Lakeside Retreat

Make family memories at this Pineywoods park.

Fish one of the largest lakes in the state, hike quiet trails through the forest, or camp under the trees. This refreshing retreat from city life is just an hour north of Houston.

Things to Do

At Lake Livingston State Park, you can swim, fish, boat, hike, bird, camp, picnic, mountain bike, geocache and study nature. We have activities for the whole family! 

Shop our park store for souvenirs, drinks, snacks, ice, camping and fishing supplies, and much more. The park store is open Wednesday - Sunday (hours vary by season).

Alligators live in the area; read our alligator safety tips.

Fishing

Lake Livingston is one of the largest lakes in the state, noted for its white bass population. You might catch catfish, crappie, bass or that kid favorite - perch. The park has three boat ramps, two fish cleaning stations, a fishing pier and bank fishing.

• For more fishing and lake information, visit our Lake Livingston page.
• Download our Fishing Tip Sheet

Swimming

Read about water safety before cooling off in the lake.

Stay overnight

We offer many camping options, from tent sites with water nearby up to campsites with full hookups. Or rent one of 10 screened shelters, some of which are ADA accessible.

Book one of our group sites for your next reunion. 

Boating

Bring your own watercraft or rent one of ours. Reserve one of our 10 double kayaks on the PaddleEz website. 

Get involved

We need your help! To volunteer, visit our Volunteer page and keyword search “Lake Livingston.”

Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

We offer a variety of free ranger programs. Learn new skills when you kayak or fish with a ranger; take a discovery, photo or night hike; try geocaching; learn about nature; or attend a make-and-take craft workshop. Call the park to schedule special tours for your group.

• Visit our Events page to look for upcoming programs.
• Borrow a Junior Ranger Explorer Pack or a Night Sky Explorer Pack for the kids in your group!
• Teachers: This is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.

Area Attractions

Explore the Pineywoods at the Big Thicket National Preserve near Woodville, or at the Sam Houston National Forest near Coldspring.

Livingston has ball fields, a bowling alley, an 18-hole golf course, lighted tennis courts, parks and a municipal airport. It is also home to the Polk County Library and Memorial Museum.  The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe holds its annual powwow each June.

Houston’s many attractions are 75 miles south of the park. These include NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, museums and much more.

Drive the Big Sandy Loop, one of TPWD’s Great Texas Wildlife Trails. Visit some of the best wildlife observation points in this area. Martin Dies, Jr. and Huntsville state parks are nearby.