There are certainly no shortages of lakes in Louisiana, but few compare to the majestic Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Texas-Louisiana border. Known for its world-class fishing, stunning scenery, and massive size, it’s no wonder so many have referred to it as being one of the best lakes in Louisiana. The history behind the lake may surprise you, too! Let’s take a closer look at this historic reservoir, shall we?
Located along the Texas-Louisiana border on the Sabine River, the Toledo Bend Reservoir has an area of 185,000 acres, making it the largest man-made body of water in the state.
Rob Sheets/Google It’s also the largest in the South, and the fifth largest in the country.
The reservoir was the joint effort of both Louisiana and Texas.
Carl Nash/Google Once organizations on both sides were formed and approved, both states allocated 30 million dollars for the project.
The land was acquired in 1963, and work began the next year. The project was completed in 1969.
Drew Robbins/Google The dam is capable of generating 92 megawatts of electrical power, and it was built without any assistance from the federal government!
With nearly 1,200 miles of shoreline, the Louisiana side of the reservoir is a nature lovers paradise.
Melissa Tetens/Google Both North Toledo Bend State Park and South Toledo Bend State Park offer plenty of waterfront amenities to keep you entertained for hours.
One of the most popular attractions to the reservoir is the world-class fishing.
Graham Porter/Google See if you can catch your personal record of largemouth bass spending a day on the water! Both state parks have cleaning stations and grills, so you can clean and cook your catch same day.
Of course, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water. Rent a kayak or bring your own to explore the waterways from an entirely new perspective.
Matt Smith/Google
You might end up loving it so much you never want to leave!
Blake/Google Nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy spending a day or two camping under the stars.
If you prefer to truly rough it, you can’t beat views like this.
Jeff Dornak/Google
Imagine waking up to this view. Pure perfection, right?
Steve Buser/Google
For more information, visit the Louisiana State Park website so you can check out both North and South Toledo Bend State Parks. If you’ve ever visited either one of these beautiful state parks, let us know in the comments below!
Rob Sheets/Google
It’s also the largest in the South, and the fifth largest in the country.
Carl Nash/Google
Once organizations on both sides were formed and approved, both states allocated 30 million dollars for the project.
Drew Robbins/Google
The dam is capable of generating 92 megawatts of electrical power, and it was built without any assistance from the federal government!
Melissa Tetens/Google
Both North Toledo Bend State Park and South Toledo Bend State Park offer plenty of waterfront amenities to keep you entertained for hours.
Graham Porter/Google
See if you can catch your personal record of largemouth bass spending a day on the water! Both state parks have cleaning stations and grills, so you can clean and cook your catch same day.
Matt Smith/Google
Blake/Google
Nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy spending a day or two camping under the stars.
Jeff Dornak/Google
Steve Buser/Google
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Address: Toledo Bend Reservoir, United States
