Bell County, Texas: An Overview
Bell County sits in the middle of Texas along I-35, anchored by a major medical system in Temple and a major Army installation west of Killeen. Here is how the pieces fit.
Quick Answer
Bell County, TX includes Temple, Belton, Killeen, Harker Heights, and Salado, with Fort Hood to the west. It is anchored by Baylor Scott & White healthcare in Temple and the Army installation near Killeen, and sits about an hour north of Austin.
The cities
Temple
Medical and distribution hub. Baylor Scott & White, the VA, McLane, and Wilsonart. About 10 minutes from the park.
Belton
County seat, historic square, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and Belton Lake. About 12 minutes.
Killeen
Largest city in the county, adjacent to Fort Hood. Roughly 30 minutes.
Harker Heights
Retail and residential neighbor to Killeen, popular with military families.
Salado
Small historic village with shops, wineries, and Stagecoach Inn. About 20 minutes.
Gatesville
West on Hwy 36 in Coryell County, about 30 minutes from the park.
Economy and employment
Healthcare is the dominant sector, followed by defense, distribution, education, and manufacturing. That mix is why the RV population here skews toward long-term stays by travel nurses, soldiers, and contractors.
Geography and climate
Rolling prairie transitioning into the edge of the Hill Country, with two large reservoirs — Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow. Summers are hot, winters are mild with occasional hard freezes, and spring brings real thunderstorms.
Getting around the county
- I-35 runs north–south through Temple and Belton toward Austin and Waco
- State Hwy 36 crosses east–west and is the park's front door
- US-190 connects Belton, Killeen, and Fort Hood
- Amtrak's Texas Eagle stops in Temple; Austin's airport is about 90 minutes
- Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport handles general aviation
What it costs to live here
Bell County is cheaper than Austin by a wide margin, which is most of why people move here. Apartment rent in Temple and Belton generally starts above $1,000 a month for a one-bedroom on a twelve-month lease.
A monthly RV site at Journey's is $500 plus sub-metered electric — typically $160 to $220 depending on season and rig — with a $100 refundable deposit and no lease term. That is the cost comparison most of our residents ran before they called.
Frequently asked questions
What cities are in Bell County, TX?
Temple, Belton, Killeen, Harker Heights, Salado, Nolanville, and Morgan's Point Resort, with Fort Hood to the west.
What is the county seat?
Belton is the county seat of Bell County.
How far is Bell County from Austin?
Temple is about an hour north of Austin on I-35.
What does RV living cost in Bell County?
At Journey's RV Park, monthly sites are $500 plus sub-metered electric, which typically runs $160 to $220 a month depending on season.
What is the weather like in Bell County?
Hot summers, mild winters with occasional hard freezes, and thunderstorms in spring — RV living works year round with basic freeze prep.