When the weather warms next spring and you get itchy feet, why not head to one of the most other-worldly spots in Texas (yes we know part of it is in Louisiana too, but we’re talking about the Texas side). You can easily reach this primordial looking lake by taking hwy 43 NE from I-20 through Marshall, TX. Caddo Lake is an easy side trip if you’re on your way to Shreveport or Bossier City from Dallas/Fort Worth, and is a fascinating look at ancient Texas.
Caddo Lake in northeast Texas is the second largest natural lake in the south. It is the largest cypress forest left on Earth, and has featured strongly in Texas history as a water route for steamships until the “Great Raft” (a 100 mile long logjam on the Red River) was broken up leaving this part of the state high and dry to waterborne traffic. It was made a state park in the 1930s and the CCC began construction of the cabins, which are available for rent. There is a sheltered area that is non-RV accessible, but the rest of the park is available to RV travelers.
There are boats available for rent, boat tours start regularly, and alligators call the lake home. All the usual east Texas lake fish are represented, and the park offers hiking, camping, paddle trails, as well as the usual picnicking and nature viewing opportunities. In nearby towns such as Jefferson, the former commercial hub of northeast Texas left dry by the removal of the Great Raft, there are also horse-drawn tours, horseback riding. Private outfitters also provide steamship tours of the lake, fishing excursions, and historic home tours. Needless to say, in an environment like this the wildlife abounds, from all the aquatic birds to the gators and fish, this place feels like the grandfather of all East Texas.
Spring will be here before you know it, and it’ll be time to hit the road again. Remember to pay us a visit at PPL Motorhomes.com while you’re doing your winter RV chores for all your parts and accessories.