Pic courtesy of Caddo Lake State Park’s Facebook page
Caddo Lake State Park near Dallas Fort Worth has ranked 15th in a list of the best parks in the US according to a recent survey.
The HomeToGo survey has mapped the Top US State Parks keeping in mind recreational opportunities far exciting than a simple picnic by the lake or a hike up a local mountain. With 21 parks from 16 states, the survey takes into account the park’s size, annual visitors, the biodiversity it hosts as well as the nearby accommodations and their prices to make a list that tourists can turn to for picking an adventurous and rejuvenating state park trip.
The Caddo Lake State Park, a mere 3-hour ride from Dallas offers many things to do including fishing, paddling, canoeing, hiking, exploring the flourishing wildlife and lots more!
Things to do at Caddo Lake State Park Near Dallas
1. Caddo Lake State Park is a must visit for nature lovers
Cypress cover over the Caddo Lake. Pic courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Under the Ramsar Convention of 1993, Caddo Lake State Park was declared to be a ‘Wetland of International Importance, especially as waterfowl habitat’ which evidently makes it a perfect place to spot the waterfowl along with other reptile and amphibian species including alligators, frogs, snakes, racoons, turtles and armadillos. The white-tailed deer is also one of the most beautiful attractions of this state park.
An alligator’s snout appearing above the waters at Caddo Lake. Pic courtesy of Caddo Lake State Park’s Facebook page
Situated west of the lake along Cypress Bayou, the park is home to diverse habitats. Bald cypress and water tupelo swamps nestle in the shelter of the tall trees in the bottomland hardwood forest, while the freshwater marsh provides a nourishing spot for a variety of fish, turtles and frogs.
2. Camping, Hiking & Paddling and more!
A historic campsite at Caddo Lake State Park. Pic courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
There are 46 campsites for hikers and vacationers to choose from at this state park near Dallas. Hiking trails are also created for those who wish to explore the forest area on foot. The Interactive Trails Map provides a detailed virtual tour of all the pathways in the state park.
Paddling on the lake at Caddo State Park. Pic courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
One of the major attractions of Caddo Lake is the paddling activity for which visitors can rent a canoe and go exploring the lake’s twists and turns. You also have the option to bring your own boats or kayaks to venture out into the waters and float through 50-miles of paddling trails.
3. Caddo Lake State Park is a Fishing Paradise
Fishing at Caddo Lake State Park near Dallas. Pic courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Along with nature trails and conducted tours in the forests, Caddo Lake also opens up its 26,810-acre water body for tourists to fish at the fishing pier and boat ramp especially built for this activity. Home to as many as 70 species of fish, this lake is an ideal destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Discovering nature sounds at Caddo Lake State Park. Pic courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
So this summer, when you are planning your family holiday or vacation, consider paying a visit to Caddo Lake State Park near Dallas Fort Worth and enjoy paddling in the shelter of the cypress, learn how to identify the sights and sounds of wildlife, meander through the maze of bayous thick with green foliage and stay at one of the historic cabins of the state park.
To know more about the activities that Caddo Lake State Park offers, click here.
All images courtesy: Texas Parks & Wildlife
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