Occupying 635 acres of land along the shores of Lake Livingston, Texas’ second-largest lake, Lake Livingston State Park provides respite from the Lone Star State’s summer heat. Located about an hour north of Houston, the lake welcomes those looking to boat and fish. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing equipment can be rented at the park store. Lake Livingston State Park also allows swimming, though visitors should avoid dipping their toes in anywhere other than designated swimming areas, as the lake is home to alligators. For those who prefer to stick to dry land, the park features plenty of opportunities to hike, camp and bird-watch.
Lake Livingston State Park features six marked trails, altogether providing just under six miles for hiking. A favorite among nature lovers is the Pineywoods Boardwalk Trail, a 0.9-mile loop that leads to the frog pond. During the day, the pond is a great place to look for waterfowl, while nighttime hikers are treated to a concert of frogsong. Meanwhile, the 1.8- mile Trinity Trace Trail leads to an observation tower with fantastic views of Lake Livingston and its islands.
All of Lake Livingston State Park’s trails are open to bikers, except for the Pineywoods Boardwalk Trail. Previous visitors especially appreciate how well marked and maintained the trails are, though it’s not uncommon to come across muddy patches, particularly after a heavy rain.
Lake Livingston State Park has 143 campsites across five areas of the park. Those looking for a full-hookup campsite will find them Piney Shores, Red Oak and Yaupon loops. The Pin Oak Loop has a mix of full-hookup sites and sites with electricity, which can also be found in the Hercules Club Loop. For those looking for a more rustic camping experience should head to the Briar Loop area, where only tent camping is allowed and water is the only amenity. Briar Loop is also the only area without nearby showers. There is an additional fee to reserve a campsite, which can be done online. Group campsites are also available.
The park also features 10 screened-in shelters – some of them ADA compliant. The shelters do not have restrooms or running water (those are offered nearby), but they do have electricity. Pets are not allowed in the shelters, but they are permitted at the campsites.
The park store sells camping supplies.
Water activities are the highlight of a visit to Lake Livingston State Park. As one of the largest lakes in the state, Lake Livingston provides plenty of space for non-motorized boats, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Boats are available to rent on a first come, first served basis from the park store every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Visitors can also use the self-service rental website.
Fishing equipment is also available to buy or rent from the park store. Lake Livingston is known for its abundance of white bass, though visitors have also been known to catch perch and catfish. Lake Livingston State Park allows both bank fishing (for which no license is needed) and boat fishing, and there is also a fishing pier and two cleaning areas.
Swimming is allowed in designated areas of the lake. Visitors should avoid swimming outside of these areas, and remain aware of their surroundings, as Lake Livingston is home to alligators.
There are a number of designated picnic areas located at the heart of Lake Livingston State Park, in the Briar Loop area. This part of the park is also home to the store and a number of other facilities (including restrooms). It’s important to always clean up after using a picnic area.
The best times to visit Lake Livingston State Park are spring and fall. The shoulder seasons offer warm enough temperatures to enjoy all that the lake has to offer, without the humidity of summer. The winter months can be nice times to visit for those looking to stick to dry land and enjoy the park’s hiking and biking trails.
Lake Livingston State Park is open year round, with daytime visitors welcome from 6am to 10pm. Admission to the park costs $5 for adults, and is free for children under the age of 12. We strongly recommend reserving your tickets and campsites in advance, as the park often reaches capacity – particularly on weekends. (Campsites and equipment rentals are not included in the cost of general admission.)
Lake Livingston State Park is located about a mile south of the town of Livingston and about 75 miles north of Houston. The park has one entrance, which can be reached from Farm-to-Market Road (FM) 1988. The entrance leads directly to the center of the park, the Briar Loop area, where several parking lots, picnic areas and the park store are located.
Flush toilets are located throughout the park, and several campsites include showers and electricity hookups.
The park store is open year round. It offers food items, souvenirs, camping supplies, and boating and fishing equipment rentals, can be found in the Briar Loop area of the park. The store has canoes, single and double kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing rods available to rent on a first come, first served basis. Boating equipment is only available to rent in person on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Outside those times, equipment can be rented online.
The park features three boat launches and two fish cleaning areas. Parking is available in the Briar Loop and Piney Shores Loop areas.
Pets are welcome in Lake Livingston State Park, but they must be accompanied at all times while on a leash, in a crate or in a car. Pets are not allowed inside state park buildings, such as the park store. They are also not allowed to swim in the lake, or be present at designated swimming areas.
Campfires are only allowed in designated fire pits located in the Lake Livingston State Park’s campgrounds.
