Union Park Campground

For Central Texas residents seeking a peaceful and scenic outdoor escape, Union Park Campground, officially known and managed as part of the larger Union Grove Park facility by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), offers a highly accessible and popular lakeside destination. Situated on the beautiful Stillhouse Hollow Lake, this campground is consistently a favorite for those who prioritize water recreation, essential amenities, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Its identity as a COE park ensures that it maintains a natural setting while still providing the core services necessary for a comfortable stay.

Located near the charming and historic Village of Salado, Union Park Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the Texas Hill Country's natural beauty and local attractions. The park’s primary draw is its prime positioning directly on the lake, giving nearly all sites some measure of water view or easy access to the shoreline. This makes it a stellar spot for boaters, anglers, and anyone who simply enjoys waking up to the sight and sounds of the lake.

While the name "Union Park" may be used locally, it is important for travelers to note that the official designation and reservation system operate under the name Union Grove Campground / Park. This facility expertly caters to various camping styles, from RV users needing power to tent campers seeking a clean, well-equipped communal area. Guests frequently praise the park for its stunning views, clean facilities, and the overall quality of a well-run public campground.

However, like any public outdoor space, it is crucial for Texans to exercise standard caution. One historical customer review from 2017 mentioned a localized safety concern involving a vehicle and vandalism, which highlights the need for campers to always secure valuables, be aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity immediately to park management or local law enforcement. For current safety procedures and gate codes (as the park is often unstaffed), campers are strongly advised to check the latest information from the COE upon making a reservation. The COE maintains the facility with safety in mind, which typically includes secured access gates and routine patrols, but personal vigilance remains paramount for a worry-free night.

Union Park Campground is conveniently situated at the end of Union Grove Park Rd, Salado, TX 76571, USA, placing it on the southwestern edge of Stillhouse Hollow Lake. This location is easily reached via a short drive from Interstate 35, making it a highly desirable weekend retreat for residents across Central Texas, from Waco to Austin.

The surrounding area offers more than just the lake. A brief trip into the Village of Salado offers opportunities for boutique shopping, dining, and experiencing the region’s rich history and arts scene. For nature lovers, the proximity to the Chalk Ridge Falls Environmental Learning Center, just below the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam, offers miles of trails, a picturesque waterfall, and excellent hiking opportunities.

The COE management of the park ensures a commitment to public access. The facility features a wheelchair accessible entrance, demonstrating an effort to make the beauty and recreation of Stillhouse Hollow Lake available to all visitors. Furthermore, the internal roads are generally well-maintained, facilitating easy travel for recreational vehicles of all sizes. Ample on-site parking is also available, accommodating both campers and their essential vehicles or watercraft trailers.

Union Park Campground (Union Grove) focuses on providing essential services that enhance the traditional Central Texas camping experience, ensuring convenience and comfort are met alongside the natural setting.

• RV Electric Hookup: A key offering for the modern camper, most sites are equipped with electricity (often 30 or 50 amp service) to power RVs and essential devices. Sites frequently include water hookups as well, though the provided information only explicitly confirms electric.
• Sanitation Facilities: The park provides clean, central sanitation services, including both a Public Restroom and a Restroom facility. Importantly, guests can utilize the Public Shower facility, a welcome amenity after a day spent fishing or swimming in the lake.
• Running Water: Access to Running Water is provided throughout the park, offering convenience for drinking, cooking, and cleanup, and contributing to the overall cleanliness of the site.
• Designated Parking: On-site Parking is available for all guests, crucial for safely storing vehicles and maintaining an orderly camping area.
• Camping Fee: As a managed COE park, there is a required Camping Fee for site usage, which directly contributes to the maintenance of the grounds, facilities, and environmental protection of the lake.
• Pet Policy: The campground is Dogs Allowed, welcoming your canine companions to join your Texas outdoor adventure, provided standard leash and cleanup rules are followed.
• Family Friendliness: The site is officially noted as Good for Kids, which implies the presence of open space and family-oriented amenities, such as proximity to a swim beach and often a playground, encouraging safe and fun family time.

The unique highlights of Union Park Campground revolve around its stunning natural environment and the abundance of recreational activities available on Stillhouse Hollow Lake.

• Stillhouse Hollow Lake Access: The primary feature is the spectacular lakeside location. Many campsites are situated directly on the water's edge or offer incredible views, providing unparalleled access to the clear, deep lake.
• Water Recreation Hub: The lake is a premier destination for fishing, swimming, and boating in Central Texas. The park itself is known to host a multi-lane boat ramp and a dedicated swimming beach (at Union Grove Park), enabling all types of water sports from leisurely kayaking to exciting jet skiing.
• Excellent for Families: Being "Good for Kids" means the park is designed to host families comfortably. The open areas and designated swimming spots offer safe environments for children to play and enjoy the Texas summer.
• Natural Tranquility: Despite its popularity, the COE setting on the large reservoir ensures a peaceful and quiet atmosphere for most visitors. The gently rolling terrain and limited surrounding development contribute to a genuine feeling of getting away from it all. Wildlife, including deer, is commonly sighted, adding to the natural charm.
• Proximity to Hiking: Campers have a great natural resource nearby in the Chalk Ridge Falls Environmental Learning Center, offering dedicated hiking and biking trails, a welcome alternative to lake activities.
• Individual Site Comforts: While not listed in the initial amenities, COE sites at Union Grove often include essential comforts like covered picnic tables and fire rings with grills (as seen at the larger Union Grove facility), greatly enhancing the outdoor cooking and dining experience.

For up-to-date information on site availability, current fees, and specific park rules, potential campers should use the contact details for the park management, which is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) facility.

Address: Union Grove Park Rd, Salado, TX 76571, USA

Official COE Stillhouse Hollow Lake Office Phone: (254) 939-2461 (For general inquiries and information)

Union Grove Park Phone: (254) 947-0072 (For facility-specific inquiries)

Reservations for Union Park (Union Grove) are typically handled through the federal Recreation.gov system, as it is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property. It is highly recommended to check the official COE website for current fee schedules and specific details regarding opening and closing of seasonal camping loops.

Union Park Campground, operating as a part of the well-regarded Union Grove Park, is an excellent choice for Central Texans because it successfully blends the untouched beauty of a large Texas reservoir with the crucial comforts of a modern campground. The biggest draw is its unrivaled access to Stillhouse Hollow Lake. This isn't a destination a mile from the water; this is lakeside living. For a state known for its heat, having a clean, clear lake accessible from your campsite for swimming, fishing, or boating is a priceless commodity.

Furthermore, the park’s management by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures a consistent level of quality, from clean restrooms with public showers to designated electric hookups for RVs. The facility is a practical, high-value choice for family outings, noted for being Good for Kids and accommodating pets. While a single, older review raised a security concern—a valuable reminder for all campers to be security conscious—the overwhelming consensus reflects a positive, peaceful, and amenity-rich experience. If you are a Texas resident looking for an affordable, water-centric camping destination with essential hookups and clean facilities near the historic charm of Salado, Union Park/Union Grove Campground is a top-tier option.

Union Park Campground

Union Grove Park Rd, Salado, TX 76571, USA