Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo Lake State Park

  • Kayaking Family at Caddo Lake
    Paddle underneath towering bald cypress trees as you explore Caddo Lake.
  • Caddo Lake Program
    Learn about the park at a program led by a park ranger.
  • Couple Exploring Caddo Lake
    Discover the sights and sounds of East Texas on our trails.
  • Fishing at Caddo Lake
    The fishing is fine; more than 70 species of fish live here.
  • Caddo Lake and Cypress Trees
    Marvel at the maze of bayous thick with ancient bald cypress.
  • Caddo Cabin
    Reserve one of our historic cabins, built more than 80 years ago by the CCC.

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:

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger!

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:

Take a boat tour! Schedules depend on the weather:

For other information:

Burn Ban in Effect

245 Park Road 2
Karnack, TX 75661

Latitude: 32.680233

Longitude: -94.176361

(903) 679-3351

Entrance Fees
  • Adult: $4 Daily
  • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Hours

Open daily,
8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.


We often reach capacity and highly recommend reservations for both camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.

Busy Season

March through November

Climate

January average low is 48 degrees. July average high is 88 degrees. First freeze occurs mid-November. Last freeze occurs mid-March.

National Weather Service forecast for this area
Elevation

237 feet