Lake Livingston sits in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, covering 83,000 acres with 450 miles of shoreline. Elevation ranges from 131-135 feet depending on water levels, creating diverse camping conditions. The lake's watershed spans 16,000 square miles, contributing to excellent fishing conditions for glamping close to Cleveland, Texas.
What to Do
Water sports on Trinity Bay: At Fort Anahuac Park, visitors can enjoy fishing from the pier or bank. "The bay is teeming with fish and beautiful birds. Locals fish here, so some traffic at night," notes camper Leigh D. The park includes a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and fishing pier.
Horseback riding: Lake Livingston State Park offers horseback riding excursions. "You can have a horseback ride and steak dinner at the park for a reasonable fee and meet some interesting people," shares Emily M. This activity provides a unique way to explore the park's terrain.
Kayaking on Lake Livingston: The lake's expansive waterway offers multiple paddling routes. "There is 'self service' kayak rentals," mentions Rocco, adding that rentals cost $10-20 per session. Hours typically run Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm during peak season.
What Campers Like
Lakefront accessibility: At Bethy Creek Resort, campers appreciate direct water access. "Almost all spots have a great view of the lake. Ours had a deck right over the water," shares Rodney C. The resort offers both RV hookups and tent camping with waterfront views.
Privacy between sites: Woodsy Hollow Campground & RV Resort offers secluded camping spots. "The site 18 was pretty level and had full hook ups. The campground overall was really very quiet and peaceful," notes Randy S. The campground sits approximately 2 miles off Highway 59.
Educational opportunities: State parks in the area feature nature programming. "Connected to the park store they had a small educational space for young kids with a functioning beehive," says Rachel W. These educational features add value to camping experiences for families seeking nature-based learning.
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds operate year-round while others have limited seasons. "Wolf Creek Park operates seasonally from March through November," notes one camping resource. However, Lake Livingston State Park Campground remains open in all seasons, with camper John H. stating, "Always a great place to camp. Four seasons of beautiful."
Mosquito protection: Insect repellent is essential when glamping close to Cleveland, Texas. "Watch out for the mosquitoes," warns Emily M. The combination of water and wooded areas creates ideal breeding conditions for insects, particularly during warmer months.
Camping permits: Some parks require permits obtained offsite. Fort Anahuac Park requires campers to "obtain a camping permit from the Commissioner Office" and limits stays to three nights maximum, according to reviewer N.I.
Tips for Camping with Families
Accessible trails: Boardwalk paths accommodate all mobility levels. "There is a 'board walk trail' that is quite literally a board walk through the forest. It's just a 1 mile loop and has a few benches and attractions, and this would be an excellent handicap option," shares Rocco from Wolf Creek Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Wolf Creek offers family-oriented recreation areas. "Bicycling, Swimming, Fishing, putt putt golf. The kids loved the park and the golf," reports Emily S. The park maintains both ball fields and playground equipment.
Water safety: Shallow swimming areas benefit families with young children. "The swimming area for the kiddos and not too deep, no matter how far you go out," explains Michaela L. This controlled environment allows parents to supervise water activities more effectively.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Thousand Trails Lake Conroe, RVers recommend inspecting sites before settling. "We camped here for a long weekend getaway, and wanted to see what a Thousand Trails campground was like. The campground is huge, and you cannot reserve a specific site. You drive around and pick a site, then call and let them know which one you're in," explains Debbie J.
Hookup verification: Always confirm hookup availability as services vary. According to David S., "We have stayed here 2 different times. The east section is a little older and smaller sites but was still able to find one for our 42' coach. Not all sites have full hookups."
Leveling considerations: Concrete pads often provide level parking but verify before setup. "Very level concrete pad requiring no additional leveling efforts," mentions Napunani, adding that power interruptions can occur, so "Very glad we had our power surge protector."
