Caddo Lake State Park offers cabin rentals within the park boundaries for visitors seeking a blend of outdoor immersion and essential comfort. These historic cabins, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, feature stone and timber construction with modern amenities including electricity, climate control, and indoor plumbing. The park houses 14 cabins of varying sizes with availability most limited during spring and fall when temperatures average between 60-80°F. Canoe rentals available on-site provide direct access to Caddo Lake's protected bayous and sloughs.
What to do
Paddling through cypress forests: Buffalo Bayou RV Park provides direct water access with simple boat launch facilities. As one camper noted, "There's a kayak rental right next door which is a very short paddle to the camp. There's a small boat ramp at the park so putting in is easy. There's 3 trails close to the park. Trails took 1-2 hours depending on which one you take and how fast you paddle."
Wildlife observation: Bird watching is particularly rewarding at Martin Creek Lake State Park where waterfront campsites provide strategic viewing locations. "Kayaking this area was BEAUTIFUL and just unforgettable from our trip to this part of the state. You get to camp among the trees and spanish moss and water," shared one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Lake access at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park supports both shore and boat fishing. According to a visitor, "Gorgeous waterfront sites with excellent fishing. Fun trails! Highly recommended." The park maintains a dedicated fishing pier with catfish, bass and crappie commonly caught.
Historical exploration: Visit nearby Jefferson Historic District, just 20 minutes from most area campgrounds. The town features preserved 19th-century architecture and museums documenting the region's steamboat era. A camper from Caddo Lake State Park shared, "The nearby historic town of Jefferson is worth a visit also. Lots of history, Jefferson was a major supply point & gateway city to the West prior to the Civil War."
What campers like
Unique water landscape: The cypress tree forests standing in water create a distinctive environment unlike other Texas destinations. A camper noted, "I've taken my son camping here several times. Great small park. The big attraction here is the lake, which looks like something straight out of a Louisiana swamp movie. Huge old cypress trees with Spanish moss hanging from the limbs."
Privacy between campsites: Many visitors appreciate the natural separation between camping spots. At Daingerfield State Park, "Privacy if that's your thing, it is for us and our three dogs. However, there is an awesome pavilion, swim dock, picnic area and paddle boat area. Something for everyone."
Elevated glamping experiences: Music Springs offers glamping accommodations with significant amenities beyond standard tent camping. A visitor reported, "The bathrooms and shower are clean, there's a community kitchen that has a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. The whole place is decorated very nicely. There's a nice lawn and games, plenty of chairs, lights in the trees, and even wifi."
Wildlife encounters: Opportunities to view native species enhances the camping experience. At Atlanta State Park, "Great spot to get away with only 2ish hours of driving from Dallas. The park is meticulously maintained with several hiking trails, minimally busy on the lake."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The area experiences high humidity during summer months with temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F. Spring and fall provide more moderate conditions but with increased rainfall probability. Winter visitors report comfortable daytime temperatures but chilly nights requiring appropriate sleeping gear.
Road noise impacts: Several campgrounds experience sound pollution from nearby roadways. At Atlanta State Park, one visitor noted, "The park is nice but if you tent camp you will hear traffic noise all night long. Each car seemed to take forever to go by and within minutes there was another."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and other insects are abundant, particularly during warmer months. A camper advised, "If you come, bring bug spray. It should go without saying, big bits of standing water in Texas, but ya know."
Water level fluctuations: Lake and bayou water levels vary significantly depending on recent rainfall. A visitor mentioned, "The lake is very shallow and navigation can be tricky if you don't pay attention. I recommend a compass & getting the lake map from one of the bait shops near the park. With those, it's pretty straightforward."
Tips for camping with families
Safety around water: Maintain constant supervision of children as water bodies in the area have limited visibility and potential wildlife concerns. Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area provides more controlled swimming environments with designated beach areas.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs during peak seasons focusing on local ecology and history. According to a visitor at Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, "There is much to do at this park. Trails, swimming, boating, fishing, small zoo and museum. Very clean. Newly renovated."
Kid-friendly campsite selection: When booking at Jefferson area campgrounds, request sites away from water edges for added safety with young children. A camper noted, "We stayed on site 08 which on the map looks like it's on the water but the brush is dense so there is no water view. Sites 10-13 are nice waterfront sites."
Wildlife education: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters including raccoons, possums and snakes. A visitor mentioned, "One morning, as I was sitting drinking my coffee, four deer walked right through our site! We had a regular nighttime visit from some bold raccoons, so definitely put your goodies and trash away."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Request specific site information when booking as many campgrounds have varied terrain. A visitor to Martin Creek Lake State Park advised, "Most FHU sites are extremely short in length. Barely room for single axle TT, so need to review site details carefully."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at many area campgrounds. A camper noted, "The campground is pretty sandy so leveling may be problematic for big rigs."
Hookup considerations: Many campgrounds offer limited full-hookup sites that book quickly. At Texarkana RV Park & Event Center, "Most sites are pull-thru and plenty long, but narrow. Beware of your slide placement before parking, as site poles may be in the way of a slide fully opening. Each site is gravel with a patio and they have 50 amp FHU."
Weather preparation: East Texas experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring. An RVer reported, "We got caught in a pop-up shower with the rain fly off lol but then again, that's camping."
