The Livingston, Texas area encompasses several established campgrounds along the shores of Lake Livingston, one of the largest lakes in Texas. Lake Livingston State Park Campground serves as the primary public camping destination, offering tent, RV, and glamping accommodations with water and electric hookups. Additional options include Rainbow's End RV Park and On The Lake RV Resort, with several private campgrounds providing cabins alongside traditional camping. Most campgrounds feature boat-in access points, supporting a strong water recreation focus with fishing and kayaking opportunities throughout the region.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for Lake Livingston State Park, especially during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. Concrete pads at most developed sites accommodate large RVs while tent camping areas offer shaded spots under pine trees. "The park is very well maintained, and the trails are good. A lot of people fish the lake, but I haven't had a lot of luck," noted one camper. Weather conditions remain mild throughout much of the year, though humidity peaks during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Many campgrounds in the area provide full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections, with varying amenities such as showers, boat ramps, and picnic tables.
Lakefront sites consistently receive the highest praise from visitors, particularly those in the Piney Shores Loop of Lake Livingston State Park, which offers direct water views and easy boat access. A recent review highlighted that "the sites were all well maintained with the best spots being in Piney Shores & Red Oak." The Livingston camping area features numerous campgrounds with both primitive and developed campsites to accommodate different camping preferences. Trails throughout the area tend to be relatively short but interconnected, allowing for longer hikes when combined. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with several campgrounds featuring bird blinds and nature trails. While the region experiences significant weekend crowds during summer months, weekday visits often provide a quieter experience. Swimming areas are available but visitors mention the lake bottom can be rocky and slippery in spots, making water shoes advisable for swimmers.
$14 - $35 / night
"Lake Livingston State Park is one of our regular visits. During the school year it is hard to head out on a Friday, drive 2-3 hours and then setup in the dark for a weekend camping trip."
"Love staying at Livingston. It is close enough to Houston that we can have a quick get away, but still be away from things that you can enjoy."
"Hidden gem of campground with very large sites, good distance between them and right on Lake Livingston."
"Lake Livingston is great for fishing and they have a designated safe swim area. Overall this is a very safe, very clean and family-oriented campground. Highly Recommend."
$22 - $360 / night
"She even provided a handout for obtaining inspection, registration & licensing for our Texas residency."
"Livingston TX is their main Headquarters, they do have 2 other semi Headquarters in FL and SD."
$7 - $140 / night
"There is so much to do there, plus the longest foot trail in Texas (Lone Star trail) resides here."
"We enjoyed camping at Double Lake. The campsites are huge and well kept. I believe all have full hookups. We had a lakefront site which had a private little path to the lake. "
$42 - $58 / night
"Lake Livingston is a beautiful area and a nice campground! We had a blast staying here!"
"Our sites were amazing with gorgeous lake views with sunsets for dayyyys! The on-site restaurant had good cocktails and great food."
"Was approx 2 miles off highway 59. Had a great playground area for kids and we loved walking down to the lake. The lady running the office was super kind and very helpful."
"Nice and quite with a small lake. It seems on the left side of the campground is for long term sites so make sure you pick a site on the right side as you drive in."
"Walking trail around like is near. Not to many fire ant poles. Near by groceries store and town playground close by."
"Deep in the woods and on a nice shallow lake. Fantastic for walks around the lake, playing in the park, and fun trails. Camp grounds are spacious and we'll thought out."
$50 / night
"The area is beautiful and being near the lake was an added bonus. Katrina was excellent and we will absolutely book with her again whenever we are in the area."
$15 - $60 / night
"Located on the west edge of the east Texas piney woods, this state park features excellent RV and tent camping facilities, and a beautiful network of heavily forested trails."
"The sites are spacious as in most Texas state parks, and there are many shaded sites. The waterfront sites are tiered. The upper tier is where you park your rig. "
RangerVery well kept facilities, nice, level sites. Very family friendly environment - I think because they do not allow day visitors on weekends. Everyone I encountered with the park were nothing but professional and super friendly. Trash pickup from the curb was an added bonus. Can’t wait to go back!
GuideI was looking for a spot to pull off for the night, on my way further west. This spot was just off the paved road, with a well maintained dirt road to the sites. Several pull off sites right off the lake. No amenities. One large group camping on the other side of the lake playing their music loud. Good internet reception ship.
GuideLarge lot next to highway, free place to camp. Road noise is present but dies down at night. Parked in the corner where a rock fire ring was. Couple other people camped here but were very spread out due to how big the lot is.
TravelerThis used to be a great RV Park. They had weekly music and Potluck dinners on Friday and Saturday nights and a band the last Saturday night of the month. On the Saturday morning that the band played they would have a breakfast. They no longer have any music or potluck dinners. The only activities is BINGO on Monday night and a bonfire and pizza on Thursday nights.
GuideVery peaceful. No one bothers you. Restroom/ shower was clean.
ScoutWe are only in our first month of our year long adventure exploring the USA. Dirt has helped us out in find alternative camping places and within our budget mostly FREE LOL. We are so excited to see were our next campsite will be. Thank so much for a Great App. Jack and Christina
RangerLots of sites, but still need to make reservations way in advance, suppose due to its proximity to Houston. Very well kept park with clean facilities, and partial as well as full hookups. Close to Huntsville, so if you are needing supplies or just want to go into town and not cook you are golden. Small lake with paddle boats and good fishing. Fairly flat terrain and trails are well maintained, but not terribly scenic.
ScoutHaha! We stayed at Kelly's Pond dispersed camping. Thought wow we found paradise. It was beautiful, then dusk fell, thought nothing of the Coyotes in the background noise. The first night, Coyotes in the distance, and a cat being attacked outside of us sleeping. Second night, Coyotes in background. Third night. Coyotes in background noise until 3 am. Then they were 50 yrs from us. Thank God they are scared of crazy people screaming at them. We packed the next day.. headed to Dallas area.
ScoutWe were looking for a spot for 2 nights with full hookups and on the water, very pleased with spot 63, has a deck. The owner was very helpful, he helped me get my sway bars back on! If you stay here check out Tallent Sausage Meat market that’s next to the closest gas stations. We didn’t use any of the on-site bathrooms but the owner said they’re in the process of renovating them.
Lake Livingston camping spots offer diverse terrain across a 90,000-acre reservoir surrounded by East Texas pine forests. The area sits at approximately 131 feet above sea level, creating varied shoreline camping environments from sandy beaches to wooded coves. Camping facilities range from primitive sites to full-service RV hookups with concrete pads, with most campgrounds offering year-round access despite summer temperatures regularly climbing above 95°F.
Horseback riding and dining: Lake Livingston State Park Campground offers guided horseback rides with dinner included. "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," reports Emily M.
Mountain biking: Double Lake Recreation Area features extensive trail networks popular with cyclists. "Miles upon miles of well-defined hiking trails. Campsites by the lake have a great view," notes Matt M. The area is known for smooth, fast trails that connect throughout the forest.
Kayak rentals: Self-service kayak rentals are available at several locations, allowing for independent exploration of Lake Livingston's coves and inlets. "There's also self-service kayak rentals," reports Rocco, who visited Huntsville State Park Campground in February. Rental costs typically range from $10-20 per watercraft.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Livingston supports diverse fishing conditions with both shoreline and boat access points. "We brought 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 morning," shares Analia F.
Spacious, private sites: Wolf Creek Park receives praise for site layout and privacy. "Wolf Creek Park is well maintained with many nice shady campsites. Sites have water and electricity and some have sewer hookups," explains Mary A. The park design allows for parking extra vehicles on grass adjacent to sites.
Swimming areas: Designated swim zones provide family-friendly water access at several campgrounds. "The swimming area but visitors mention the lake bottom can be rocky and slippery in spots, making water shoes advisable for swimmers," notes one review. Wolf Creek Park features a guarded swimming area designed for safety.
Wildlife viewing: Double Lake NF Campground offers abundant nature observation opportunities. "Deep in the woods and on a nice shallow lake. Fantastic for walks around the lake, playing in the park, and fun trails," writes Devin P. Early morning hours provide the best wildlife viewing conditions.
Waterfront camping sites: Multiple campgrounds feature premium lakefront sites with direct water access. "Tent site we stayed at was great. Well shaded and not too close to other camper sites," reports Marcy F. about Lake Livingston State Park. Many waterfront sites allow for launching small watercraft directly from camp.
Varying site sizes and levels: Not all campsites are created equal in terms of space and leveling. "Some sites seemed much larger than others and some were far more level than others, so checking out the sites before choosing one is a good idea," advises Sara S. at Double Lake Recreation Area.
Seasonal conditions: On The Lake RV Resort experiences significant differences between peak and off-peak seasons. "We went during the end of winter and can see during the summer that this place will be a go to spot for us," notes Rocky W. Winter camping provides quieter conditions but may have limited amenities.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies widely across the region. "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," warns Rachel H. Verizon typically provides the most reliable coverage in the area.
Lake conditions: The lake bottom can be challenging in swimming areas. "Getting in the lake left some to be desired. The bottom has many large rocks, tree stumps and is very mossy. Swimming can be fun but a little dangerous and slippery," mentions one camper.
Educational opportunities: Lake Livingston State Park Campground offers learning activities 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," shares Rachel W.
Bike-friendly trails: Several campgrounds feature trails appropriate for younger cyclists. "The main Trinity Trace Trail was flat dirt, good for young bikers. Though trails are short, they connect so you could do a few trails for a longer run/hike if you so desired," notes a visitor.
Recreation facilities: Many campgrounds include additional amenities beyond camping. "There is a guarded gate and cute store in the park. The bathroom/showers are very clean and well kept. Do not worry about the month you decide to go, as there are plenty of trees. Also features a playground and designated swimming area," Linda V. explains about Wolf Creek Park.
Wildlife education: Small ponds and nature areas provide wildlife viewing opportunities for children. "This park is magical. My family and I have been coming here for the past 5 years, and it never gets old. There are so many great things about this place. The hiking is amazing- the views are breathtaking," shares Analia F.
Concrete pad access: Rainbow's End RV Park provides solid foundations but requires preparation. "The sites are decent, with gravel driveways and full hookups for both 30 amp and 50 amp. They have an area for dry camping as well. Are not level, so be sure to bring your leveling blocks if your rig doesn't have a leveling system," advises Debbie J.
Electrical protection: Some campgrounds experience occasional power fluctuations. "Power interruptions, albeit short. Very glad we had our power surge protector," mentions one camper. RVers should bring surge protection equipment, especially during summer months when air conditioning use is high.
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all sites accommodate bigger RVs. "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," notes one camper at Lake Livingston State Park.
Utilities considerations: Most developed sites offer full hookups, but placement varies. "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. The 'YAPUN' section is where we stayed last and was new and very nice, all the sites had concrete pads to park on and are fairly level," shares David S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Livingston, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Livingston, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Livingston, TX and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Livingston, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Livingston, TX is Lake Livingston State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Livingston, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Livingston, TX.
What parks are near Livingston, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Livingston, TX that allow camping, notably Sam Houston National Forest and Big Thicket National Preserve.
Keep Exploring
