Lake Livingston, the second largest lake in Texas, spans four counties and has over 450 miles of beautiful shoreline. The area offers vacation rental options, ranging from rustic woodsy lakefront cabins to resorts and sweeping estates. Located in the East Texas Piney Woods, Lake Livingston has something for everyone, from endless outdoor activities and sandy beaches to popular shoreline restaurants serving up delicious seafood. If you’re planning a family vacation or group outing, use this top 10 list of popular Lake Livingston vacation rental locations to choose your ideal spot.
1. Onalaska
Known for its gorgeous sunsets, Onalaska sits along the north shore of Lake Livingston and offers a variety of vacation rentals, from cottages to resort-style accommodations. Onalaska is just minutes away from the Sam Houston National Forest, where visitors can rent kayaks or canoes for a fun day out on the water or brave the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail for a memorable hike with beautiful scenery.
2. Carlisle Cove
Carlisle Cove is located along the Trinity River that flows into Lake Livingston, offering visitors beautiful waterfront views in a peaceful, semi-secluded area. If you’re interested in catching a few fish, the Trinity River is known for fly-fishing, so you may just land that prize perch before your vacation is over. Many local attractions are within close vicinity of Carlisle Cove, so there’s always something to do. Visit Faith Riding Stables for a day of horseback riding with the family, or head over to the Lake Livingston Dam to view the powerful lake waters rushing through the gates.
3. Riverside
If boating and fishing are your main objective, consider reserving a vacation rental in the Riverside area. Located in Lake Livingston, Riverside locals and visitors are often seen cruising the waters in pontoon boats and fishing boats waiting patiently to catch some award-winning white bass. Alternatively, if fishing isn’t on your to-do list, Riverside lodging also puts you in close proximity to local attractions. Set up camp for the night at the Bethy Creek Campgrounds, or work on your golf game at the nearby Whispering Pines Golf Club.
4. Waterwood
The Waterwood community is surrounded by the Piney Woods, offering vacationers plenty of shade with beautiful views of the water from the vacation rentals that overlook the lake. The area has its own boat launch, making it easy for visitors to rent boats or jet skis to cruise Lake Livingston, and the Big Thicket National Preserve is just a short drive away for a fun day of family exploring.
5. West Tempe
West Tempe sits along the northwest shore of Lake Livingston, with vacation rentals ranging from hotels to quaint lake homes with private docks and spectacular views. Spend your days at the shoreline swimming in the lake, or venture out into neighboring cities for some daytime fun. West Tempe is located just minutes from the 190 State Highway for convenient travel in and out of Livingston, and the Mill Ridge and Cape Royale golf courses reside about 10 miles away.
6. Blanchard
If you’re looking to get away from it all and simply spend some quality time with your family, Blanchard is an ideal vacation rental location. Lodging options include rustic cabins and lakefront homes overlooking Lake Livingston, and all visitors have access to Blanchard’s public boat ramp for immediate access to the water. Rent some pedal boats and take a slow cruise along the lake, or pack a family picnic and enjoy some bonding time on the beach.
7. Stephen Creek
The Stephen Creek area is surrounded by golf courses, making this location perfect for the golf lovers in your family. Get a few rounds in at the Cape Royale Golf Club, known for offering the “Best Golf in Texas,” or play a quick nine holes at the Livingston Municipal Golf Course. In addition to golfing, Stephen Creek sits along the Trinity River for easy access to fly fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
8. Wolf Creek
The Wolf Creek area is perfect for active, outdoorsy families. Located minutes from Wolf Creek State Park, visitors have access to family-style campgrounds, fishing piers, a full-service marina, and hiking trails. Spend a weekend away from your vacation rental, and camp a few nights beneath the starry sky, or plan a family fun day, and take advantage of the park’s volleyball courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
9. Indian Hills Peninsula
The Indian Hills Peninsula offers visitors a unique perspective, as this strip of land sits in the center of Lake Livingston, providing gorgeous waterfront views from both sides of the land. The peninsula is just a few minutes away from the Blanchard boat launch, making this a great spot for families planning to spend a lot of time boating on the lake. Rent a speedboat and take the family water-skiing, or slow it down with a sunset pontoon cruise.
10. Lake Livingston State Park
If your travel group loves the great outdoors, choosing a vacation rental near Lake Livingston State Park is a great idea. Use one of the park’s three boat ramps to head out onto the lake and fish for bass and crappie, or take a family hike along one of several nature trails. If you feel like making a weekend of it, consider staying a few nights in one of the park’s screened shelters. The entire area is surrounded by the Piney Woods, so whether you choose to spend time at the park or simply relax at your vacation home, this location is perfect for anyone looking to get back to nature.