We were able to snag the four days before Easter this year and completed our visits to the remaining parks in the East Texas region! Not only were we excited to accomplish this, we were looking forward to camping amongst the pines and using our kayaks once again. Aside from Caddo Lake, B.A. Steinhagen Lake that the park’s shoreline covers a portion of is well known for towering cypress tree groves. We were ready to do some paddling trails!

Day 1 of our trip was rather long after daytripping Huntsville and Livingston State Parks along the way, but we were able to set camp up with enough daylight and it was a beautiful set up! We had a neighbor close on one side and the near by highway noise was noticeable, but the trees and water front scenery were picturesque. Even after the long day, the kids convinced me we still needed an inaugural camp fire. They were right!

Day 2 we delayed our paddle trip hoping for warmer weather on day 3 and drove an hour away to daytrip Village Creek State Park. That day ended with chips and dips from a Casa Ole we saw on the way back and another camp fire.

On day 3 our faith in the forecast was rewarded and it was a beautifully sunny and warm day. Since we still only own 2 kayaks, we went to headquarters to rent a double kayak and 3 life jackets since I learned last minute that Ashlyn’s lifejacket was the only one in good shape/fit. We were surprised to learn that since the double kayak only seated 2 people, they would only loan 2 lifejackets and paying to rent additional lifejackets isn’t an option. HOWEVER, their canoes are rated for 4 people and we could get up to 4 jackets included in that rental. OK. Seemed to me this was far more complicated than it needed to be, but I was also the person short on life jackets. Beggars can’t be choosers, right? So that day, the boys and I learned how to operate a canoe haha! The launch area was located in a narrow slough section of the paddling trail and all of the kayaks and canoes were already set up along the shore ready to be launched. With a little creativity, we got our kayaks over to the site and were ready to go!

Ashlyn took on our 10ft kayak, Weston started out on the 7ft kayak and Archer took the bow of the canoe. The trail we chose is a little under 3 miles and would take us around the entire unit of the park that was actually an island. We thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic scenery and paddling experience as we fought the wind to pass the mouth of the Neches River to then riding the swirling current, passing our campsite, then re-entering the slough and working our way through the cypress trees like a maze. Around half way through, we beached near the boat ramp for a snack and the boys switched vessels. Archer did an awesome job manning a kayak on his own for the first time! We also really enjoyed the canoe and will likely continue renting those over double kayaks.

After dinner that evening, we drove across the highway to check out the other unit of the state park. It featured a completely different view of the lake and it’s shoreline was set up more on a bluff. Only primitive camping was permitted in this area, all of the rv sites were tucked back into the woods. We hung around the fishing pier for a bit and then called it a night.

We woke up on Good Friday ready to load up and drive the 5 hours home to enjoy the holiday. And perfect timing! Starting the evening before and over night, the campground filled up and it was complete chaos at daybreak! I don’t see myself ever needing to spend a holiday weekend at a state park, haha. I definitely understand people’s tendency to crowd in there when they can, though. Martin Dies Jr. is a whole package type park that offers a quintessential camping experience.

-Lindsay