Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• New Years Eve Paddle

  • When
    31 Dec 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Trinity View Park

  Register

  Let's ring out 2025 with a paddle down the Trinity starting at Irving Trinity View Park  to Santa Fe Trestle Trail boat ramp at Moore Park, (the old standing wave launch). The distance of ~ 9 miles. Goes through the confluence of the Elm and West Fork Rivers and you can see the Dallas skyline. 

  We will meet at 9 at Trinity View, set up a Shuttle and hopefully be on the water by 10:30 or so and figure about 2 hours to get to Moore Park.  Bring a lunch and we will have a picnic at the takeout before heading home. More info as we get closer to the date. 

  Meeting Point 

  2221 E. Highway 356 

  Irving, TX 75060

  (972) 721-2501

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Sabine Fishing Expedition 2026

  • Start
    27 Feb 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    1 Mar 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    US 59 crossing Sabine River near Carthage, TX
  • Spaces left
    18
  • Registered
    7 registrants

  Register

  We will be paddling the Middle Sabine River between US Highway 59 just east of Carthage down to FM 2517 southeast of Carthage. The total trip distance is 29 miles on flatwater with no hazards.

  We will meet at the US 59 bridge at 9am on Friday where it crosses the Sabine River, north of Carthage. We will run a run a shuttle and fish our way down the river, camping on sandy beaches each night. We will camp about 8 miles below the FM 1794 crossing the first night so that any who are unable to come for Friday can join us on Saturday morning. Please let us know in advance if you plan to meet us on Saturday. We will be going "light" on this trip, so everyone will be responsible for their own food, although if the fishing is good, the chances of a fish feast breaking out are likely.

  This section of the Sabine is beautiful and very scenic, though you may see an occasional motorboat with one or more anglers aboard. The white bass are expected to be running during this trip. The river is rife with gorgeous, white sand beaches where we can stop to fish, snack, eat or camp. Some of the beaches are quite large, and most have shallow gradient landings for easy unloading and loading, yet offer camping high enough to be above any unexpected river rises should a heavy rain fall while we are there.  

  The Sabine River is an excellent fishing stream where you can catch blue, yellow and channel catfish, small mouth, yellow-belly, white and sand bass, drum, carp, crappie, gar and other species. Bald eagles are sometimes seen flying above the river. Otters, beavers and nutria may be seen if you are quiet and look carefully. The most common "bird" is the paddler-eating mosquito, so be prepared! Great blue herons, buzzards and numerous species of songbirds will be seen. Due to the remoteness of the area you may see snakes. Common species include water moccasins, copperheads and several species of non-venomous water snakes, but none are usually a problem. This is a good place to bring a camera.

   Anyone interested in this trip should RSVP as early as possible so that that a head count can be taken and appropriate planning can be done in advance of the trip date.

  Gear Requirements:

  Bring boats (just about any seaworthy craft will do for this trip), PFD's (lifejackets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signalling device, throwbag, tent, ground pad, sleeping bag, clothing for hot, cold, wet and dry conditions, camp chair, headlamp, plate(s), flatware, drinking cup, personal toiletries and other items that you may want to have with you. A small cooler for drinks and lunches to be carried in your boat would be recommended. Bring everythng you need for two nights on the river. Fishing Licenses are recommended as the river is patrolled by TP&W this time of year and so are the river access points.

  Meals:

  Everyone will be responsible for their own food, although if the fishing is good the chances of a fish feast breaking out are likely. Bring plenty of beverages, but remember - NO GLASS OR FOAM POLYSTYRENE STYROFOAM CONTAINERS!

  Back-up Plans:

  There is no backup plan for this trip. If, for any reason, the trip on the Sabine cannot be made, then it will be cancelled.

  Driving Directions:

  This reach of the Sabine River is located in Panola County near the Louisiana border and just above Toledo Bend Reservoir. It is about 30 miles south of Marshall, just outside Carthage.

  From Dallas:

  IH 20 East to Marshall, then RIGHT (South) on US Highway 59;
  South on US Highway 59 to the public boat ramp on the southeast side of the river;
  
  Please be arrive at the put in location on time so we can unload boats and gear in preparation for shuttling vehicles down to the FM 2517 boat ramp.

  Show details
• Caddoween 2026

  • Start
    23 Oct 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    25 Oct 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Backwater Jacks
  • Spaces left
    150

  Registration is closed

  Caddoween at BackWater Jack's

  on Caddo Lake

  
  

  Dallas Downriver Club formally invites you and your family or friends to help us haunt BackWater Jack's on Caddo Lake at our annual Caddoween Campout on Friday, October 23rd thru Sunday, October 25th, 2026. 

  BackWater Jacks offers an immensely large camping area complete with restrooms and hot showers, RV Sites with hookups as well as cabins to rent so there is plenty of space for everybody, plus it has easy access to Big Cypress Bayou so that anyone wishing to paddle the lake can do so as well. 

  It is advisable to make reservations for RV sites and cabins well in advance as they can fill up fast.  You should also make tent camping reservations in advance so they keep the tent area reserved for us for the weekend.  Check out the Backwater Jacks Website for reservation info and pricing.

  I

   Saturday, the 24th, will include several events and contests:

  Event Registration opens at 8 am. Get you Tent Site, Dutch Oven and Pumpkin entries registered

  8:30 - Group Morning Paddle to Benton Lake Paddle Trail.

  8:30 - 12:00 If you plan to paddle a longer trail make sure you are back in time for the Scavenger Hunt or to start your Dutch Oven Dish (your dish must be delivered at 5pm for judging) or carve your pumpkin.

  12:00 - Pumpkin carving . Bring uncarved pumpkin, knives, candles, pattern, etc. Judging starts after dark. Plan on taking pumpkin home with you as Backwater Jacks doesn't want a pumpkin patch growing in their campground.

  1:00 - Group Afternoon Paddle on Clear Lake Paddle Trail

  2:00 - Scavenger Hunt for the kids.
  

  5:00 - Dutch oven cook-off - have your entry ready at this time so we can eat it for dinner! Judging begins at 5PM. Your entry has to be present when judging begins  Bring any pot luck items not part of the judging at this time as well
  
  5:20 - pot luck dinner - please bring enough for your group.
  
  After dinner....

  6:15 - Bring all carved Pumpkins to the Bonfire area for judging.

  6:30 Judging for Best decorated tent site. All decorations MUST be removed when you leave.

  7:00 Trick or treating from tent to tent or at the Bonfire, bring treats or you could be tricked!
  
  8.00 Bonfire, Costume contest for kids and adults. and Results of Dutch Oven, Pumpkin and Tent Site Competition

  9:00 Moonlight Paddle on the Bayou

  Ghost stories, bring your best! Maybe the "Lady of the Lake" will make her appearance. Pretty scary stuff!
  

  Awards will be given for

  Tent Site Decoration

  Kids Pumpkin Carving

  Adult Pumpkin Carving

  Dutch Oven Entree

  Dutch Oven Side Dish

  Dutch Oven Dessert

  Kids Costume

  Adult Costume

  Group Theme Costume

  Directions to BackWater Jack's Big Cypress Bayou/Caddo Lake

  To Caddo Lake, Texas:

  From Dallas: Take IH-20 East to Marshall. Exit onto US Hwy 59, and then turn left (North). Follow US Highway 59 north through Marshall past US Highway 80. Take FM RD 1793 (right).  Stay on FM RD 1793 until you will come to the intersection of FM1793 / FM 134 (about 8 miles).  Take a right on FM 134 (south).  Travel about 2 miles you will come to a “S” curve with railroad tracks in the middle of the curve.  (You will know it when you see it!).  The blacktop road to your left is Long’s Camp RD.  Come down it until you see the river.  If you get wet you went too far.

  ALTERNATE: Take IH-20 East to Marshall. Exit onto US Hwy 59, and then turn left (North). Follow US Highway 59 north through Marshall past US Highway 80. You can also take Hwy 43 East toward Karnack / Caddo Lake.  Stay on Hwy 43 until you see the FM RD 134  / FM 449 RD intersection. (about 15 miles) Turn Left onto FM 134.  Less than 4 miles you will see the railroad tracks and “S” curve.  Longs Camp RD is before the tracks to your right.  Stop when you see the river.

   

  Boat rentals: Canoes and kayaks can be rented at Backwater Jacks, but they must be reserved in advance by contacting Riverbend Outfitters at 903-625-9100.

  BACKWATER JACKS PARK RULES

    RULE 1:   HAVE A GREAT TIME!!  The remaining rules are so you, your guests, and fellow campers can as well.  We appreciate your business!

    RULE 2:  SPEED LIMIT 10 MPH. Take it real slow please.  Don't sweat it if the turtles pass you.  

    RULE 3:  QUIET HOURS: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.  We don't expect you to whisper during quiet hours, but we ask you to keep the noise down.   Please consider your neighbors.  We think an occasional laugh or lyric will be heard. IF YOU ARE LOUD, we will let you know in the nicest way possible.

    RULE 4:  PETS:  We want to love them as much as you do. Loud and/or aggressive pets are hard to love. We need pets supervised by their owners.  We ask you to keep your pets on a leash and quiet.   The park is large and has plenty of space to wander and enjoy.

    RULE 5:  CHILDREN:  The greatest gift of all.  We want them to have a good and a very safe time.  Please do not let your kids wander without supervision.   Remember you are surrounded by water and wildlife.  Take appropriate caution.  You are here to enjoy nature.  But the nature of the area needs to be respected.

  RULE 6:  WATERWAYS & BOAT RAMP:  All bodies of water, including the river, and lake-like areas surrounding our park are not owned, operated, or controlled by Backwater Jacks RV.  We are not responsible for your use of the river or any surrounding bodies of water.  All damage to person or property arising from the use of the waterways is not the responsibility of Backwater Jacks.  Boat launching fee is waived for reserved guests.

    RULE 7:  CLEANLINESS:  Please help us keep your area clean. Trash is unattractive and will attract bugs and critters.  Some of the critters are big!!  Please use trash receptacle available on the premises.

    RULE 8:  RESTROOMS:  We strive to keep them clean and well stocked.  Let us know if they need our attention.  Bath houses are for our two-legged guests ONLY!   Pots and pans have no legs, so please do not wash them in the bathrooms. Soap provided at lavatories is for hand washing.  Please provide your own soap for showering. 

    RULE 9:  FIREARMS:  We all know what the state laws are in relation to firearms.  Obey the law.

    RULE 10: ALCOHOL:  We ask you to use it responsibly.  Drunk and disorderly behavior will not be tolerated. 

    RULE 11:  CAMPFIRES:  Fires only in the appropriate areas at each campsite, or as directed by office staff.  PLEASE keep fires on the smaller size and do not leave them unattended. Please douse with water when leaving the area. (Water faucets are located at the front and back of office building.)  BBQ grilling is permitted – bring your own firewood and grill.      

    THE LAST RULE - COMMON SENSE: USE IT!  BE CAREFUL.  BE CONSIDERATE.  This is our catch-all rule. If we see something that concerns us, we will bring it to your attention.  If something concerns you, please bring it to our attention.  

   

   

   

  Show details