Caddo Lake State Park is a state park located in Harrison County, Texas, United States. The park was established in 1969 and covers 2,294 acres (9.3 km²).
The park is home to the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It is also known for its bald cypress trees, Spanish moss, and wildlife. The name of the park comes from Caddo Indians who lived in the area before being killed or driven out by white settlers.
History of Caddo lake state park
Caddo Lake is a remnant of the huge prehistoric Red River Lake which was approximately three times the size of modern-day Toledo Bend Reservoir. It was formed when the waters of the Caddo and Little Rivers spilled over the divide between what are now Bowie and Harrison counties.
The lake was originally called “Neches” by the Indians, but this name has long been forgotten. The first Europeans to see it called it Buffalo Lake because of the large herds of buffalo that frequented its banks. In 1852, it was renamed Bivins Lake after Texas Ranger Captain Matthew E. Bivins, who had supervised the construction of a trading post on the south shore near where Logansport now stands.
Caddo Lake was also named for the Caddo Indians who lived in the area before being killed or driven out by white settlers during Indian Removal.
In 1969, the state of Texas purchased almost 26,000 acres (110 km²) of land around Caddo Lake for $11.2 million to create Caddo Lake State Park. The park opened in 1971 and was dedicated on November 6, 1972, by Lady Bird Johnson.
The lake itself is very picturesque with its moss-draped bald cypress trees. The water is stained a deep red from the tannins leached from the cypress bark.
The lake is home to many species of wildlife including white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, beavers, river otters, and nine-banded armadillos. There are also many species of neotropical migratory birds.
The lake is also home to the only known colony of dusky tail darters, a rare fish found in only one other place—the Little River near Adair, Oklahoma. The darters’ population dropped from 2,000 to less than 200 between 1984 and 1994 because a large amount of vegetation was removed from the lake, but the population has since stabilized.
What activities does the Caddo lake state park offer?
There are many activities to enjoy at Caddo Lake State Park. These include fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, nature study, and camping.
The park also has a visitor center with exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area. A nature trail winds through the forest and provides opportunities to see the wildlife and vegetation of the area.
How much does it cost to visit Caddo lake state park?
The entrance fee for Caddo Lake State Park is $5 per person or $10 per vehicle. There is also a charge of $3 per person for camping.
Conclusion:
Caddo Lake State Park is a beautiful park with many things to offer its visitors. The scenery alone makes it worth the trip. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, nature study, and camping. The park also has a visitor center with exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area. A nature trail winds through the forest and provides opportunities to see the wildlife and vegetation of the area. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per vehicle. There is also a charge of $3 per person for camping. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to visit, be sure to check out Caddo Lake State Park.
