Lake Livingston State Park features diverse terrain with 635 acres of piney woods and waterfront access in east Texas, about 75 miles north of Houston. The park's shoreline extends along the 90,000-acre Lake Livingston, which provides consistent water recreation opportunities year-round. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-95°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop to near freezing.
What to do
Horseback riding excursions: Lake Livingston State Park offers guided horseback rides combined with dining experiences. "You can have a horseback ride and steak dinner at the park for a reasonable fee and meet some interesting people," notes Emily M. from Lake Livingston State Park Campground.
Boardwalk nature exploration: The accessible boardwalk trail provides wildlife viewing for all ability 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," explains Rocco from Lake Livingston State Park.
Kayak and canoe adventures: Many glamping resorts near Sam Houston National Forest provide watercraft rentals. "There's a nice swimming area, playground and boat ramp with fuel for purchase. You can rent paddle boats, canoes and paddle boards, play miniature golf and purchase basic supplies from the park store," according to Mary A. from Wolf Creek Park.
Miniature golf: Several family-friendly campgrounds in the area maintain putt-putt courses for guests. "Spent holiday weekend with the family. Bicycling, Swimming, Fishing, putt putt golf. The kids loved the park and the golf," shares Emily S. about Wolf Creek Park.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many glamping options provide direct water access. "Huge campsite along the lakefront with access to launch kayak/canoe or even swim. Gorgeous sunsets over the lake. It was wonderful to sit at the fire facing the lake and watch the sunsets," reports Napunani from Lake Livingston State Park.
Wildlife interactions: The natural setting around the glamping sites attracts diverse wildlife. "The squirrels that ate from our fingertips! It was also really amusing to find the squirrels VERY friendly. They just hoped up onto our laps and took peanuts in the shell from our fingertips!" shares Napunani about their stay at Lake Livingston.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Bethy Creek Resort receives consistent praise for upkeep. "Love going to bethy creek resort! Everyone there is so accommodating happy and helpful. Good clean bathrooms excellent showers excellent store with pretty much everything you need while you stay there," notes David R.
Security and quiet atmosphere: Some resorts limit public access to maintain calm environments. "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," explains Jackie M. about Wolf Creek Park.
What you should know
Site selection strategies: At Thousand Trails Lake Conroe, finding your ideal spot requires planning. "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. This is fine, but we were looking for a quiet, private site and there are very few of those," advises Debbie J.
Seasonal water levels: Lake access can vary depending on rainfall and time of year. "The kids couldn't play in the grass because it was so tall. We were also warned not to go down to the beach area because it was destroyed by waves and there were water snakes everywhere," reports Lisa P. about seasonal conditions at one lake resort.
Year-round availability: While some glamping locations operate seasonally, many remain open throughout the year. "Used to tent camp there then finally got a TT and it was amazing! Got a premium spot, plenty of room, park rangers were nice and a constable patrolled ever so often," shares Misty C. about her experience at Wolf Creek Park.
Limited wifi access: Connectivity varies between resorts. "I booked this site because it shows wifi as an amenity. However, the wifi is a pay-by-the-day only offer," notes Russell E. about Lake Conroe.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly swimming areas: Woodsy Hollow Campground & RV Resort offers safe water recreation. "We loved this campground. The campground overall was really very quiet and peaceful. Had a great playground area for kids and we loved walking down to the lake," shares Randy S.
Multiple activity options: Look for glamping sites with diverse recreation choices. "This place 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," explains Analia F. about Lake Livingston State Park.
Educational opportunities: Some resorts incorporate learning experiences. "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," notes Rachel W. from Lake Livingston State Park.
Playground facilities: Many glamping locations include play structures. "It's perfect for the kiddos and not too deep, no matter how far you go out. Had a blast here! Very kid friendly despite the playground being closed, the people who helped us were all very friendly," shares Michaela L. about Wolf Creek Park.
Tips from RVers
Pad characteristics: Marina Village Resort and other glamping options offer concrete pads. "Very level concrete pad requiring no additional leveling efforts," notes Napunani about sites at Lake Livingston State Park.
Site access considerations: Some locations present challenges for larger rigs. "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," cautions Napunani about certain sites at Lake Livingston.
Electrical reliability: Power stability can vary between glamping locations. "Power interruptions, albeit short. Very glad we had our power surge protector," shares Napunani about their experience at Lake Livingston State Park.
Seasonal crowds: Holiday periods affect the glamping experience. "We came back for Labor Day and it wasn't too crowded! We tried the swimming area for the first time and we absolutely loved it," reports Michaela L. about Wolf Creek Park.
