Union Park Campground, Salado, TX

For Texans eager to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Central Texas, Union Park Campground, also widely known as Union Grove Park, offers a fantastic opportunity. Nestled on the scenic southwestern shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, this campground is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Union Park provides a balanced blend of natural serenity and essential amenities, making it a popular choice for both short getaways and longer stays. Whether you're a seasoned camper, an RV enthusiast, or just looking to enjoy a day by the lake, Union Park Campground promises a refreshing escape.

Introduction / Overview

Union Park Campground, officially known as Union Grove Park, is a well-established and highly regarded camping facility located on Stillhouse Hollow Lake. This US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) park is renowned for its picturesque setting and diverse recreational offerings. With 58 miles of shoreline, Stillhouse Hollow Lake itself is a major draw, offering clear, deep waters perfect for a variety of water sports. The campground provides a range of options, including RV and tent sites with water and electric hookups, as well as unique screen shelters for those without camping equipment.

Reviews highlight the park's appeal, often praising its clean and well-maintained facilities, including restrooms with hot showers. Visitors frequently commend the diligent park attendants and the beautiful views of the lake. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature, enjoying wildlife watching and fishing, while still having access to necessary conveniences. While one older review from 2017 mentioned a negative experience regarding safety, more recent reviews consistently praise the park's quiet and secure atmosphere, indicating that it is a well-managed and generally safe environment for campers. USACE campgrounds are known for their standard safety protocols and regular patrols, aiming to ensure a secure experience for all visitors.

Location and Accessibility

Union Park Campground (Union Grove Park) is situated at Union Grove Park Rd, Salado, TX 76571, USA. This prime location places it directly on Stillhouse Hollow Lake, a significant recreational asset in Central Texas. The campground is easily accessible and offers a strategic base for exploring the surrounding region.

Key aspects of its location and accessibility include:

Proximity to Stillhouse Hollow Lake: The campground is right on the lake, with many campsites offering direct water views or being within a short walking distance to the shoreline. This makes it incredibly convenient for water-based activities.
Near Salado Village: Just a short drive away is the charming Village of Salado, known for its historic downtown, art galleries, unique shops, and local restaurants. This provides excellent off-site entertainment and dining options.
Short Drive to Fort Cavazos: For military personnel, their families, or contractors, the campground is conveniently located near Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), making it a practical and enjoyable lodging option.
Easy Access from Major Highways: Union Park is accessible from major routes, including Interstate 35, which runs through Central Texas. From I-35, you can typically take FM2484 west for about 6 miles to reach the park entrance. This ensures a smooth journey for RVs and trailers.
Nearby Cities for Conveniences: While Salado offers local charm, larger cities like Killeen and Harker Heights are within a 15-20 minute drive, providing access to extensive shopping (including Sam's Club), a wide variety of restaurants, and additional entertainment. Belton is also easily accessible.
Chalk Ridge Falls Environmental Learning Center: Located below the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam, this center offers miles of hiking trails, a spring-fed creek, a waterfall, and wildlife viewing points, all within a short drive.

The blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility makes Union Park Campground an attractive choice for a diverse range of visitors.

Services Offered

As a US Army Corps of Engineers campground, Union Park Campground (Union Grove Park) provides a robust set of services and facilities designed to enhance the camping experience. These typically meet high standards of maintenance and functionality:

RV and Tent Sites: The campground offers a mix of RV sites and tent sites. Many RV sites come with electric (30-amp and 50-amp) and water hookups, providing essential utilities for a comfortable stay.
Screen Shelters: For those without their own camping equipment, three screen shelters are available, offering a unique camping experience with added protection from the elements.
Restrooms with Hot Showers: A significant convenience, the park provides clean restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, ensuring comfort for all campers. Reviewers frequently praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is available within the campground, allowing RVers to easily empty their wastewater tanks.
Boat Ramp: The campground features a four-lane boat ramp with a courtesy dock, making it incredibly easy for visitors to launch their boats and enjoy the lake.
Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach within the facility provides a safe and enjoyable area for families to cool off and play by the water.
Fishing Dock: For anglers, a dedicated fishing dock offers a convenient spot to cast a line directly from the campground.
Playground: A playground is available for children, providing a safe and fun area for younger campers to expend some energy.
Park Attendants/Volunteers: Reviews indicate that park attendants are "out and about constantly," suggesting a regular presence to assist campers and ensure park rules are followed, contributing to the park's well-maintained status.

Features / Highlights

Union Park Campground (Union Grove Park) boasts several features and highlights that make it a standout destination in Central Texas:

Lakeside Beauty and Water Access: Its primary highlight is its stunning location on Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Many sites offer direct lake views, and the easy access to a swimming beach, fishing dock, and four-lane boat ramp makes it a paradise for water lovers. The lake is known for its clear, deep water and excellent fishing (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish).
Abundant Wildlife and Birding: The area is rich with wildlife, offering year-round opportunities for bird sightings, including hawks, Great Blue Herons, ducks, geese, and even occasional bald eagles. Deer are also commonly spotted, particularly in the evenings. This makes it ideal for nature photography and wildlife observation.
Cleanliness and Maintenance: Consistently praised in reviews for being "very clean" and "well maintained." The restrooms, in particular, receive high marks for their cleanliness. This dedication to upkeep greatly enhances the camping experience.
Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the campground maintains a quiet and serene environment, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. This is a significant draw for those seeking an escape from noise and crowds.
Proximity to Local Attractions: Beyond the lake, the campground offers easy access to Salado Village's charming shops and galleries, and the Chalk Ridge Falls Environmental Learning Center's hiking trails and waterfall.
US Army Corps of Engineers Management: Being a USACE park means consistent standards for facilities, management, and often, affordability. These parks are generally well-run and focused on public recreation.
Varied Site Options: With RV sites, tent sites, and screened shelters, the park caters to a wide range of camping preferences, making it accessible for various types of adventurers.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a US Army Corps of Engineers campground, Union Park Campground (Union Grove Park) operates under a standardized fee structure. While specific "promotions" in the commercial sense are uncommon, USACE parks often offer:

Affordable Rates: Compared to many private RV parks, USACE campgrounds typically offer very competitive and budget-friendly nightly rates. Fees for sites with electric and water hookups usually range from $24-$60, with basic sites being less.
America the Beautiful Pass Discounts: Holders of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Senior Pass or Access Pass) often receive a 50% discount on camping fees. This is a significant saving for eligible individuals.
Online Reservation System: Reservations can typically be made up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov, which is a convenient way to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

It is always recommended to check the official Recreation.gov website or contact the park directly for the most current fee schedules and any specific reservation policies or discounts.

Contact Information

For reservations, general inquiries, or to get more information about Union Park Campground (Union Grove Park), please use the following contact details:

Address: Union Grove Park Rd, Salado, TX 76571, USA (or 8680 Union Grove Park Road, Salado, TX 76571 for GPS)
Park Information Phone: (254) 947-0072
USACE Stillhouse Hollow Lake Office (General Information): (254) 939-2461
Reservations: To make a reservation, it is best to use the national reservation system: 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov.

While the park itself may be unstaffed at certain times, these numbers will connect you to the relevant booking or information services.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Texans, Union Park Campground (Union Grove Park) offers an ideal blend of accessible outdoor adventure and peaceful retreat right in their backyard. Living in Texas often means appreciating wide-open spaces and direct access to nature, and this campground delivers precisely that with its prime location on Stillhouse Hollow Lake.

Locals looking for a refreshing weekend escape or a longer vacation won't have to travel far to enjoy world-class fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. The proximity to Fort Cavazos makes it an incredibly convenient option for military families seeking a close-to-home getaway. Furthermore, the charm of nearby Salado Village offers a delightful complement to the outdoor activities, providing opportunities for unique shopping and dining experiences. The consistent positive reviews about cleanliness, maintenance, and the overall quiet atmosphere ensure a high-quality camping experience. Being a USACE park, it offers reliable facilities and services at an affordable price point, making it a fantastic value for Texas families and individuals. Union Park Campground truly allows Texans to experience the best of Central Texas's natural beauty and recreational opportunities without a lengthy journey, providing a perfect spot for memorable outdoor adventures.