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Experience Swamp Paddle Paradise-Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo Lake State Park, Karnack, TX

When we called to make our reservation there was only one spot left and it was at the Mill Pond camping area. I was a little hesitant because this area is water hook up only. However, it is the only camping area in the park with water view. So, we sprung for a generator and reserved the spot. On arrival, we were surprised to find that there were plenty of open spots even after being told several times there were not. My assumption was that this had to do with Covid 19 and limited capacity regulations. Nevertheless, the Mill Pond camping area is the way to go. Easy access to the pond and breathtaking views made this my favorite camping location so far.  It also could have been the swampy nature reviving my Louisiana roots.  

Other pros to Caddo State Lake park were the playground, scenic hiking trails, canoeing through the pond out into the bay, adorable cabins, and wildlife. We spotted a deer, paddle fish, and a baby gator! About four miles from the park is a National Wildlife Refuge with walking trails and auto-tour route. There are several canoe trails on Caddo Lake. I strongly suggest putting in at Crip’s Camp to explore the “Old Folks Playground” paddle trail for unique scenery. 

Five Things to do at Caddo Lake State Park

  1. Paddle Trails– There are 10 paddle trails on Caddo Lake. We tried a few of them with the canoe I inherited from my grandfather. This was our first time to canoe and learned a lot in the process: Know the best place to drop in for the trail you want to paddle, get seat padding, and don’t take littles out in midday Texas heat during nap time. Overall, my favorite trail was the Old Folks Playground. We put in at Crip’s Camp. The trail was surrounded by the largest lily pad’s I have ever seen.

2. Visit the Wildlife Refuge– At Caddo Lake’s National Wildlife Refuge, you can experience hiking and biking trails or choose the more comfortable auto route.

3. Hike the elaborate trails– We really enjoyed the Pine and Hardwood Caddo Lake Hiking Trials. There is about two miles of easy to moderate trials winding through oak and bald cypress trees. My favorite parts were the beautiful, brick stair cases build throughout and deer sightings.

4. Observe the diverse animals that call Caddo Lake home– We enjoyed spotting paddle fish, deer, birds, and even a baby gator!

5. Souvenir Shop in the State Park Store– We purchased a hiking stick and started our state park charm collection. We also scored some pretty kid’s cool binoculars.

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10 comments

  2. This is an awesome post! Thanks for sharing. I really love that before and after photo, it made the post really interactive.

  3. There’s so much to do in Texas, I don’t know that I would’ve come across this state park without your post! I love nature and the outdoors, so when I make it back to Texas, I’m absolutely tackling some of those trails and the refuge. I love the look of brick, so I’m also interested in seeing the staircases around.

    • I’m so glad. You will love it! The massive lily pads on Old Folks Playground are a sight to see if you are up for a paddle trip. I grew up in Louisiana and had no idea I could also find this type of swamp beauty in Texas.

  4. Beautiful post! This is the perfect place for an outdoor lover like me, I never knew there is so much to do in Texas. Thanks for writing this post 🙂

  6. Aren’t we so lucky to have so many outdoor spots around us? I think a lot of us have gained even more appreciation of it with the pandemic!

    • So true! I had no interest before. The pandemic is the reason I started camping.

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