
BLORA offers incredible fishing experiments even if you are a novice or expert in fishing. The recreational area contains tons of good kinds of seafood, such as catfish and seabass. More excitingly, there are services for both indoor and outdoor fishing experiments. As fishing is one of the most attractive features at BLORA, the activities are held years over the years with excellent supporting services for the tourists.
Noticeably, every fisherman is required to have fishing licenses before involving in the fishing event at BLORA. The indoor fishing area has temperature adjustment systems. It heats when the weather is cold. Moreover, fishing gear, including bait, tackle, and poles are available for rent or purchase at BLORA.
Camping
Camping can also be done in Blora, Texas at Belton Lake. There are two campgrounds for different types of camping experiences and styles. Visitors to Belton Lake can choose between primitive camping or more advanced RV-style camping. Xtreme Fun Water Park is the newest attraction in Blora, Texas. It is located near downtown and offers a wide variety of activities, such as batting cages, bumper boats, mini-golfing, and skateboarding.
Last but not least, the BLORA has a beach that is 300-foot long, which is a perfect place for a picnic and camping area. In the area, there is a kid splash ground, distinguishing picnic areas, and enjoyable playground equipment.
Tent campers can set up their spot around 10 p.m to 6 a.m, but they need to arrive at least 1 hour before. They will bring their tents and camping equipment such as camping tents, knives, tea kettle, flameless light, food and water. If the campers arrive during the quiet hours, they will be offered a separate campsite and relocated the next daylight.
When you get tired and sweaty, you’ll think of a portable air conditioner? You may want to check out these top 15 best portable air conditioner for camping. If the weather is hot, they are useful when you bring them to the campsite so that family members can enjoy the colder air. This is how you can stay relaxed while tenting.
Paddling
Paddling is another fun activity that can be enjoyed on Belton Lake in Blora, Texas. You can use a canoe or kayak to paddle around and explore the different scenery on the lake.
BLORA Equipment Rentals
The BLORA offers renting service for kayaks, canoes, wakeboards, skis, kneeboards, tubes, camping equipment, pop-ups/travel trailers, accessories, and more.
Mountain Biking.
BLORA trails are designed for all the riders to experience the full feeling. Hereby the step-by-step procedure to rent mountain bikes at BLORA. Procedure:
Check-in at the BLORA Reservation Office (main gate at the park entrance).
- Free for authorized family and MWR patrons.
- Fee: $3 for the common tourists.
- Riders under the age of 18 years old require adult supervision.
- Sign the required Hold Harmless Agreement.
- Pick up the Mountain Bike Trail Map.
Bring your bike and helmet or rent one.
- All equipment rentals before 8 a.m. must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.
- Bikes are $10 for 2 hours or $20 for all day.
- Helmets are $1.
- First come, first served.
Return all rental equipment and clear the range at the BLORA Reservation Office or call when finished riding the trails.
For more affordable mountain bikes that you can find out to get, click here to take a glance at 15 best inexpensive mountain bikes.
Paintball
For individual play:
- If you bring equipment: personal gun, facemask, and hopper, the cost is $27 per person, which includes 500 rounds of paint and all-day air or CO2
- If you need to rent equipment: gun, facemask, and hopper, the cost is $33 per person, which includes 500 rounds of paint and all-day air.
For group play:
- Minimum of 10 players and a reservation is required with the fee of $17 per person, which includes 500 rounds of paint and all-day air or CO2 for each player.
Facility rental
Only available Monday through Friday. The minimum facility rental participation rate applies to eight players. The fee of $17 is applied for each additional player. It includes 500 rounds of paint and all-day air or CO2 for each player. Here are the fees corresponding to each time period:
- $150 – Two hours
- $175 – Three hours
- $200 – Four hours
- $250 – Five hours
- $300 – Six hours
- $350 – Seven hours
- $400 – Eight hours
Boat
There are some document requirements, such as proof of ownership, comprehensive insurance, and local contacts before applying to rent a boat. Here is the detailed fee breakdowns:
All-weather, open stand lot
- Below 20 feet: $27 per month or $324 per year
- 21 – 30 feet: $30 per month or $360 per year
- 31 – 49 feet: $33 per month or $396 per year
- 50 feet and above: $36 per month or $432 per year
All-weather secured/ fenced lot
- Below 20 feet: $30 per month or $360 per year
- 21 – 30 feet: $40 per month or $480 per year
- 31 – 49 feet: $50 per month or $600 per year
- 50 feet and above: $60 per month or $720 per year
Cottage Rental
If you are looking for a short-term rental, you may find the lake cottages for rent in Blora, Texas. The lake cottages are located on the southern end of Belton Lake and provide plenty of space to relax. They range from small cabins to two-bedroom cabins.
Stay for a night, weekend, or longer any time of the year. BLORA cottages are comfortable and cozy. You can check-in after 3 p.m. and check out before noon. The standard price is $75 per night
Cottages are furnished with kitchen utensils, towels, and linens. Each has a screened-in porch, barbecue grill, covered picnic table with a bench swing, and is located near a playground. For mobile home, the renting prices are
$90 per night for MH1 and MH2
$130 per night for MH3
Pavilion Rental
All pavilions include electricity and running water. Your cleaning deposit is refunded after an approved inspection. Here are the list and description of all pavilions in BLORA:
Contact for more information: +1(254)287-2523
Live Oak Pavilion:
- Accommodates 300 guests for $175 and $175 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion with bandstand, enclosed kitchen, and restroom
- Access to the swimming area and playground
Hideaway Pavilion:
- Accommodates 200 guests for $125 and $125 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion with enclosed kitchen, restroom and patio deck with a view of the Lake
- Access to swimming, playground and boat dock
Shoreline Pavilion:
- Accommodates 200 guests for $75 and $75 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion
- Access to the volleyball court
Pecan Pavilion:
- Accommodates 200 guests for $75 and $75 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion
- Access to two volleyball courts, basketball court, and playground
Red Oak Pavilion:
- Accommodates 200 guests for $75 and $75 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion
- Access to the swimming area, volleyball court, and restroom within 100 yards
Lookout Pavilion:
- Accommodates 150 guests for $75 and $75 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion set in the trees overlooking the Lake
- Access to the boat dock, fishing marina, playground and restroom within 50 yards
Lakefront Pavilion:
- Accommodates 150 guests for $75 and $75 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion
- Access to the softball field, volleyball court, and restroom within 500 yards
Cedar Grove Pavilion:
- Accommodates 150 guests for $75 and $75 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion
- Access to the swimming area, volleyball court, and restroom within 100 yards
Pin Oak Pavilion:
- Accommodates 150 guests for $75 and $75 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion
- Access to the swimming area, boat dock, playground and restrooms within 50 yards
- Handicapped accessible
Marina Pavilion:
- Accommodates 150 for $75 and $75 cleaning deposit
- Open pavilion
- Access to the boat dock, playground, and adjacent to the restroom
- Handicapped accessible
Lakeview Pavilion:
- Accommodates 120 guests for $200 and $200 cleaning deposit
- Enclosed pavilion with central heat and air conditioning, kitchen, restroom, fireplace, and patio deck
- Access to the softball field, volleyball courts, playground, and clay basketball court
Sunnyside Pavilion:
- Accommodates 50 guests for $75 and $75 cleaning deposit
- Open Pavilion
- Access to the softball field, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and restroom within 50 yards
Picnic Area Rental
Your cleaning deposit is refunded after an approved inspection. Here are list and descriptions of the picnic renting area available:
Picnic Area 1:
- Accommodates 100 guests for $35 and $35 cleaning deposit
- Access to shaded area with open field, picnic tables, grills, volleyball court and restroom within 100 yards
Picnic Area 2:
- Accommodates 300 guests for $35 and $35 cleaning deposit
- Adjacent to Sunnyside Pavilion
- Access to shaded area, picnic tables, grills, volleyball court and restroom within 100 yards
Picnic Area 3:
- Accommodates 500 guests for $35 and $35 cleaning deposit.
- Located between Lakeview Pavilion and the lake shoreline
- Access to shaded area, picnic tables, grills, playground, volleyball court, softball field, basketball court, and restroom within 100 yards
Picnic Area 4:
- Accommodates 100 guests for $35 and $35 cleaning deposit.
- Located across the street from the boat dock
- Access to shaded area, picnic tables, grills, volleyball court and restroom within 100 yards
Picnic Area 5:
- Accommodates 100 guests for $35 and $35 cleaning deposit.
- Access to picnic tables, grills and restroom within 150 yards
BLORA Directions and Maps
Please kindly download this map for blora directions.
Find your way to BLORA using the detailed maps and directions provided by Hood MWR. This 4,900-acre recreational area nestled in the rolling hills of Central Texas has something for everyone with its stunning scenery, pristine lake, and various activities.
A1: Iron Bridge Park
One of the things that is in Blora, Texas is a beautiful iron bridge. The park itself is very close to Belton Lake. There are also many different activities that can be done while visiting the park, such as hiking or playing sports. Located Lake on the Leon River channel. From I-35 at Temple, go northwest on Texas Highway 36. Cross Lake and watch for Iron Bridge Park sign; turn right.
- Two-lane boat ramp
- No fee required
- Open all year, 24 hours/day
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
A2: Winkler Park
The Winkler Park is a nice park that is located near Belton Lake in Blora, Texas. The park itself is very close to the lake. There are many different activities that can be done while visiting the park, such as hiking or playing sports.
Located Lake on the west shore. From Belton take Highway 317 west, turn left on Highway 36 and watch for signs.
- No ramp; hand launch from gravel shoreline
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
A3: White Flint Park
The Hartmann Park is a nice park located near Belton Lake in Blora, Texas. The park itself is very close to the lake with a few different activities that can be done while visiting the park, such as hiking or playing sports.
Located Lake on the west shore. From Texas 317 north of Belton, turn left on Texas 36. Cross Lake and watch for park entrance on the right.
- Two-lane boat ramp
- Fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
A4: Leona Park
The Leona Park is a nice park that is located near Belton Lake in Blora, Texas. The park itself is very close to the lake and has many different activities that can be done while visiting the park, such as hiking or playing sports.
Located Lake on the east shore. From Belton, take Highway 317 west and turn left on Highway 36. Watch for park turnoff to the left.
- Two-lane boat ramp
- No fee required
- Open all year, 24 hours/day
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
A5: Owl Creek Park
Located Lake on Owl Creek arm. From I-35 at Temple, go northwest on Texas Highway 36. Cross Lake and watch for a turn to Owl Creek Park on the left.
- Two-lane boat ramp
- No fee required
- Open all year, 24 hours/day
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
B1: Cedar Ridge Park
Located on the east shore at mid-lake. From Texas 317 north of Belton, turn left on Texas 36 and watch for signs.
- Two-lane boat ramp
- Fee required
- Open year-round, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
B2: Rogers Park
Located on the east shore at mid-lake. From Texas 317 north of Belton, turn west on FM 2483 and follow signs to park
- Two-lane boat ramp
- No fee required
- Open all year, 24 hours/day
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
C1: Westcliff Park
Located on the west shore of the Cowhouse Creek arm of the Lake. From Texas 317 in Belton, turn west on FM 439. Pass dam, keep going, and watch for park signs.
- Two-lane boat ramp
- Fee required
- Open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
C2: Temple Lake Park
Blora, Texas is home to a large Lake Park. The Belton Lake Park has amenities such as picnic tables, grills and a boat launch. Located down the Lake on the east shore. From Texas 317 in Belton, turn west on FM 2305 and follow the road to the park
- Two 2-lane boat ramps
- Fee required
- Park is open year-round. North ramp open 24 hours/day; south slope accessible 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
C3: Live Oak Ridge (overnight campers only)
Located down the Lake on the east shore. From Texas 317 north of Belton, turn west on FM 2305 and south on FM 2271
- The ramp will handle all boat types
- Fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
C4: Belton Lakeview Park
Located down the Lake on the west shore. From Texas 317 in Belton, turn west on FM 439, pass dam, and look for park signs.
- The ramp will handle all boat types
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers (254) 939-2461
