Toledo Bend Reservoir places to stay

Located on the Sabine River along the border of Louisiana and Texas, the Toledo Bend Reservoir boasts nearly 185,000 acres of freshwater surrounded by rolling hills and thick forests. Toledo Bend Reservoir is the fifth largest artificial body of water in the United States and the largest in the South, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water sports.

You can rent a variety of watercraft here, from boats to kayaks, canoes, jet skis, wakeboards, tubes, and water skis. Surrounding the reservoir, you will find several state parks with hiking and biking trails and even a sandy beach. For a beautiful afternoon drive, take the Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway, which runs 76 miles alongside the eastern shores of the reservoir.

Summers at Toledo Bend Reservoir are hot and sunny, and winters are typically cold. While you won’t have to deal with snow, you will likely experience rainfall at some point during your stay, no matter what time of year you visit. Humidity tends to be relatively high throughout the year. For water-related activities, the summer months are the best time to enjoy Toledo Bend Reservoir.

If fishing is on your itinerary, the biggest bass are generally caught during the late winter and early spring months.

As the summer months approach, the water warms, and you will have a hard time finding any of the big fish you may have your eye set on. Throughout the year, you can also find a wide variety of events and festivals in nearby towns. If staying in one of the cabins in Many, Louisiana, you will be centrally located between Toledo Bend Reservoir and Natchitoches. In December, experience the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, considered one of the top Christmas displays in the country with over 300,000 Christmas lights found throughout the city.

Los Adaes State Historic Site

One of Louisiana’s most intriguing National Historic Landmarks, Los Adaes State Historic Site, around an hour away, makes for a popular day trip during your visit to Toledo Bend Reservoir. On the 14-acre site, you can see the remains of a Spanish fort from the 1700s and explore exhibits dedicated to the local culture in the onsite museum.

North and South Toledo Bend State Parks

There are two state parks surrounding the Toledo Bend Reservoir. North Toledo Bend State Park comprises 900 acres, much of which is on the waterfront, making this a popular place for water sports and fishing — there is even a boat launch here that visitors are welcome to use. There are also miles of hiking and mountain biking trails of different lengths that cater to various skill levels. South Toledo Bend State Park is closer to the Texas border and boasts an observation deck that offers spectacular views of the lake and its small islands. The area is a nesting ground for bald eagles, and anglers at both parks often catch largemouth bass, catfish, and white perch.

Bailey Memorial Gardens

Located near the eastern shore of Toledo Bend Reservoir, the Bailey Memorial Gardens is a peaceful botanical garden that boasts a beautifully curated combination of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Whether you take a walk through the garden or simply relax while enjoying a picnic lunch, you will surely see the large number of butterflies and hummingbirds flying around here.