The Earth’s Largest Cypress Forest is in Texas – And Prehistoric Fish Still Swim in It

A Hauntingly Beautiful Texas Swamp

Caddo Lake proves Texas isn’t all deserts and cattle ranches. Sometimes it’s a primordial swamp where you’ll find ancient trees and dinosaur-era fish.

Here’s what you need to know about the Lone Star State’s very own bayou.

Caddo Lake Is Texas’ Only Natural Lake Not Formed by a River Bend

Most of the lakes in Texas are man-made.

Some claim that Caddo Lake is the only natural one in the state, but there are a few in Texas, like Sabine Lake and Green Lake.

The difference is that they’re formed by rivers changing their paths. What makes Caddo Lake unique is that it was formed by a log jam, not a river bending.

The Lake’s Mysterious Creation Involves Earthquakes and Log Jams

Some geologists say that the 1811 New Madrid earthquakes birthed the lake. But there’s also evidence of the “Great Raft” in Caddo’s sediment-packed cypress stumps.

The Great Raft was a colossal log jam that flooded the area circa 1770. It backed up the Red River, which flooded the entire area now known as Caddo Lake.

The Lake Has Shadowy “Swamp Cathedrals”

Ancient bald cypresses, some wider than your car, cover most of Caddo Lake’s 20,000 acres. Their “knees rise out of the water, while Spanish moss hangs from the branches.

The dense Spanish moss blocks a lot of sunlight, which creates these eerie dark “cathedrals” or corridors throughout the swamp.

Moonlit Kayak Tours Are a Must

Those shadowy corridors make for one of the best things to do in Caddo Lake.

Imagine paddling through the swamp via moonlight kayak tours. You’ll see bioluminescent algae, fireflies, and snakes gliding through the water.

And the water gurgles like a horror movie soundtrack thanks to methane bubbles from decaying plants. It’s fascinating and slightly terrifying at the same time.

Home to 200+ Species Including Dinosaur-Era Paddlefish

Caddo Lake hosts alligators and paddlefish (dating back 300 million years).

About 70+ fish species exist in general and over 200 bird species nest here, including pileated woodpeckers and great blue herons.

Rare river cooters and armadillos roam the park’s 484 acres, while beavers maintain wetland ecosystems.

Site of World’s First Over-Water Drilling Operation

In 1909, oil was discovered beneath the lake.

The Gulf Refining Corporation built the first over-water drilling rig in 1914, damming the lake to access oil deposits.

You can still see the remains of oil platforms in some spots.

There are A LOT of Spiders Here

Caddo Lake has a huge spider population.

There are wolf spiders, long-jawed orb weavers, trapdoor spiders, folding door spiders, jumping spiders, and more. At night, you can see their eyes glow in the dark.

Historic Cabins Still Available for Overnight Stays

You can crash in one of nine Depression-era cabins built from cypress logs and East Texas sandstone.

Original details like hand-forged hinges and flour-bin cabinets make you feel like a 1930s park ranger minus the wool uniforms.

Mill Pond cabin’s porch serves front-row heron feedings at dawn.

Caddo Lake is Protected by the Ramsar Treaty

The Ramsar Treaty is an international agreement (1971) to protect wetlands of global importance. Caddo Lake was designated in 1993 as the 13th U.S. Ramsar site.

Since then, the treaty has protected the 26,800 acres of Caddo Lake, which is one of North America’s largest flooded forests.

Legendary Fishing Spot With Monster Catfish

Some anglers have caught trophy-sized blue catfish (over 50 lbs) in Caddo’s lily pad-choked backwaters.

The lake also yields largemouth bass, crappie, and bowfin. No fishing license is required from shore, and the park offers a fishing pier and boat ramp for easy access.

Visiting Caddo Lake in 2025

Caddo Lake is at 245 Park Road 2, Karnack, TX.

• Entrance: $4 per adult (13+), free for children 12 and under.
• Annual Pass: $70 for unlimited access to all Texas state parks.
• Camping: Starts at $15/night (primitive sites) to $25/night (full hookups).
• Cabins: Historic CCC cabins range from $85–$120/night (book months ahead)