Caddo Lake State Park
Karnack, TX
A maze of bayous and sloughs under bald cypress hung with Spanish moss on Big Cypress Bayou. Rent a canoe to follow the marked paddling trails, or take a guided boat tour from nearby Uncertain.
Caddo Lake State Park lies near Karnack on Big Cypress Bayou, on Caddo Lake along the Texas–Louisiana border. The lake, with its bayous, swamps and cypress forests, covers about 26,000 acres (roughly 10,500 hectares) and is one of the few natural lakes in Texas. Its formation is usually traced to the Great Raft, a huge logjam on the Red River that backed floodwater up into the Big Cypress area. The bald cypress trees, draped in Spanish moss, form one of the largest cypress groves in the world. Caddo Lake has been a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar) since 1993.
The lake is home to more than 70 species of fish and the threatened paddlefish, and about 250 bird species have been recorded. In the park you can rent a canoe and follow marked paddling trails such as the Hell’s Half Acre Paddling Trail. There are 46 campsites, cabins from the 1930s and about 2.5 miles (4 km) of hiking trails. The main season runs from March through November.
- Nearest town
- Karnack, TX
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 32.6810, -94.1787
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Pine Island RV ParkMotorhome stopover2 mi from Caddo Lake State ParkMotorhomes
- Buffalo Bayou RV ParkCampsite4 mi from Caddo Lake State ParkTentsCaravans
- Gavel Falls CampgroundMotorhome stopover16 mi from Caddo Lake State ParkMotorhomes
- God's Country Mountain View CampgroundMotorhome stopover17 mi from Caddo Lake State ParkMotorhomes
- Country Haven RV ParkMotorhome stopover17 mi from Caddo Lake State ParkMotorhomes
- Southern Living RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from Caddo Lake State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Caddo Lake State Park?
Caddo Lake State Park is in Karnack, TX, at GPS 32.6810, -94.1787. It is about 11 mi from Jefferson.
Can you camp near Caddo Lake State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Armadillo Run, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Caddo Lake State Park?
Caddo Lake State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Piney Woods and Caddo Lake: Tyler to Shreveport.
What is there to see near Caddo Lake State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tyler State Park (67 mi), Tyler Municipal Rose Garden (70 mi), Historic Washington State Park (81 mi) and Natchitoches Historic District (90 mi).
When is the best time to visit Caddo Lake State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)