Lake Livingston State Park and the Sam Houston National Forest define the camping landscape near Coldspring, Texas, with the region receiving approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually. Located about 60 miles northeast of Houston, the area features pine forests and access to Lake Livingston, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas with 83,000 surface acres for water recreation. Campsites in the region range from full-hookup RV accommodations to primitive tent sites with varying levels of access to water and electrical connections.
What to do
Horseback riding and steak dinners: Lake Livingston State Park offers guided horseback rides paired with steak dinners at reasonable prices. "You can have a horseback ride and steak dinner at the park for a reasonable fee and meet some interesting people. Swim in the lake, hike the trails, and kayak," notes Emily M. from Lake Livingston State Park Campground.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: The lakes provide excellent opportunities for water activities. "We bring our boat and fish, tube, and water ski. We have a blast. I also love bringing my stand up paddle board and do a ride in the early in the morning. There are so many beautiful birds to see in the morning on the water," shares Analia F., who visits Lake Livingston State Park regularly.
Mountain biking: The region offers excellent biking trails, particularly at Double Lake Recreation Area. "This is my favorite place to camp and ride the trails. Smooth and fast are the best way to describe them," says Jeanette T. from Double Lake Recreation Area, highlighting the quality of the trails for mountain biking enthusiasts.
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Wolf Creek Park stands out for its site layout and privacy. "Hidden gem of campground with very large sites, good distance between them and right on Lake Livingston. This campground has plenty of shaded sites with plenty of space for walking pets, riding bicycles or just fishing," reports Keith H. from Wolf Creek Park.
Lakefront access: Many campsites offer direct lake access, allowing campers to enjoy water activities directly from their sites. "The campsites are huge and well kept. We had a lakefront site which had a private little path to the lake. The shore was good for fishing," explains Debbie J., who stayed at Double Lake NF Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities at campgrounds near Coldspring. "We've stayed here quite a few times. Love the lakefront sites. Clean bathrooms and showers. This park is closed to the general public on weekends, so even if it is filled with campers, things are usually pretty calm and quiet," says Jackie M. about Wolf Creek Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, making morning activities preferable. "During summer months, early morning walks are recommended as the Texas heat can be dangerous for pets," cautions a park ranger. The region's humidity levels can reach 80% during summer months.
Swimming areas: Most campgrounds have designated swimming zones. "The lake was beautiful, a bit windy for kayaking but still fun," notes Emily S. about Wolf Creek Park, while others mention that some campgrounds have both lake swimming and pool options for cooling off during hot weather.
Accessibility issues: Some campsites may present challenges depending on your equipment. "Steep drop-off of the concert pad and the narrow roadway making backing in challenging, but not impossible for our 27ft trailer. Any larger rigs might not be able to swing it," warns a reviewer about certain sites at Huntsville State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow swimming areas: Wolf Creek Park offers child-friendly water access. "We tried the swimming area for the first time and we absolutely loved it. It's perfect for the kiddos and not too deep, no matter how far you go out," shares Michaela L., making this an excellent choice for families with young children.
Miniature golf and playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature family-friendly activities beyond water recreation. "Spent holiday weekend with the family. Bicycling, Swimming, Fishing, putt putt golf. The kids loved the park and the golf," says Emily S. about her family's experience at Wolf Creek Park.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. "Connected to the park store they had a small educational space for young kids with a functioning beehive. The kids (ages 2-6) loved it," recommends Rachel W. from Lake Livingston State Park, pointing out nature-based learning opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For RVers, choosing the right site can make a significant difference. "The sites were all well maintained with the best spots being in Piney Shores & Red Oak. We were in spot #69. It had a great view but lacked in flat playing space for young children and hammock trees," advises Rachel W. about On The Lake RV Resort.
Power protection: Be prepared for occasional power fluctuations in the area. "Power interruptions, albeit short. Very glad we had our power surge protector," notes a camper who stayed at Lake Livingston State Park, highlighting the importance of bringing protection for sensitive electronics.
Cell service variations: Mobile connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "If you have Tmobile cel phones or hotspots, this is not the RV park for you. We barely had cel phone reception, and our mobile hotspot was all but useless. Verizon works well here," advises Rachel H. about Rainbow's End RV Park, an important consideration for those needing to stay connected.
