Caddo Lake is a sprawling 25,400-acre natural lake and bayou straddling the Texas–Louisiana border in eastern Texas, primarily within Harrison and Marion counties. The lake’s eastern shoreline is near the small towns of Karnack and Uncertain, Texas. Karnack is home to Caddo Lake State Park, while Uncertain is nestled in the lake’s labyrinth of swampy bayous. Roughly 2,000 people live in the immediate area around the lake, including nearby Jefferson. Caddo Lake is known for its hauntingly beautiful cypress forests draped in Spanish moss and its rare ecosystem.

Caddo Lake is a premier destination for outdoor sports, particularly paddling and fishing. Over 50 miles of marked canoe and kayak trails wind through serene waterways with names like Hell’s Half Acre, Cathedral Trail, and Turtle Shell Trail. Anglers frequent the lake to catch largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, and chain pickerel. The lake’s combination of shallow wetlands and deep channels creates the perfect habitat for game fish, making it a favorite among competitive and recreational fishermen alike.

Water sports aren’t the only draw. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, wildlife watching, and guided boat tours through the maze of bayous. The surrounding habitat is home to alligators, river otters, beavers, white-tailed deer, and over 200 species of birds, including herons, wood ducks, and bald eagles. The nearby Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge spans over 8,500 acres and offers hiking, birding, and nature photography opportunities, especially popular in spring and fall.

Caddo Lake State Park adds another layer of adventure with 2.5 miles of forest trails, rustic 1930s cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and camping facilities. Visitors can stay in screened shelters or lakeside cabins, fish from a pier, or simply enjoy the peaceful, moss-draped beauty of one of Texas’s most unique and mysterious lakes. Whether you're an angler, a paddler, or just looking for quiet natural beauty, Caddo Lake offers an unforgettable East Texas escape.

Planning on bringing your boat to Texas lakes?

Clean, Drain and Dry your boat to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.

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