Belton Lake is a large US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir formed by the damming of the Leon River, sitting just east of Killeen. At roughly 12,300 acres of surface water, it is one of the main recreational draws in the region and a genuine relief from the flat scrubland surrounding it.
Swimming beaches, boat ramps, and campgrounds ring the shoreline, and the fishing — largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie — is reliably good. Summer weekends bring out jet skis and pontoon boats; if you prefer a quieter visit, weekday mornings in spring and autumn are far calmer. Several Corps parks around the lake offer free day-use access.