Caddoween at BackWater Jack's
on Caddo Lake
IMPORTANT UPDATE, Backwater Jacks has blocked tent site reservations and any RV sites that we used in 2024 so that no one can reserve them through their website to ensure we get them. Kathy is receiving requests for site reservations from outside our group, so if you have not contacted then to make a reservation, call 903-679-3427 .
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 17th thru Sunday, October 19th, 2025.
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.
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Saturday, the 18th, 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.
