Located approximately 80 miles northeast of Houston, Lake Livingston spans over 90,000 acres with 450 miles of shoreline, making it Texas' second-largest lake entirely within state borders. RV camping facilities around Livingston typically experience high humidity in summer months with temperatures reaching into the 90s, while winter nights can drop into the 30s. Most campgrounds in this region have sandy or clay soils that drain relatively slowly after rain events.
What to do
Fishing access year-round: Lake Livingston contains large populations of catfish, white bass, and crappie with designated fishing piers at select RV parks. At Thousand Trails Lake Conroe, campers appreciate both lake and pond fishing options. One visitor noted, "There is a beach area for families to enjoy. The campground is well laid out. Easy access to sites, amenities and the Lake."
Swimming options: Many Livingston area campgrounds maintain swimming pools that operate seasonally April through October. On The Lake RV Resort offers both lake swimming at a small beach area and a pool. A camper shared, "Our sites were amazing with gorgeous lake views with sunsets for dayyyys! The on-site restaurant had good cocktails and great food."
Boat launch facilities: Several RV parks near Livingston provide private boat ramps for registered guests, eliminating the need to use crowded public launches. At Venice On The Lake, approximately 30 minutes from Livingston, one reviewer mentioned the property includes "100 Waterview sites, 70 Waterfront sites, Private Covered Boat Slips" and "Award Winning Fishing."
What campers like
Clean, modern bathhouses: Many reviewers specifically mention the quality of shower and bathroom facilities at RV parks near Livingston. At Rainbow's End RV Park, a camper noted, "The bathing areas are kept clean and are spacious, but nothing fancy. There are a couple of bath houses and laundry facilities."
Level campsites: The terrain around Lake Livingston is generally flat, with most RV parks featuring graded sites. At Forest Retreat RV Park, a camper appreciated the "large concrete level sites" and mentioned that "grounds/pool area are well kept; one of the cleanest park grounds I have seen as of late."
Community amenities: Larger RV parks in the area often feature clubhouses, dog parks, and organized activities. At Thousand Trails Lake Conroe, a visitor explained, "The campground has a lot of amenities such as swimming pool, lake, playgrounds, etc... that would be fantastic for a family."
What you should know
Cellular reception varies significantly: Coverage can be spotty in rural areas around Lake Livingston, particularly for certain carriers. A Rainbow's End RV Park camper warned, "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."
Seasonal crowds impact availability: Summer weekends and holidays see maximum occupancy at most Livingston area RV parks. Reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance for premium waterfront sites from May through September.
Weather considerations: The Livingston area experiences occasional severe storms, including potential tornado risks. At Rainbow's End, a camper reported, "Their restrooms are also their tornado shelters. They do not have a dedicated shelter. During our time, one tornado passed 10 miles south but did not touch down, and one F3 tornado touched down 20 miles NW of park."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Several RV parks feature dedicated play areas for children, though quality varies significantly. Woodsy Hollow Campground & RV Resort earned positive mentions for its recreation facilities with one camper stating, "Had a great playground area for kids and we loved walking down to the lake."
Swimming options for different ages: Families should note that lake swimming areas often lack lifeguards and may have uneven, natural bottoms. Some resorts offer both pool and lake swimming alternatives. A camper at On The Lake RV Resort mentioned they "went during the winter (November, right before Thanksgiving), so didnt do any of the swimming/water activities."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests around Lake Livingston contain diverse bird species and small mammals observable from many campgrounds. At Woodsy Hollow, a visitor appreciated that "If you like quiet, fishing, and trees this campground is for you."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many Livingston area RV parks have mixed short-term and long-term sections. At Woodsy Hollow, one RVer advised, "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."
Utility reliability: During summer heat waves, some smaller rv parks Livingston, Texas may experience power fluctuations when multiple air conditioners run simultaneously. At Made in the Shade, formerly Rock'n E RV Park, a visitor appreciated "good water pressure of the showers!"
Road conditions: Interior roads at some older Livingston RV campgrounds may have deteriorated surfaces. A camper at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe noted, "Road around the grounds needs to be repaved, lots of pot holes and uneven areas."
