Deep within the East Texas thicket lies the only natural lake in the entire state. This majestic body of water is known as Caddo Lake, which is home to a huge variety of flora, fauna, and fun! The Caddo Lake State Park in Karnak encapsulates these three features with its family friendly atmosphere and gateway to the outdoors.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY SWAMP?”

Unlike Shrek, who is doesn’t want anyone playing in his swamp, the Caddo Lake State Park invites you to a weekend full of adventure in their bottomlands! Brenda Cooper, the park’s superintendent, described the environment as being “mystique”, with some much to discover and enjoy.

The lake itself is the obvious main attraction, with its enormous 26 thousand acres of water. The state park includes two waterways from the main lake. The inner most one is the Saw Mill Pond. Here you can enjoy a peaceful cove with a couple of piers for fishing and canoe rentals. To really experience all this state park has to offer, we suggest getting on the water however you can. By taking the park’s outer water feature, the Big Cypress Bayou, you can embark on a full adventure to the main Caddo Lake area.

Heading inland, you will find miles of peaceful hiking trails. We absolutely loved the Caddo Forest Trail. As you enter the woods, you will find lots of unique plants that are native to the area, such as the iconic bald cypress trees. Along the path you notice structures from the park’s origin, like the CCC Pavilion, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930′s.

Wanting something more than a day trip? Caddo Lake State Park offers tons of camping and cabin options. Whether you are a full on roughing it camper or more of a glamper, Caddo Lake as a perfect fit for your stay with 40+ campsites and historic cabins.

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

“Families get the chance to see the beauty of the swamp.”

Now if you read Brenda’s quote you are probably wondering, “How can a swamp be beautiful?” Well, as you explore the park for yourself, you will quickly realize that there is no other place in the world like it. A major defining feature of the park is the Spanish Moss that hangs low off the thousands of bald cypress trees. According to the park staff, photographers and nature enthusiasts travel from all over the world to get a glimpse of this natural wonder.

Below the surface of the Caddo Lake, you can find over 70 different species of fish. However, the one that stands at the most is the prehistoric Paddlefish. This ancient creature has roamed the bottom Caddo Lake for thousands of years. Their species has been considered threatened for some time now. However, there are continued efforts to try to repopulate with wonderous fish with occasional breeding and releases into the lake. The rangers at the park can give you the full history lesson in their interpretive station within the park headquarters, as well as info on the paddlefish releases.

Caddo Lake State Park exists within its own category of beauty, uniqueness, and fun. Plan your next weekend within the wonderous nature of this magical park.

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Our mission at The East Texas Weekend is to show you that you’re never too far from FUN!

Weekend Preview - Our weekly list of local events happening around East Texas.

Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.

*Download our App on Apple & Google!

Copyright 2023 KLTV. All rights reserved.