Caddo Lake State Park Travel Guide

  Evidence of a Culture
by VeronicaG
 
  • Evidence of a Culture
      Evidence of a Culture
    by VeronicaG
  •   Caddo Lake State Park
    by VeronicaG
  • Caddo Forest Trail
      Caddo Forest Trail
    by VeronicaG
  • Tour Caddo Lake by Pontoon Boat
      Tour Caddo Lake by Pontoon Boat
    by VeronicaG
  • Canoes for Rent!
      Canoes for Rent!
    by VeronicaG
 

Explore Caddo Lake State Park

Things to Do  

Birding At The Park!

Birding At The Park!, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  Caddo Lake State Park has been set apart as a Wetlands of International Importance. Is it any wonder that a multitude of bird species can be found here!Here are just the "Key" birds: Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Greater Roadrunner, Red-headed and Pileated Woodpeckers, Fish Crow... 

Guided Pontoon Tour

Guided Pontoon Tour, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  For a serene view of Big Cypress Bayou, a guided tour can be scheduled with Old Port Caddo Rentals and Tours, which is located within Caddo Lake State Park. A pontoon boat will be your transport as you glide past tall Cyprus trees draped in Spanish moss to explore the... 

A Canoe and You!

A Canoe and You!, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  These canoes lined up neatly at shore's edge caught our eye as we drove through Caddo Lake State Park.They're available for rent, so you can do more than just enjoy the two trails. A canoe would allow you to be privy to the park's inner beauty from a whole different... 

Skimming Over the Lake

Skimming Over the Lake, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  Canoes and kayaks are a popular way to explore the lake and maze of bayous. The water level is kept under control by dams and reservoirs.The lake is fairly shallow in some places at 8-10 feet, but goes to a depth of about 20 feet at the bayou. The park brochure sets the... 

Head to the Trails!

Head to the Trails!, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  The temperature this February afternoon was in the 70's, the sun was shining and we couldn't have ordered a more perfect day to visit Caddo Lake State Park. The park has two trails to try out--we chose Caddo Forest Trail, which is only about 3/4 mile in length and an easy... 

Wildlife at the Park

Wildlife at the Park, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  This was the extent of the wildlife we encountered...one friendly little squirrel, who didn't seem to mind posing for my camera. However, other creatures,such as, alligators, turtles, frogs, snakes, numerous waterfowl and other birds, raccoons, armadillos, feral hogs,... 

Oxbow

Oxbow, Caddo Lake State Park

 keeweechic Says:  A Beavers Lodge - Research discovered an abundance of beaver activity related to the cypress as well as a lack of cypress regeneration because of them. This was one of a few beaver lodges we saw. Researchers believer that beaver populations are reaching historically high... 

Transportation  

canoe crazy

canoe crazy, Caddo Lake State Park

 btex Says:  Canoes and other small boats are available to rent at the boat pier at Caddo Lake St. Park. The prices depend upon how long you want to use the canoe. I just did it for an hour, but it was worth it. It gives you enough time to paddle around the inlet and the riverway near... 

Getting There

Getting There, Caddo Lake State Park

 keeweechic Says:  By car : If you are travelling from Jefferson, take SH134 out for about 15 miles until you reach FM2198. Continue straight until you come to the Motor Supply Bldg and turn left for 3 blocks. Caddo Grocery is on your left. Or travel north of Karnack one mile on SH43 to... 

Local Customs  

The Earliest Inhabitants--The Caddo Indians

The Earliest Inhabitants--The Caddo Indians, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  East and northeast Texas was home to the Caddo Indians. This area is called The Piney Woods and extends from East Texas to the Atlantic ocean in the South. A deep forest of oak, pine and nut trees, like hickory and pecan grow near the rivers and creeks. The Red River and... 

Remants of the Past--The Caddo

Remants of the Past--The Caddo, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  Our family has a love of history and it often influences where we travel, so it was interesting to learn about the Indian culture that once thrived right here in Texas. The Caddo people were able to form large 'confederations' since they were farmers. Large groups like this... 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Giant Salvinia--It's a Creepy Thing!

Giant Salvinia--It's a Creepy Thing!, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  Giant Salvinia is a "floating aquatic plant" that is quick growing, forms thick mats which push out other vegetation, adversely affects water quality and threatens recreational access.This 'creepy" water plant has somehow been transported to Texas waterways. It grows in... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Louisiana - Shreveport

Louisiana - Shreveport, Caddo Lake State Park

 keeweechic Says:  Shreveport in Louisiana is right next door to Texas. The lake lies more on the Louisiana side than the Texas side. There are other lakes on that side as well as all the Casinos for a bit more of a lively nightlife.. 

Jefferson

Jefferson, Caddo Lake State Park

 keeweechic Says:  Jefferson is only 30 mins drive and is the most delightful little town with wonderful old world type stores and restaurants. You can either stay in Jefferson and drive over to Caddo Lake area for the day or just visit from the Lake.. 

Favorites  

Drive Your Camper Right In!

Drive Your Camper Right In!, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  Caddo Lake State Park offers several different options along with the campsites:1.There are twenty sites that allow Pop-up campers and small trailers, provide water and include a picnic table, fire ring and grill. The charge is $8 per night or $50 weekly. Note: if a... 

Entrance to the Park and Rules to Abide By

Entrance to the Park and Rules to Abide By, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  A small fee is charged to enter Caddo Lake State Park--we paid $4.00 for two people. Here are some park rules to be aware of: Guests are required to leave the park by 10 pm unless they have a permit for camping. Permits must be visible on the windshield of each vehicle.There... 

How About A Screened Cabin?

How About A Screened Cabin?, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  I think I could spend a pleasant night in one of these screened cabins. That is, if you're fortunate enough to have made your reservation early.They're set back from the road in a lightly forested area. Each screened cabin has electricity inside and out*, a water spigot and... 

Then There's REAL Camping...

Then There's REAL Camping..., Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  Caddo Lake State Park makes three sites available for those wishing to use their tent.Mill Pond Camping Area, which seems to be more of a primitive set up or Squirrel Haven Camping Area and Armadillo Run Camping Area, which provide water and electric.I noticed that parts of... 

Cabin Accommodations at Caddo Lake

Cabin Accommodations at Caddo Lake, Caddo Lake State Park

 VeronicaG Says:  These cabins are nestled beneath some very tall trees and look inviting enough! There are nine cabins, each with a microwave, central air and heat, plus private bathrooms with shower and hot water, picnic table and waist-height grill (outside).Here's a breakdown: two of the... 

cypress trees and invisible alligators

cypress trees and invisible alligators, Caddo Lake State Park

 btex Says:  Caddo Lake State Park is a nice place to camp and fish and boat. The lake is more bayous and waterways than it is a lake. Wildlife is in abundance here...I saw some deer and some bugs...and some birds...and a lizard with a neon blue tail...but no alligators.... The park also... 

The Place

Plan a Caddo Lake State Park vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Caddo Lake State Park locals

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The People

 
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 This was a large wasp nest which was full. There were many on the branches as we went along but this heart shaped one was the largest we saw.. 

 

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Top Caddo Lake State Park Writers

1

The Only Natural Lake in Texas--Caddo Lake

VeronicaG profile photo

 Gauzy sheets of silvery moss create a pretty picture as they hang from Cyprus trees over Big Cypress Bayou, which is tucked inside Caddo Lake State Park. Here you'll find camping, boat launch, boat...... 

2

Caddo Lake!

btex profile photo

 where is it? East Texas...on the Louisiana Border. what is it? a state park...only naturally formed lake in Texas. how is it? nice. when is it? was there in Sept. who's asking these questions? 

3

Keeweechic's Caddo Lake

keeweechic profile photo

 Caddo Lake is just north of Karnack and stretches over 32,000 acres in both Texas and Louisiana. There are a number of Indian legends that tell how the lake was formed at night, in the light of the...... 

4

Beautiful Scenery!

ATXtraveler profile photo

 During the week before my wedding, I had the chance to go see Caddo Lake from a different perspective than most tourists. We went on a guided tour by one of the local forestry agents, and saw the back... 

5

Caddo Lake State Park in the fall

Texxunn1 profile photo

 I'm Canadian born and New York raised and have lived in Texas for 42 years without visiting Caddo Lake. My loss! Both the wild life and the scenery are spectactular as one glides through the narrow...... 

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