Lake Livingston Boating Guide: Ramps, Marinas, Level
Lake Livingston, Texas has 22 public boat ramps and is 93.4% full as of Oct. 17, 2026. See ramps, marinas, the state park, hazards and Texas boating rules.
Lake Livingston is a large reservoir on the Trinity River in East Texas, about 50 miles north of Houston, with 22 public boat ramps in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) inventory. As of October 17, 2026, it was 93.4% full at 129.6 feet, about 1.4 feet below its full pool of 131 feet (Marinalo data, October 2026, using Texas Water Development Board readings).
This guide covers the lake's size and ownership, the ramps and marinas, Lake Livingston State Park, the invasive species you need to know about and the Texas rules that apply. The lake level and ramp counts come from Marinalo's data, and lake facts come from TPWD and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).
Lake Livingston at a glance
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Location | On the Trinity River in Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties; the dam is west of Livingston, about 50 miles north of Houston | TPWD |
| Reservoir controlling authority | Trinity River Authority | TPWD |
| Surface area | 90,000 acres at full size (TPWD) | TPWD |
| Full (conservation) pool | 131.00 feet above NGVD29 | TWDB |
| Conservation capacity | 1,603,504 acre-feet | TWDB |
| Impounded | 1969 | TPWD, TWDB |
Surface area changes with the level. TWDB reported about 73,776 acres on October 17, 2026. TPWD's state park page describes Lake Livingston as "one of the largest lakes in the state."
Current water level
Marinalo data, October 2026: our lake page shows 93.4% full, an elevation of 129.6 feet and a full pool of 131 feet, measured October 17, 2026. That is a bit under 1.5 feet below full. See the live reading and the TWDB history chart on our Lake Livingston page.
A lake this size can have shallow coves and stumps near shore. Keep to marked channels when you are new to the water, and check your depth sounder if the level is lower than full.
Public boat ramps
The TPWD inventory lists 22 ramps on the lake (Marinalo data, October 2026). Most are listed simply as "Lake Livingston Boat Ramp," so use the map on our lake page to see where each one is. Two have their own names:
- Lake Livingston State Park Boat Ramp
- Wolf Creek Park Boat Ramp
Fees and hours are not listed for most ramps in our data, so confirm before you go. For nearby town ramp lists, see Onalaska, or browse the Texas boat ramps directory.
Lake Livingston State Park
TPWD's park page gives these details for Lake Livingston State Park, at 300 Park Road 65 in Livingston:
- Three boat ramps, two fish cleaning stations, a fishing pier and bank fishing.
- No watercraft rentals. Bring your own boat.
- The park store and marina are open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Entry is $6 per day for adults. Children 12 and under are free.
- Camping from tent sites with water nearby up to full-hookup sites, plus screened shelters and group sites.
Prices and hours can change, so check TPWD before you visit.
Marinas near the lake
Marinalo lists these marinas in lakeside towns (phone numbers from our listings; none has an official posted slip rate in our data, and no fuel dock is flagged, so call for rates, availability and fuel):
| Town | Marina | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Livingston | Kickapoo Marina | 936-646-3340 |
| Livingston | Penwaugh RV Resort & Marina | 936-209-4819 |
| Coldspring | Browder's 3278 Marina | 936-653-3278 |
| Coldspring | Cape Royale Marina and Store | 936-653-2628 |
| Coldspring | Holiday Shores Marina | 936-377-2696 |
| Coldspring | Wolf Creek Park Marina & Store | 936-653-4523 |
For fuel, see the Texas fuel docks directory, and ask about ethanol-free gas if your engine needs it. The Texas marina hub covers the rest of the state.
Hazards: zebra mussels, water hyacinth and fish advisories
- Zebra mussels: TPWD says they have invaded this reservoir. If a boat has been stored in the water on a lake with zebra mussels, TPWD says it needs to be decontaminated before it is moved.
- Water hyacinth: TPWD says this floating exotic plant is found throughout the reservoir. It can foul props and intakes.
- Fish consumption advisory: TPWD lists a consumption advisory for the lake. Check the advisory before you keep fish to eat.
Texas law requires boaters to drain all water from their boat and gear before approaching or leaving a public fresh water body, and to remove harmful aquatic plants from the boat, trailer and tow vehicle right away. TPWD recommends clean, drain and dry between lakes: clear off plants and mud, drain the motor, bilge, livewells and bait buckets, and let gear dry for about a week.
Texas rules that apply
- Boater education: Operators born on or after September 1, 1993 must complete a TPWD-approved course and carry photo ID to run a vessel with a motor over 15 horsepower or a windblown vessel over 14 feet.
- Engine cut-off switch: TPWD says it must be worn by the operator on any vessel under 26 feet.
- Alcohol: A blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is an offense; a first conviction can bring a fine up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both.
- Diver-down flags: Do not operate within 50 feet of one, or within 150 feet except at headway or steerage speed.
- Life jackets: See Coast Guard approved life jackets.
What to bring
Pontoons and bass boats are common on big Texas lakes; see deck boat vs. pontoon and jon boats for options. If you tow a tube, read boat tubing safety. Kayakers can read about fishing kayaks, but remember that a lake this large can build serious waves in wind, so keep to sheltered coves. TPWD lists largemouth bass, bluegill, blue, channel and flathead catfish, white bass, striped bass and crappie in the lake.
Planning your trip
Lake Livingston is big enough that a day on the water can mean a long run between ramps, marinas and shore facilities. Fuel up before you leave, tell someone your route and expected return time, and carry a charged phone and a working VHF or other way to call for help. Check the forecast, since wind across a large open lake can build waves quickly. If you are launching a trailer boat from one of the 22 ramps, look at the lake level first and ask the ramp operator about conditions. The knots to mph converter is handy for reading marine forecasts.
Planning to store your boat locally? See boat storage options for the trade-offs between a wet slip, dry stack and trailer storage.
FAQ
Who owns Lake Livingston?
TPWD lists the Trinity River Authority as the reservoir controlling authority.
How many boat ramps are on Lake Livingston?
The TPWD inventory lists 22 public ramps, according to Marinalo data, October 2026. The state park alone has three.
How big is Lake Livingston?
TPWD lists 90,000 surface acres. TWDB reported about 73,776 acres on October 17, 2026, because the lake was below full.
What is the water level at Lake Livingston now?
On October 17, 2026 it was 93.4% full at 129.6 feet, against a full pool of 131 feet. See our lake page for the latest reading.
Are there zebra mussels in Lake Livingston?
Yes, TPWD says zebra mussels have invaded the reservoir. Clean, drain and dry your boat after every trip.
How much is it to enter Lake Livingston State Park?
$6 per day for adults, and free for children 12 and under, according to TPWD.