Caddo Lake State Park opened in 1934 and was built by the CCC. The park is known for the Caddo Lake, which is named after the Caddo people who used to live in the area.
Caddo Lake State Park is known for having distinctive trees that are in the water.
Location
245 Park Rd 2, Karnak, TX 75661
The park is located in Karnak, Texas which was the town where Ladybird Johnson grew up. It is 17 miles from Marshall, Texas.
Cost
The entry fee for Caddo Lake State Park is $4 for per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Buescher State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Caddo Lake State Park
Campsites
Tent sites with water are $10 per night. These sites have a picnic table, grill, and fire ring.
Campsites with electricity are $20 per night. These sites have water and electric hookups, picnic tables, a grill, and a fire ring. There is also a post to hang a lantern.
Full hookup campsites are $25 per night. These sites do not permit tents, and are only for RV or motorhomes. The sites have a picnic table, grill and a fire ring. They have water, electric and sewer hookups.
Cabins
This park has a lot of cabins available, with different levels of amenities. None of the cabins allow pets inside. Cabins do not include soap, kitchen utensils, pillows nor linens. Some of the cabins are ADA accessible.
Cabins without a bathroom are $40 per night and sleep eight people. They have water, electricity, and air conditioning. These cabins have bunk beds, a picnic table, and an outdoor grill.
Two person cabins are available for $75 per night and have a queen sized bed. These cabins have a bathroom with a shower. They are equipped with electricity, water, and an air conditioner.
Four and six person cabins are available for $95 – $115 per night. These cabins have bathrooms with showers. They have water, electricity, and air conditioning. There are small kitchenettes with a sink, microwave, refrigerator, and stove.
Group Facilities
There is also a group hall with kitchen that can be rented.
Hiking Trails
There are four hiking trails in the park. The longest trails are less than a mile long.
Dogs must be kept on a leash.
What is there to do at Caddo Lake State Park?
You can fish in the lake. There is a fishing pier, and fishing does not require a license from the shore in state parks.
The park has canoes available to rent, complete with life vests and paddles. You can canoe around the lake or on the paddling trails.
Have a picnic at one of the picnic tables, and children can play on the playground.
What to do near Caddo Lake State Park
Visit Marshall, Texas
Marshall is located 17 miles from Caddo Lake State Park and has a population of 22,000 people. Marshall is a historic town that was the first place in Texas to receive a telegraph line and was the headquarters for the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Marshall is the county seat of Harrison County and home to the historic Harrison County Courthouse.
There are many historic homes in Marshall, including the Starr Family Home which is operated as a museum and costs $4 to enter.
Harrison County Historical Museum is focused on the history of the county.
Michelson Museum of Art focuses on the works of Leo Michelson. The museum offers free admission.
Visit Jefferson, Texas
Jefferson is located 13 miles from Caddo Lake State Park and has a population of 1,800 people. It is the county seat of Marion County and has many historic buildings. The town is known as a tourist destination, and many of the historic homes are operated as bed and breakfasts.