We’ve been slowly working our way through the best weekend road trips from Dallas, and this one has been on our list for a while. In mid-November, we finally made it to Caddo Lake State Park, chasing fall color and a short escape from the city.

Caddo Lake doesn’t feel like most of Texas; it feels more like Louisiana. Bald cypress trees rise out of dark water, and Spanish moss hangs overhead. When fall hits, those trees turn shades of orange and brown, and when the lake is still, the reflections double the color.

We planned our trip to Caddo Lake State Park specifically for photography and paddling, and it turned out to be one of our favorite road trips from Dallas yet!

Tall bald cypress trees with fall-colored leaves and Spanish moss standing in shallow water at Caddo Lake State Park

Driving from Dallas to Caddo Lake State Park

It took us about three hours to get to Caddo Lake State Park from Dallas. Technically, the drive would have been closer to 2.5 hours, but we stopped for lunch since we weren’t in a rush. This has been one of the best parts of exploring closer to home. Shorter drives mean less rush and more time to stop for coffee or treats on the way!

We arrived at Caddo Lake State Park around 2 PM on a Saturday in mid-November, which is one of the busier times of the year in the park. That’s because the weather is generally more comfortable in the fall, plus Caddo Lake is well-known for stunning fall photography as the leaves turn.

Our plan was simple:

Spend Saturday afternoon exploring on land and catch sunset at Mill Pond
Rent a canoe Sunday morning and get out on the water

It was the perfect balance.

Where We Stayed Near Caddo Lake

We stayed at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Longview because we’re Marriott loyal and wanted to use a free night award. Longview is about 35 to 40 minutes from the park.

It worked well for us because:

We wanted to use Marriott’s loyalty program perks
It made the drive home easier (Longview is between Dallas and Caddo Lake State Park)
We were traveling with our dog and need pet-friendly lodging

We did look at cabins and lake houses right on Caddo Lake, and many of them include kayaks or canoes, so you can paddle whenever you want. If we weren’t traveling with a dog, we would seriously consider staying on the lake directly or in one of the cabins inside the State Park. (The cabins onsite were not pet-friendly.)

Saturday: Exploring Caddo Lake State Park + Sunset at Mill Pond

Once we arrived, we stopped at the visitor center to pay our entrance fee and get oriented.

Fun fact we learned there: Caddo Lake is the only naturally formed lake in Texas. It’s really a maze of creeks, wetlands, and backwaters fed by Big Cypress Bayou.

From there, we headed to the Saw Mill Pond parking area. This became one of our favorite spots in the park.

We walked around Saw Mill Pond and hiked the nearby Pine Ridge Loop. We highly recommend this short hike, especially if you’re traveling with a dog and looking for a pet-friendly activity.

Sunset at Saw Mill Pond is incredible! The water gets glassy and the cypress trees glow. If you’re visiting in the fall, this is prime time for photography. We spent the evening wandering, taking photos, and soaking it all in.

Sunday Morning: Canoeing Through the Cypress Trees

If paddling is part of your plan, set an alarm.

Canoe rentals at Caddo Lake State Park are first come, first serve, and they go quickly on popular weekends, especially in fall.

We arrived at the visitor center around 8:05 AM and were first in line. By 8:15, about five groups were waiting behind us.

Here’s how rentals work:

1 hour: $10
3 hours: $20
5 hours: $30
Rental ends when you return the keys
Three people per canoe

Most people rent for three hours, and after doing it ourselves, we think that’s the sweet spot. We were out for about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and it felt like the perfect amount of time for paddling and photography. Our recommendation is to rent for three hours and come back whenever you’re ready.

We launched from the canoe launch point at Saw Mill Pond (this is where you’ll grab your canoe, paddles, and life jackets) and paddled through narrow channels under towering bald cypress trees. It’s peaceful, quiet, and immersive. Keep an eye out for turtles on logs, water birds, frogs, and fish breaking the surface.

If paddling isn’t your thing, guided boat tours are also available in the area.

Is Caddo Lake Worth It for a Weekend Trip from Dallas?

Yes, especially if you love nature, photography, or quiet water experiences!

Caddo Lake is a great road trip from Dallas if you’re looking for:

Unique swamp scenery you won’t find elsewhere in Texas
Calm paddling trails through cypress forests
Beautiful fall color in November
A slower, restorative pace

For us, it was absolutely worth the drive. It felt like stepping into a different world for a couple of days.

Local Tips from Our Trip

These are things we learned by being there:

Arrive early for canoe rentals (8:15 AM or earlier on fall weekends)
Sunset at Saw Mill Pond is a must
Rent a canoe for three hours even if you don’t plan to use all of it
Dress in layers, even in fall (it was 95 degrees when we visited in the middle of November)
If traveling with a dog, plan to stay outside the park
Consider lakefront rentals if you want private paddling access
Morning paddling is calmer and less crowded than afternoons

FAQ: Planning Your Caddo Lake Weekend

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How far is Caddo Lake from Dallas?

About three hours, depending on traffic and stops.

What’s the best time to visit Caddo Lake?

Fall (late October through mid-November) is beautiful for foliage and reflections. Spring is also popular for wildlife and greenery.

Are there hiking trails at Caddo Lake State Park?

Yes. Pine Ridge Loop is a great short option, and several trails are dog-friendly.

Do I need to reserve a canoe in advance?

No. Canoes are first come, first serve at the visitor center. Arrive early.

Is Caddo Lake good for photography?

Absolutely! Especially at sunrise and sunset around Saw Mill Pond and the paddling trails.

Where to stay when visiting Caddo Lake State Park?

We stayed at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Longview. Longview is about 35-40 minutes from the visitor center.

Would we go back to Caddo Lake?

Definitely. Next time, we’d love to stay closer to the lake (especially if we’re traveling without our dog) and spend more time paddling deeper into the trail system.

If you’re building your own list of weekend road trips from Dallas, Caddo Lake deserves a spot. It’s peaceful, unique, and certainly magical in the fall.

Dallas to Caddo Lake State Park: A Fall Weekend Itinerary