Caddo Lake, Ramsar wetland site in Louisiana, United States.
Caddo Lake is a wetland covering roughly 25,400 acres along the Texas and Louisiana border, where cypress forests and a network of waterways meet. The wooded shoreline and shallow bayous form a maze of natural channels, with trees growing directly out of the water and roots often submerged.
The water body formed when a natural buildup of timber and sediment blocked the Red River for centuries, raising water levels upstream. Oil drilling began in the early 1900s and altered parts of the shoreline through industrial activity.
The lake's formation stems from the Great Raft, a natural log jam in the Red River that created this water system centuries ago.
Boats and canoes are the best way to explore the winding waterways, though shallow sections can become harder to navigate when water levels drop. Visitors who prefer hiking or fishing will find access points and basic facilities on both sides of the state line.
An oil derrick from 1911 once stood over the water here and is recognized as the first offshore platform of its kind worldwide. Remnants of early petroleum infrastructure remain visible along parts of the shoreline today.
Location: Caddo Parish
Location: Marion County
Location: Harrison County
Elevation above the sea: 49 m
GPS coordinates: 32.71000,-94.01000
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:22
Texas combines landscapes that barely resemble each other. The west spreads out in deserts and sand dunes, while the east is marked by swamps and dense forests. Between these extremes lie limestone cliffs, natural springs, and waterfalls that bubble up from the ground. The size of the state allows for this variety. A traveler can hike through dry canyons one day and wade through marshland the next. The state preserves places from different chapters of history. Spanish missions built in the 18th century stand near Native American quarries used for thousands of years. Mining towns and military forts from the 1800s now sit empty, their wooden structures weathered by sun and wind. Plantation houses with wide porches remain from before the Civil War. Visitors can also find a Japanese garden in San Antonio, a replica of Stonehenge in the Hill Country, and underwater caves where divers explore submerged passages. The variety makes it possible to see ancient footprints, colonial architecture, and ghost towns in the same trip.
Caddo Lake State Park
16 km
The Grove
31.2 km
The Gardens of the American Rose Center
28.2 km
Regions Tower
32.9 km
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
32.6 km
Long-Allen Bridge
32.9 km
First United Methodist Church
32.8 km
Shreveport Waterworks Pumping Station
32 km
Shreveport Opera
32.9 km
Caddo Lake Drawbridge
5.1 km
Kansas City Southern Railroad Bridge, Cross Bayou
32.3 km
Jefferson Historic District
32.4 km
Petroleum Tower
32.8 km
United States Post Office and Courthouse
32.9 km
Jefferson Ordnance Magazine
31.2 km
Old United States Post Office and Courts Building
31.9 km
Huey P. Long House
32.4 km
Hughes House
25.4 km
Presbyterian Manse
32.4 km
Historic Jefferson Railway
31.5 km
Jefferson Historical Museum
31.9 km
Shreveport Railroad Museum
31.9 km
Robinson Film Center
32.8 km
Caddo Lake State Park Entrance Portals
15.9 km
Caddo Lake State Park Cabins
16 km
Capri Theater
32.9 km
Shelter House
15.5 km
Red River LA 2 Bridge
27 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes