Caddo Lake (Lac Caddo in French) is unlike any other lake in Texas. Located on the Texas-Louisiana border, it stands in contrast to the more arid reservoirs to the west. With its enchanting maze of bayous, Spanish moss-draped cypress trees, and abundant wildlife, Caddo Lake offers a haunting beauty that leaves a lasting impression. As one first-time visitor put it, “I’ve never experienced anything like this in Texas. It’s mysterious and beautiful—now I understand why people return again and again.”

Steeped in legend, Caddo Lake is said to have been formed by the powerful New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812. Covering over 225,000 acres of cypress swamp, the lake averages about 8 feet 10 inches in depth, with deeper channels reaching approximately 20 feet. A paradise for anglers, it features a web of bayous, sloughs, and waterways, with 42 miles of marked "boat roads" to help guide adventurers through its labyrinthine waters.

Nature thrives at Caddo Lake. The region is home to over 240 documented bird species, making it a birder’s dream. White-tailed deer, raccoons, beavers, armadillos, alligators, frogs, turtles, and an impressive array of waterfowl roam the area. The rich ecosystem and untouched scenery give the lake its wild, timeless character. Some even speculate that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, once thought extinct and previously native to the lake, could someday be rediscovered here.

A rare alligator sighting

Local folklore adds another layer of intrigue. The Texas Bigfoot Research Center in nearby Jefferson claims that a creature known as the “Caddo Critter” was sighted in the area during the 1970s. Belief in Bigfoot’s presence is strong enough to inspire an annual autumn conference, complete with field trips into the surrounding wilderness.

Lady Bird Johnson's Birthplace in Karnack

Caddo Lake also holds historical significance. Former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson was raised in nearby Karnack, Texas. Her father, Thomas Jefferson Taylor, cherished the lake and its beauty so deeply that he donated land to help create Caddo Lake State Park, preserving it for future generations.

Boating on Caddo Lake:
Public boat ramps and several private marinas offer access to the water. Canoes, jon boats, and other vessels are available for rent. Due to the lake’s thick vegetation and shallow swamp areas, high-speed boating is discouraged—this is a place best explored slowly, soaking in the atmosphere.

Fishing on Caddo Lake:
With 71 species of fish, Caddo Lake is a fisherman’s paradise. Largemouth bass is the most sought-after catch, with trophy-sized bass frequently reported. Anglers also enjoy plentiful white bass, crappie, sunfish, and seasonal catfish—including channel, blue, and flathead varieties. The chain pickerel, a southern cousin of the northern pike, adds a fun challenge for sportfishers. Whether casting from a pier, the shoreline, or a boat—or heading out with a local guide—Caddo Lake never disappoints.

The park and Wildlife Management Area cover more than 8,100 acres across Harrison and Marion counties. Towering pines, oaks, and hickories dominate the uplands, while the wetlands are graced with stately cypress trees, lily pads, and hanging moss. Whether you’re exploring the water, hiking the trails, or just soaking in the natural beauty, Caddo Lake offers an unforgettable East Texas experience.

Activities in Caddo Lake State Park include:

• Fishing
• Boating
• Hiking, biking and horseback riding on roads and trails
• Wildlife viewing and photography
• Birdwatching
• picnicking
• Hunting
• Primitive overnight camping
• Canoe and Jon boat rentals are available
• Primitive camping

Graceful Ghost Paddlewheel Steamboat

Other Links for the Caddo Lake Area:
Caddo Lake Institute
Caddo Lake Birding
Caddo Lake State Park
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Caddo Lake Map

Vacation Rentals Lake Houses, Cabins For Rent and RV Spaces are needed. Our viewers are looking for vacation rentals on Caddo Lake.  If you have a vacation rental, we can bring you renters.

 

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