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Lake Livingston Boat and Jet Ski Rentals
Lake Livingston is one of the largest lakes in Texas, a sprawling reservoir on the Trinity River in the Piney Woods about 75 miles north of Houston. With around 83,000 acres of water and some 450 miles of shoreline, it is a place where a boat and a few jet skis can wander all day without running out of lake.
We rent MasterCraft surf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Livingston, ready at the lake when you arrive.
Reserve Your Lake Livingston Day
MasterCraft surf boats for 12 to 18 people, three-seat Sea-Doos, a Kawasaki stand-up jet ski and a full rack of water toys, all ready at the lake when you arrive. Book online in a few minutes, or call or text 888-205-7119 any day from 7am to 10pm.
Lake Livingston Quick Facts
| Size | About 83,000 acres, 39 miles long and up to 7 miles wide |
| Location | Trinity River in Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties |
| Nearest towns | Livingston, Onalaska, Coldspring, Point Blank and Trinity |
| Drive time | About an hour and a half from downtown Houston |
| Managed by | Trinity River Authority, with Lake Livingston State Park on the southeast shore |
| Best for | Big-water cruising, long weekends and jet ski exploring |
Where to Launch and Meet Up
Popular public launch areas. We confirm the exact meeting spot when you book.
- Lake Livingston State Park: a state park on the southeast shore near Livingston with a boat ramp, fishing pier and campsites.
- Tigerville Park: a Trinity River Authority day-use park in Livingston with a free ramp.
- Wolf Creek Park: a Trinity River Authority park near Coldspring with camping and lake access.
- Free public ramps: the Trinity River Authority maintains free ramps around the lake, including Blanchard, Patrick’s Ferry and Point Blank.
Where to Ride, Surf and Tube
Main lake near the dam: the widest, deepest water and the best area for surfing and skiing on calm days.
Onalaska and the middle lake: marinas, lake communities and plenty of room to cruise.
Creeks and coves: calmer water for tubing, swimming and floating, away from the wind on the main lake.
Rentals That Fit Lake Livingston
Lake Livingston is so big that the best setup is a MasterCraft surf boat rental for the group (12 to 18 people) plus a couple of three-seat Sea-Doo jet skis and waverunners to scout ahead. Surf near the dam on calm mornings, then let the riders explore the shoreline while the boat anchors. Tubes and lily pads fill the afternoon, and a captain who reads big water is worth it when the wind comes up.
Tips for a Smoother Lake Day
- Lake Livingston is wide open, and the wind can kick up waves quickly. Plan surf sessions for the morning and head for a cove if it gets rough.
- Like many East Texas lakes, Livingston has submerged timber and stumps outside the main channels. Stay in marked areas when running fast.
- Pack for a full day: some parts of the lake are a long ride from the nearest marina.
- Livingston and Onalaska have restaurants and lodging for a weekend trip.
Rules on the Water
- The Trinity River Authority runs the lake. Keep clear of the dam and spillway, and of any buoys marking restricted water.
- Zebra mussels live in Lake Livingston, so Texas law requires draining the water from boats and gear before leaving. If you bring your own kayak or boat, drain it before you go.
- State law keeps jet skis off the water from sunset to sunrise and requires kids under 13 to wear a life jacket while underway.
More Lakes Near Houston
Lake Conroe and Lake Houston are closer to the city. See our Lake Conroe and Lake Houston pages, or start with Houston boat rentals.