Everything really is bigger in Texas — and Louisiana, apparently. Believe it or not, both states are home to the largest artificial body of water in the American South. The Toledo Bend Reservoir straddles the state line along the Sabine River. The reservoir has more than 1,250 miles of shoreline and spans over 180,000 acres, making it one of the biggest man-made lakes in the entire country. Put simply, it’s gargantuan.
The majestic swimming hole, which has a maximum depth of 110 feet, took roughly five years to build, finally reaching completion in 1969. If you’re wondering how to get there, the reservoir is located only about two hours west of Alexandria, Louisiana, where one of the nearest major international airports is. You’ll find plenty of overnight accommodations around the lake, such as the Fin & Feather Resort in Hemphill, Texas, and the Wildwood Resort in Zwolle, Louisiana. The Cypress Bend Resort also lies on the eastern shore. Nestled in the Louisiana town of Many, the Wyndham brand hotel takes Southern hospitality to a whole new level. Featuring a soothing spa, newly renovated heated indoor-outdoor swimming pools, a bubbling jacuzzi, and a Swedish sauna, it should top the list of the best destinations in the world for a stress-free wellness vacation.
You can also grab your best camping gear for a comfortable night outdoors and head to any of the lake’s nearby campsites. San Miguel Park, just south of Zwolle, has spots for tents and RVs, as well as more than a dozen cozy cabins. Pleasure Point Park, near the southern bank of the reservoir, is set among nearly 200 acres of trees and has a primitive camping area overlooking the water if you’re really keen on braving the wilds for a few nights.
Make a splash in Toledo Bend Reservoir
Ready to enjoy a day out on the Texas-Louisiana water? Toledo Bend Reservoir is a haven for all things water sports, from waterskiing and wakeboarding to jet-skiing and tubing. More than 70 slipways can be found around the lake if you want to take your boat out. Don’t have a boat? Fret not, because there are plenty of boat rental companies flanking the waters, too. Among them is the Living the Dream Guide Service, located just off Highway 6 in Many, Louisiana, where you can snag pontoons, single or double kayaks, and even float tubes.
For thrill-seeking divers, scuba diving gear is available at the Dive Toledo Scuba Center in Anacoco, Louisiana. Open by appointment, the shop carries a full line of snorkeling equipment and offers diving classes. Don’t forget to visit the on-site Vintage Diving Museum, which features a variety of diving gear dating back to the early 1940s.
Explore the Patroon Bayou arm of Toledo Bend Reservoir, situated on the midwestern shore, by setting out in a canoe or kayak from the Holly Park Marina. You can paddle anywhere between 2 and 8 miles through the water along the loop trail, which takes an average of 2 to 6 hours to complete, depending on which route you choose to take. Quick note: there is a $5 fee to launch your canoe or kayak out on the water from the marina, at the time of writing.
Activities on land at Toledo Bend Reservoir
