East Texas Treasure

Bald cypress trees draped with Spanish moss tower over the Big Cypress Bayou. Paddle Saw Mill Pond, stay in a historic cabin, or try your luck fishing. Discover an East Texas treasure!

Things to Do

At Caddo Lake State Park, you can launch a boat, fish, geocache, paddle, hike, picnic, camp, or stay in a cabin. Rent our group hall for your next reunion!

Alligators live in the park; read our alligator safety tips before your visit.

Note: This county is under a quarantine to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer to other areas of the state. Moving firewood is restricted. Please buy firewood where you burn it to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Fish

Access the 26,810-acre Caddo Lake, which harbors more than 70 species of fish. We have a fishing pier and a boat ramp. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park.

Paddle

Explore Saw Mill Pond and the Big Cypress Bayou. Rent a canoe in the park office or bring your own. Experienced paddlers can venture onto Hell's Half Acre Paddling Trail. Learn more about paddling trails in the Caddo Lake area (scroll down to the Pineywoods section).

Stay

• Choose from 46 campsites, ranging from water only to full hookup sites.
• Stay at a screened shelter.
• Rent one of our historic cabins. These range from two- to six-person cabins, and two are ADA accessible.

Hike

Explore the forest afoot on 2.5 miles of trails. Climb the steps of the Caddo Forest Trail to visit our historic CCC pavilion. Learn more on our Trails Information page.

Shop

Pick up gifts and souvenirs at the park store.

Get involved

Volunteer: Visit our Volunteer page to see how you can help.

Donate: Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

We lead programs on the nature and history of the park and surrounding area, as well as hikes and paddles. Check our Events page for upcoming programs.

Learn more:

• Check out exhibits on the colorful history of this area at headquarters.
• Download the Interpretive Guide to Caddo Lake State Park (PDF).
• Visit our Nature and History pages.

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger!

• Borrow an explorer pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park.
• Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal. Complete tasks to earn a badge.

Teachers

This is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.

Civilian Conservation Corps

The CCC built the dining hall, cabins and many other park facilities in the 1930s. To learn more, visit our History page.

Area Attractions

Nearby cities include:

• Marshall, home of the Starr Family State Historic Site
• Karnack, childhood home of Lady Bird Johnson
• Jefferson, once the largest inland port in Texas

Take a boat tour! Schedules depend on the weather:

• Shady Glade Marina, Motel and Restaurant - (903) 789-3295
• Jefferson Landing Riverboat - (903) 665-2222
• Johnson’s Ranch Marina - (903) 789-3213

For other information:

• Marshall Chamber of Commerce - (903) 935-7868
• Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau - (800) 551-8682.