Texas' Awesome State Park Boasts A Massive Lake With Fun Water Activities & Serene Camping

If you're looking for a place in Texas to get away for a peaceful camping trip, look no further than Caddo Lake State Park. The park is just under 3 hours from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and has a variety of activities for your next camping adventure. The 26,810-acre lake is a great spot to fish, get out on the water, and walk around soaking up nature by the bayou. Caddo Lake State Park's campground has 46 campsites, 10 cabins, and seven screened shelters available for rent.

The campsites can accommodate tents, motorhomes, and trailers, with sites ranging from no electricity to full hook ups (water, electricity, sewer). The park recommends booking reservations ahead of time since the campground has its busy season from March to November. The sites range from $10-25 per night, the screened shelters are $25 per night, and the cabins range from $40-115 per night. But don't forget that whatever lodging you select, you have to add a cost of $4 per adult per day for the park's entrance fee. Reservations can be made either at reserveamerica.com or by calling (512) 389-8900.

Getting out on the water is one of the best ways to enjoy one of the best state parks in Texas for your next adventure. So when it comes to your trip to Caddo Lake State Park, you can decide whether you want to get out on a boat, kayak, or if you want to stay on land, fishing from shore.

If you want to take a canoe out on the water, you can either bring your own or rent a canoe from the park to paddle around Saw Mill Pond and the Big Cypress Bayou. The canoe rentals are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, and you have to be able to lift and launch the canoe on your own. If you're experienced and looking for more of an adventure, there is an 8.8-mile loop paddling trail called Hell's Half Acre paddling trail.

The lake has more than 70 species of fish, and it has a fishing pier that you can fish from, which you don't need a license for. If you want to test out fishing but don't have your own gear, you can borrow some from the state park through Texas State Parks' Tackle Loaner Program. The program allows you to borrow fishing rods, reels, and tackle. Some of the most commonly found fish in the lake are largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and white bass.

Caddo Lake State Park's beauty can be seen by exploring the park by boat or foot. The park has 2.5 miles of hiking trails that take you through the pines and cypress swamps. You can keep an eye out for wildlife including migratory birds, paddlefish, and alligators. Prothonotary warblers migrate to Caddo Lake each spring, so look for the yellow birds with gray wings while you explore. Paddlefish are a threatened species and are the oldest surviving species of animal in North America, so keep an eye out for a glimpse of them!

While Caddo Lake is considered by some as one of the most dangerous gator-infested waters in America, there are some tips to keep in mind to stay safe while exploring the park. Only swim in designated swimming areas and keep out of the water during the time of day when the alligators are most active, at dusk and dawn. Don't feed an alligator or continue fishing near one. If an alligator hisses at you or shows interest, move away from that spot. Always give an alligator at least 30 feet of space, because while they can seem to be sluggish, they can move fast.

The alligators in the park might be part of the reason why people find Caddo Lake State Park as mysterious in real life as in the hit Netflix movie. Whether you want to paddle through the cypress groves or relax at the campsite, Caddo Lake State Park has a lot to offer.