The southern part of the Trinity River, below Lake Livingston, is a camper's dream. Clean water perfect for kayaking or canoeing runs over rocks and sand and the Sam Houston National Forest is a 40-minute trip away. Set up a tent in the National Forest or park your RV in one of the many campsites located alongside the river and you'll have the perfect summer getaway.
Getting There
The Trinity River is a 710-mile river that runs through the State of Texas. The river from Dallas to Lake Livingston is not well-suited for recreation due to pollution; however, below the Lake Livingston Dam, the river runs clean and clear. Lake Livingston is located approximately 218 miles southeast of Dallas and 75 miles south of Houston.
Camping
There are several different campsites with water, electricity and other amenities around Lake Livingston and the lower part of the Trinity River. There are no public or private campgrounds above the Lake Livingston Dam. However, there are several white sandbars in and along the banks of the river that are good campsites for overnight or river boating trips.
Paddle the River
You can’t visit the Trinity River and not go canoeing or kayaking. Below Lake Livingston, the water flows clear through hardwood trees and many kinds of wildlife can be seen along the banks. You might even run into an alligator or two. There are places where the river twists and turns and it can be dangerous. If you are a beginner at canoeing or kayaking, it’s best to go on a tour with one of the half a dozen tour groups that take visitors out.
Adventure Fishing
If you’re feeling especially adventurous, try your hand at alligator gar fishing. Alligator gars are North America’s largest freshwater fish and the Trinity River in Texas is one of their natural habitats. So if you enjoy fishing and want to bag the catch of a lifetime, go after an alligator gar. Guide services are available to take you out on the river.
Sam Houston National Forest
Drive 25 miles east of the Trinity River and you’ll be in Sam Houston National Forest. With 162,984 acres of forest complete with a 140-mile-long Lone Star hiking path, the National Forest is ideal for a day or overnight trip. Even if you don’t camp there, it’s worth the drive for the cycling and hiking trails alone.
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