Choose Stillhouse Hollow for a simple lake day
Dana Peak Park has a swimming beach, four-lane boat ramp, and camping. It is open 6 a.m.–8 p.m. year-round, while the swim beach closes October 1 through February 28. Day use is free. Union Grove Park follows the same seasonal pattern and also has a swimming beach and four-lane ramp. Stillhouse Park combines a swim beach, ramp, and marina access; its boat ramp and marina open year-round from 6 a.m.
Riversbend Park is free, with a four-lane ramp and primitive picnic sites, open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. year-round. Cedar Gap Park is another free, year-round ramp choice. Camping inventory and reservations belong on recreation.gov rather than in a fixed retreat itinerary.
Chalk Ridge Falls adds a walk
Chalk Ridge Falls Nature Area is the close-to-the-lake walking choice: a free interpretive trail with waterfall views and fishing access. Recorded hours are 8 a.m.–8 p.m. year-round. It is useful when a group wants water scenery without organizing a boat day.
Across the Stillhouse system, locations that charge day-use or ramp fees use card payment. Cash has not been accepted since March 1, 2021, and automated pay stations operate at Dana Peak and Stillhouse Park. Bring the card you intend to use.
Belton Lake has more options and specific fees
Temple’s Lake Park has more than sixty picnic sites, a group area, and hours of 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Day-use fees apply and payment is cashless. Belton Lakeview Park offers a free picnic area and a $5-per-day boat-ramp fee. Owl Creek Park has a $5 use fee. Swim beaches are located at Cedar Ridge, Westcliff, and Temple’s Lake parks.
Belton Lake has a long list of ramps, so consult the USACE page for the facility matching your boat and destination. The broad drive-time ring is about 30–35 minutes from La Finca.
Do not arrive expecting an on-lake rental
There is no verified operating kayak or paddleboard rental on Stillhouse Hollow or Belton Lake. Stillhouse Marina’s own rental section said “Coming Soon” during research. Guests need to bring their own craft or arrange a rental elsewhere.
Rocktop Outfitters was verified for kayak and tube trips on Nolan Creek from Yettie Polk Park in Belton, not for lake rentals. Current-season hours and prices could not be independently verified, so call before depending on it. That distinction prevents a relaxing lake plan from becoming a parking-lot surprise.