There’s a certain kind of RVer who is drawn to public lands. We’re the types who will gladly trade a concrete pad and a clubhouse for a sprawling campsite under a canopy of oak trees, even if it means being a little more self-sufficient. We live for the quiet mornings, the lakeside views, and the incredible value that comes with camping in our nation’s parks. If that sounds like you, then Reynolds Creek Park, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground on the northwestern shores of Lake Waco, is a place you need to know about. It’s not just a place to camp; it’s a destination that happens to have a convenient, no-frills dump station, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers traveling through Texas.
What really sets Reynolds Creek apart, and what makes it feel uniquely Texan, is that it’s an equine-friendly park. You can literally bring your horses, camp with them, and ride the trails. Even if you’re not an equestrian, this feature tells you a lot about the park’s character. It’s spacious, it’s connected to nature, and it’s built for people who love the outdoors. The dump station here isn’t an afterthought; it’s a fundamental part of the campground infrastructure, designed for the folks who stay here and need a place to empty their tanks before heading to their next adventure. For us, a stop at a COE park is a chance to unwind and reconnect with the land.
The park is nestled where the rolling Texas prairie meets the Bosque River, all part of the massive 79,000-acre-foot Lake Waco reservoir. This is a paradise for bird-watchers. The nearby Lake Waco Wetlands is a critical habitat that attracts over 130 species, and you can often join guided tours to learn more about the local ecosystem. It’s this immersion in the natural world that makes a stay here so special. Yet, you’re not completely isolated. Downtown Waco, with its surprisingly vibrant food scene and famous attractions, is only a 25-minute drive away. You’re also less than half an hour from the Waco Mammoth National Monument, which is an absolute must-see. The ability to pair a peaceful, rustic camping experience with world-class paleontological and cultural sites is a rare and wonderful combination.
Understanding the rhythm of a Corps of Engineers park is key to a smooth visit. These campgrounds are well-managed but have their own set of rules. You can expect a gated entrance, usually with a friendly camp host at the check-in station who will provide you with a map and review the park regulations, including the all-important quiet hours. The dump station at Reynolds Creek is smartly located on the main campground loop, typically near the exit. This is a classic COE design, and it’s incredibly practical. It allows campers to make one final, easy stop on their way out without causing traffic jams inside the park.
One of the most important things to know about COE parks like this is that they often have gate hours. At Reynolds Creek, the gates typically lock at 10 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. This is fantastic for ensuring a quiet and secure night, but it means you can’t just roll in at midnight. Plan your travel day accordingly. The campsites themselves are what you’d expect: spacious, often with a fire ring and picnic table, and many offer 30/50-amp electric hookups. However, they generally don’t have individual sewer hookups, which is why the communal dump station sees a steady, but rarely overwhelming, stream of traffic in the mornings as people pack up to leave.
The amenities are basic but functional, perfectly suited for the public-lands camper. The dump station will have water spigots, but you should always assume this is non-potable rinse water unless it's explicitly marked otherwise. This is a critical distinction. It’s fine for flushing your black tank and rinsing your sewer hose, but you should not use it to fill your fresh water tank. Always arrive with some fresh water on board or plan to fill up elsewhere. The park has clean, though often unheated, bathhouses scattered throughout the camping loops. While most sites have electricity, there are no on-site propane or repair services, so you’ll need to plan your supply runs for when you’re in town.
For pet owners, it’s important to double-check the specific rules. While many COE parks are pet-friendly, there can be restrictions, especially in swimming areas or certain natural habitats, so it’s always wise to confirm the policy before you arrive.
The value proposition of a COE park is nearly impossible to beat. Use of the dump station is typically free for registered campers. If you’re just passing through and need to use it for the day, there’s often a small day-use fee, usually in the $5 to $10 range, which you can pay at a self-pay station or at the gatehouse. For that minimal cost, you get access to a clean dump station in a beautiful, secure park, plus the chance to enjoy the picnic areas, fishing spots, and lakeside trails. When you compare that to the cost of private parks, the value is outstanding.
To make your visit a success, a little planning goes a long way. During peak season, it’s a good idea to reserve your campsite in advance on the Recreation.gov website to guarantee you’ll have a spot. Always try to arrive before the gates lock at 10 p.m. Keep some small bills or exact change on hand for the day-use fee kiosk. And be prepared with leveling blocks; as with any natural campsite, some of the spots might have a gentle slope toward the lake.
In short, Reynolds Creek Park is a haven for the budget-conscious, nature-loving RVer. It offers a functional and accessible dump station as part of a much larger, more rewarding experience. It requires a bit more planning due to the gate hours and limited services, but the payoff is immense: quiet nights under the vast Texas sky, direct access to the water, and a genuine escape from the hustle of the highway. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with this lifestyle in the first place.
2885 N Speegleville Rd, Waco, TX 76708
(254) 756-5359
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232709