Overview
Karnack is a small village in the Central Piney Woods region of Texas. It is the birthplace and childhood home of Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady to U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. It is also the gateway to the Texas portion of Caddo Lake, the largest naturally formed lake in Texas.
2 sights · 2 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Karnack
Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
On the shores of the largest natural lake in Texas, the refuge protects a portion of the Caddo Lake ecosystem. A variety of animal and plant species can be spotted here including waterfowl, alligators, and bald cypress t…
Caddo Lake State Park
Camping, trailer sites, cabins, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking nature trails and interpretive center.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Mar and Dec. (climate data from nearby Mansfield)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SHV Shreveport Regional Airport, Shreveport — 25 mi away. Directions
- GGG East Texas Regional Airport, Longview — 37 mi away. Directions
- DAL Dallas Love Field, Dallas — 156 mi away (major hub). Directions
Driving is the best means of getting into Karnack. Public transportation does not come through this area. There are two state routes that run through the small community.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $75–$150 a night (typical $118), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$320.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Lunch Aseret Mexican Restaurant
- Afternoon Caddo Lake State Park
- Dinner Circle S Country Store
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are only a small handful of dining establishments around Karnack. Most marinas and lodging may offer food, otherwise it may be necessary to bring your own, or commute to Jefferson for dining options.
Another excellent option would be to catch your dinner out on Caddo Lake! The lake is well known for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. If camping, a good local experience is a pan-frying catfish over a campfire near the lake. For the authentic East Texas experience, use pine for firewood.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Driving is the best means of getting into Karnack. Public transportation does not come through this area. There are two state routes that run through the small community.
- Texas Highway 43, coming from Marshall or Atlanta. In Marshall, TX 43 connects with Interstate 20, which goes to either Dallas or Shreveport.
- Farm Road 134, coming from Jefferson. This connects with US Highway 59, heading north towards Texarkana and the Arkansas state line.
By boat
If you have your own boat, you could come into Karnack via the nearby community of Uncertain. The other launching points on Caddo Lake, the towns of Mooringsport and Oil City, are on the Louisiana side. It is highly advisable to acquire a local Caddo Lake map prior to attempting to navigate the confusing array of boat trails that are on the Texas side. There are dozens of trails and an unguided boater could easily get lost.
Get around
Despite the community's small size, it is not suitable for walking as there are very few sidewalks; plus, most things to see and do are spaced out far enough that walking would not be convenient. Personal vehicle is the best method of getting around Karnack.
See
See Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
On the shores of the largest natural lake in Texas, the refuge protects a portion of the Caddo Lake ecosystem. A variety of animal and plant species can be spotted here including waterfowl, alligators, and bald cypress trees. The refuge offers a handful of activities for visitors, including hiking, nature viewing, bicycling, and equestrian trails.
Do
- Watch a sunset on the shores of Caddo Lake or Big Cypress Bayou
- Rent a cabin or cottage on the lake
- Row your kayak up and down the Big Cypress Bayou from Mill Pond to Backwater Jacks.
Buy
Shopping is very limited in this area. Even basic essentials are scarce. Gasoline cannot be reliably purchased here and it is recommended to leave Jefferson, Marshall, or Atlanta with a full tank of gas. For basic essentials, there is a single chain discount store, which is the only retail option in town.
Eat
There are only a small handful of dining establishments around Karnack. Most marinas and lodging may offer food, otherwise it may be necessary to bring your own, or commute to Jefferson for dining options.
Another excellent option would be to catch your dinner out on Caddo Lake! The lake is well known for bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. If camping, a good local experience is a pan-frying catfish over a campfire near the lake. For the authentic East Texas experience, use pine for firewood.
Eat Circle S Country Store
Basic American fare at a restaurant attached to an old service station. Hamburgers, sandwiches.
Sleep
All lodging in Karnack will come in the form of rental cabins and old homes, save for one motel. Almost all rentals will be 2 to 5 miles northeast around the unincorporated village of Uncertain. The exception to this is the cabins for rent inside of Caddo Lake State Park.
Nearby
Jefferson
City / town · 10 listings · 12 mi away
Marshall
City / town · 11 listings · 14 mi away
Shreveport
City / town · 49 listings · 27 mi away
Bossier City
City / town · 13 listings · 30 mi away
Longview
City / town · 6 listings · 35 mi away
Carthage
City / town · 1 listings · 37 mi away
Daingerfield
City / town · 5 listings · 41 mi away
Kilgore
City / town · 14 listings · 45 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.