Texas’ Deepest Lake Is Deeper Than You Think

Texas has more natural lakes than most people think, and Caddo Lake, the one everyone points to as "the only natural lake in Texas," isn't even entirely a real lake. It's technically a swamp that's slowly turning into a lake because of man-made dams. The bigger truth behind the myth: it's the famous lakes in Texas that are almost all man-made, while several small, lesser-known natural lakes are scattered around the state without anyone talking about them.

Is Caddo Lake Actually a Lake?

Not really. Caddo Lake is more accurately described as a swamp, one that's been reshaped over time by man-made dams into something closer to a true lake. It's the state's largest natural lake, which is likely how it earned its reputation as Texas's only one. That reputation doesn't hold up.

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How Many Natural Lakes Does Texas Have?

More than one, just none you've probably heard of. As KHOU reports, "there are several others, but most of them are relatively small. You probably haven't heard of them; pretty much every lake you have heard of is man-made." Caddo just happens to be the biggest of the natural ones, not the only one.

What is the Deepest Lake in Texas?

That title belongs to Amistad Reservoir, on the Texas-Mexico border, which reaches 217 feet at its deepest point, according to KNUE. Lake Travis, just outside Austin, comes in second at 210 feet.

What is the Largest Lake in Texas?

Toledo Bend Reservoir, on the Texas-Louisiana border east of Lufkin, is both the largest lake in Texas by volume and the largest man-made lake in the state. Per Texas Real Estate Source, it "was formed by building a dam on the Sabine River and boasts a maximum depth of 110 feet. With a surface area of 185,000 acres, the reservoir holds 4,477,000 acre-feet of water."

Read More: Stunning Texas Lakes Perfect for Road Trip