Located in the Piney woods region, this scenic park offers easy access to the 82,400-acre Lake Livingston, with 2.5 miles of shoreline within the park. Besides swimming, paddling, and boating, the lake offers great fishing, particularly for white bass, along with crappie, catfish, and perch. Other attractions include hiking and biking trails, wildlife spotting, bird blinds, an observation tower, frog pond, duck pond, archery, and a wide range of ranger-led activities, including kayaking, fishing, night hikes, geocaching, and crafts workshops. A wide variety of camping options, spanning water-only tent camping sites, RV sites with full hookups, and screened shelters, will suit nearly every type of visitor.

• Best for lake views: Many of the sites in Piney Shores Loop sit right along the shores of the lake, and offer 20-, 30-, and 50-amp hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables.

• Best for tent campers and anglers: Only tents are allowed in the Briar Loop, which is also close to two boat ramps and a fishing pier.

• Best for hikers and bikers: The Yaupon Loop is the furthest away from the lake but close to several trails.

1. Plan to make a reservation as soon as you know your dates, especially during the peak season. Campsites and screened shelters can be reserved up to five months in advance.
2. If your plans are flexible, try to visit during the week, during non-holiday periods, or in winter for fewer crowds. 
3. If you don’t have a reservation, arrive at the park first thing in the morning to grab any unreserved sites that might be available.

Spring, summer, and fall are the peak seasons for the park. Lake swimming is especially popular in summer, when temperatures can reach 100°F. Spring and early summer are the best times to fish for crappie, while bass is best from spring through fall. Visit in spring and fall to see migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, or in winter to spot bald eagles. All campsites require both Friday and Saturday night reservations over weekends.

• The park store and marina sell snacks and ice, as well as camping and fishing supplies. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday, offering watercraft rentals on weekends.

• Bring insect repellent. Mosquitos can be an issue here, particularly after it rains.
• Bring binoculars for birdwatching—the park sits along the Central North American Flyway and the Mississippi Flyway. 
• The Pineywoods Boardwalk Interpretive Trail, wooden fishing pier, and some picnic, screened shelters, and campsites are wheelchair-accessible.
• Fishing licenses are not required if fishing from shore, though they are required if fishing from a boat.