Fish one of the largest lakes in the state, hike quiet trails through the forest or camp under the trees at Lake Livingston State Park which is located on the east shore just above the dam, occupying over 650 acres on the second largest man-made lake in Texas. At Lake Livingston State Park, you can swim, fish, boat, hike, bird, camp, picnic, mountain bike, geocache and study nature. Activities for the entire family include boat launching, camp sites, walking trails, bird and animal habitats including ponds, native plant gardens and pier fishing.
Many camping options are available, from tent sites with water nearby up to campsites with full hookups. You can also rent one of 10 screened shelters, some of which are ADA-accessible, or book one of the group sites for your next reunion.
Lake Livingston is one of the largest lakes in the state, noted for its white bass population. You might catch catfish, crappie, bass or that kid favorite - perch. The park has three boat ramps, two fish cleaning stations, a fishing pier and bank fishing. You may bring your own watercraft or rent one of the 10 double kayaks.
The park opened a new nature center in 2016 and installed a new observation beehive, where visitors can watch bees bring back nectar and pollen and see the queen bees lay eggs. A new amphitheater and archery range opened in recent years.
The park’s trail system is marked to include the Trinity Trace Trail of three miles that connects the park’s campsites, while offering excellent forest and wildlife viewing. The Bakba Trail provides hikers with a two-mile loop through the park.
The Pineywoods Nature Trail Boardwalk is an improved trail, handicapped-accessible, and covers just under a mile. It offers exposure to both wetlands and woodlands habitat, including the bird blind and duck pond. In season, there is an active pollinator garden with plants designed to attract all pollinators, including butterflies.
The Oak Flat Trail is a short one-third of a mile walk with a self-guided tour. The Fo:si (the Alabama-Coushatta word for “bird”) Trail is a walk of a half-mile through deep woods connecting many other trails.
The park offers fishing from one pier and the shoreline. Anglers and others also may launch boats in the park to access small coves around the park’s shoreline. If you are fishing from the pier or shoreline you do not need a fishing license, but bag limits must be observed regardless of where you fish. Those fishing from boats are required to have licenses regardless of where they launch.
Depending on the season, you may catch black bass, striped bass, white bass, yellow bass, blue, channel and hybrid catfish, black and white crappie and many varieties of bluegill, red ear, green, long ear and hybrid sunfish, which are always a treat for the youngsters.
For those staying overnight or longer, the park offers tent camping areas, full hook-up water and electric areas and screened shelters. There are restrooms scattered throughout the park and dump stations for you to use before leaving for the day.
Biking is allowed on the Fo:si Trail and the Trinity Trace Trail and there are bike racks at the Pineywoods Nature Trail Boardwalk entrance.
Throughout the year, the park hosts a number of monthly activities such as guided nature hikes and programs such as introduction to geocaching, backyard bass fishing games, fire is living history, sungazing, star stories stargazing program, kayaking with a ranger, arts in the park and others. While the cost of these programs is free – other than the normal park admission – the geocaching and kayaking programs have limited space. Those wishing to take part should make a free reservation by calling the park store at 936-365-2201 ext. 2060.
Activities are also available to groups by reservation and can be tailored to the group’s interests. For availability and information, contact Ranger Eric at 936-365-2201 ext. 2058.
The park is open daily and admission is $6 for adults with children 12 and under admitted free of charge. Annual family passes are also available. For information about the park, call 936-365-2201 or go online to www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lake-livingston.
