Lake Livingston State Park facts for kids
Lake Livingston State Park is a fun outdoor spot located near Livingston in Polk County, Texas. It's found in the southern part of the Piney Woods region, which is known for its many trees. The park is about an hour's drive north of Houston. This 635-acre park opened in 1977 and sits right along the shores of Lake Livingston, a very large lake.
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What Can You Do at Lake Livingston State Park?
Lake Livingston State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors of all ages, especially those who love nature and outdoor adventures.
Fun Water Activities
The park is right on Lake Livingston, so water activities are a big part of the fun!
- Swimming: You can cool off and swim in the lake.
- Fishing: Grab a fishing rod and try to catch some fish! If you don't have your own gear, the park has a special program called the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Tackle Loaner Program where you can borrow rods, reels, and tackle for free.
- Boating: If you have a boat, you can launch it from one of the park's three boat ramps.
- Rentals: On Thursdays through Sundays, from 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., you can rent different types of boats to explore the lake:
- Canoeing
- Kayaking (for one or two people)
- Paddleboarding
Land Adventures and Nature Exploration
There's plenty to do on land too, from exploring trails to watching wildlife.
- Biking: Bring your bike and ride along the park's paths.
- Hiking: Explore the park on foot by walking its trails.
- Camping: Spend a night or more under the stars! The park has different types of campsites, from basic ones with just water to fancy ones with full hookups for RVs. You can also stay in screened shelters or picnic pavilions.
- Birdwatching: The park is a great place to spot different kinds of birds.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a meal outdoors in one of the park's picnic areas, often surrounded by tall pine trees.
- Geocaching: Go on a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS coordinates.
- Ranger Programs & Tours: Park rangers often lead fun and educational programs or tours where you can learn more about the park's nature and history.
- Junior Ranger Explorer Packs: Kids can borrow these special packs to help them explore the park and learn about nature, just like a real park ranger!
Park Facilities and Amenities
The park has many facilities to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable.
Camping Options
If you want to stay overnight, Lake Livingston State Park has several choices for camping:
- Campsites with water access
- Campsites with both water and electricity
- Full-hookup campsites (with water, electricity, and sewer connections)
- Premium full-hookup campsites (these are usually the best spots!)
- Screened shelters (a good option if you want to be outdoors but protected from bugs)
- Picnic pavilions (larger covered areas for groups)
- An activity center (for events or gatherings)
Other Helpful Amenities
The park also provides many conveniences for visitors:
- A park store where you can buy supplies.
- Fire rings for campfires (perfect for s'mores!).
- Water and sewer hookups for RVs.
- 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service for RVs.
- Clean restrooms and showers.
- You can bring your leashed pets to outdoor areas.
- Picnic areas for day use.
- Two fish-cleaning stations to prepare your catch.
- A pier for fishing or just enjoying the lake views.
Nearby Places to Explore
While visiting Lake Livingston State Park, you might also want to check out some other interesting places nearby:
- Big Thicket National Preserve: A unique natural area with diverse plants and animals.
- Sam Houston National Forest: Another large forest perfect for hiking and exploring.
- Polk County Library and Memorial Museum: Learn about the local history and culture.
