Situated Between Austin And Waco Is An Underrated Texas City With Fun Lake Recreation

Central Texas is a hotspot for food, music, and, perhaps surprisingly, charming lakes. While Austin is widely known as being the main gateway for all three attractions, travelers looking for cosmopolitan vibes without the big city can visit charming Harker Heights. Located between the Texas capital and Waco, Harker Heights is a hidden gem with a wide range of flavors from around the world, two nearby reservoirs, and plenty to do as you explore an under-the-radar corner of the Lone Star State.

Harker Heights was incorporated in 1960 and has rapidly grown as a suburb of Killeen and as a home for soldiers and personnel working at Fort Hood, one of the largest military bases in the world. Both reservoirs on the edge of town – Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake – are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and are open to the public for recreation. Toss out a line, explore trails, or just cruise around and watch the sun set before heading back to your RV.

If you're visiting Harker Heights, you'll likely be passing through Austin or Dallas. From Downtown Austin or Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Harker Heights is about an hour's drive. Travelers coming from farther away may have to pass through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which is known for flight delays, but offers direct flights to the area's local airport, Killeen Regional Airport (GRK).

A day in nature or on the water is a must-do when visiting Harker Heights. If you're after a quiet day of boating, fishing, or paddling on the water, you'll likely find it at Stillhouse Hollow Lake. The 58 miles of shoreline surround clear and clean waters, which are full of large and smallmouth bass. Bird enthusiasts will likely enjoy spotting waterfowl and songbirds year-round, and may even see a bald eagle. Plan to bring your own boat and watercraft if you visit, as the lake's primary marina, Stillhouse Hollow Marina, has closed down. If you'd rather spend your time on land at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, head to one of the lake's day-use areas. Two options are Stillhouse Park and Dana Peak Park, which have covered picnic areas, boat launch areas, restrooms, and swimming beaches.

Nearby Belton Lake is more developed overall and has swim beaches and picnic areas at Temple's Lake Park and Westcliff Park (and bigger fish, too). If you won't be hauling a boat or watercraft, you'll find a handful of local marinas and boat rental companies on the lake. Frank's Marina provides full-day pontoon and half-day paddleboard and kayak rentals. And if you find you're running low on fuel or need a snack on the water, North Point Marina has the essentials covered. For travelers who would rather focus on capturing the moment or learning to jump the wake, Tie Up Boat Rentals provides boat tours, as well as wakeboarding and surfing lessons. Both lakes have a $5 day-use fee.

Harker Heights may sit in the shadows of other destinations in the region, including Horseshoe Bay, a lakeside town offering a major resort; however, it has several parks and green spaces, friendly locals, and a lively and inviting music and food scene. The city was designated by the state as an official Certified Music Friendly Community in 2022 and hosts monthly concerts on the first Friday during May, June, and the fall months. If you're visiting in mid-October, Harker Heights hosts the annual Harker Heights Food, Wine, and Brew Festival showcasing local flavors and tunes.

The city's food scene also features authentic foods from far corners of the world. Even though you're thousands of miles from Korea or Germany, you'll still find authentic flavors, according to online reviewers, at the New Oriental Restaurant and at Zum Edelweiss, respectively. If you'd rather visit a major restaurant chain such as Cheddars or Cracker Barrel, or are looking for a new outfit, accessory, or gadget, head over to Market Heights, a shopping center in the area. 

Being just west of the I-35 and I-14 interchanges, as well as near a major U.S. Army post, Harker Heights has a large assortment of affordable hotels and accommodations. In town, you'll conveniently find major chain hotels alongside I-14, including a Hampton Inn and a Best Western. However, if staying closer to nature is more your style, you can camp at the lakes. Stillhouse Hollow Lake has two developed camping areas, one at Dana Peak Park and the other at Union Grove Park, and Belton Lake has five campgrounds scattered across the lake. All sites at both lakes require reservations in advance, which can be made through Recreation.gov. For more outdoor fun near Austin, head to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.