"The Only Natural Lake in Texas--Caddo Lake" Caddo Lake State Park by VeronicaG

Caddo Lake State Park Travel Guide: 40 reviews and 74 photos

A Study in Beauty

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 rentals, picnic tables, trails and scenery to breathe in and enjoy!

On the day we visited the park, there were only a handful of us here--that is until a busload of Boy Scouts added their excited shouts to the mix.

The Caddo Indians inhabited the area around this lake a long time ago. In fact, their legend tells of a time when their men went hunting only to return to find their village had disappeared beneath the still waters.

The lake was dammed in the early part of the 20th century when oil was discovered, but it was also necessary to help with flooding. Eventually a new dam was constructed in 1971. The park is a popular place for fishing and for appreciating nature!

It's believed that log jams plugging the Red River caused floodwaters to back up to Caddo Bayou, creating the picturesque lake we see today.

Last visit to Caddo Lake State Park: Feb 2008
Intro Updated Feb 12, 2008
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Reviews (14)

Birding At The Park! - Caddo Lake State Park

Birding At The Park! Things to Do (6)

Caddo Lake State Park has been set apart as a Wetlands of International Importance. Is it any wonder that a multitude of... more travel advice

Caddo Lake State Park Entrance - Caddo Lake State Park

Entrance to the Park and Rules to Abide... Favorites (5)

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... more travel advice

Evidence of a Culture - Caddo Lake State Park

Remants of the Past--The Caddo Local Customs (2)

Our family has a love of history and it often influences where we travel, so it was interesting to learn about the... more travel advice

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

The Earliest Inhabitants--The Caddo... Local Customs (2)

East and northeast Texas was home to the Caddo Indians. This area is called The Piney Woods and extends from East Texas... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Giant Salvinia--It's a Creepy Thing!

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Comments (7)

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evaanna Jul 26, 2008 at 3:34 AM

A good place for camping, so secluded and close to nature. Just what I like when on holiday. A boat trip on the lake must be great.
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Dabs Mar 4, 2008 at 8:29 PM

Lovely opening photo! When I 1st looked at your squirrel picture, I thought he was sitting on top of an alligator :-)
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scottishvisitor Mar 2, 2008 at 4:35 AM

A fine place to enjoy early spring air the lakes & trees would provide interesting hikes. Enjoyed the virtual tour
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kyoub Feb 24, 2008 at 2:59 PM

Texans are blessed with many lovely parks in their state. This appears to be one of them. The wildlife must not have been sure spring was here yet.
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deecat Feb 19, 2008 at 8:07 PM

What a spectacular introductory photograph! Loved learning more about the Cado Indians. Salvinia sounds just terrible for the environment at Caddo Lake. Excellent tips, which I've grown to expect each time I visit your pages.
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Nemorino Feb 17, 2008 at 4:57 AM

I guess it's the Spanish Moss that makes this place look so mysterious in your photos. Good that they have canoes for rent. Thanks for including the historical background about the Caddo Indians.
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TheWanderingCamel Feb 16, 2008 at 2:33 PM

This looks a lovely place to get away from it all. I had a tiny taste of Texas' Piney Woods region at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Nice! leyle