Wild, warm, and welcoming, Toledo Bend Lake Country offers a wide variety of activities that bring you closer to nature, introduce you to authentic local cuisine, and reveal a legendary side of Louisiana’s history. Experience exceptional fishing, quaint country drives, magical hikes, and much more in this hypnotically beautiful corner of the world.
There’s a reason why Sabine Parish is also called Toledo Bend Lake Country: It’s synonymous with fishing. Toledo Bend Lake, a 186,000-acre reservoir on the Louisiana-Texas border, is known nationwide for its quality bass fishing and large number of “lunkers,” or bass weighing more than 10 lbs., each just waiting for your lure! The reservoir was named the #1 bass fishing lake in the U.S. two years running by Bassmaster magazine. Boat owners find it easy to jump into the action with the lake’s many boat launches, marinas, and bait shops. But you don’t need your own watercraft to have fun here. Sit back, relax, and hire one of the area’s many experienced fishing guides to take you and yours to spots where the fish are hitting. Numerous public piers located along the lake’s shoreline also make it easy to spend a few hours dropping a line. Feeling competitive? Serious anglers take part in Toledo Bend Lake’s many fishing rodeos. The lake attracts around 100 regional and national fishing tournaments annually. Yes, folks, you’ve died and gone to fishing heaven.
Relax in a Scenic, Lakefront ResortThere’s nothing quite like a lakefront cocktail as the sun goes down or waking up to the quiet serenity of nature. The Cypress Bend Golf and Conference Resort is a fabulous place to steal away for a relaxing weekend in a stunning setting. The pet-friendly resort features 95 guest rooms and golf suites, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a championship 18-golf course strategically redesigned in 2024, onsite dining serving Southern cuisine, 600 acres of gardens and nature trails, and lots more. Book an appointment at the resort’s newly renovated Spa at Cypress Bend for relaxing therapeutic and aesthetic services, including a wide variety of massages, facials, wraps, and body work.
Enjoy ATV trails, and More in 2 State ParksSabine Parish is home to two beautiful state parks, where visitors can explore rolling woods filled with native flora and fauna. Enjoy a weekend stay at the park’s campsites, and lakefront cabins.
The 900-acre North Toledo Bend State Park, located just six miles west of the town of Zwolle, features hiking trails that reveal the area’s pristine beauty. Listen to the sounds of more than 100 species of native and migratory birds that frequent the area, walk past ravines, see Dogwoods in bloom, and spot the lovely mix of indigenous pines and hardwoods. Enjoy playing with friends and family on the Disc Golf Courses at North and South Toledo Bend State Park. Get away from everyday stress with an overnight stay in a waterfront log cabin complete with a fireplace. You can also pitch a tent in the campground or hook up your RV in the convenient and spacious RV park. A refreshing swimming pool keeps things cool in the summer months.
One of Louisiana’s newest state parks, South Toledo Bend State Park, is located at the southern end of Toledo Bend Lake near its dramatically beautiful dam. Enjoy a weekend with the park’s eco-friendly features which include solar showers, as well as a firepit and picnic table. There are also cabin rentals, traditional campsites, and RV hookups. Thrill seekers will love the designated trail for off-highway vehicles such as dirt bikes and ATVs (helmets required). Enjoy the beach, swimming area, and two hiking trails. It’s a great place to bring the pets and family for weekend of screen-free entertainment.
Keep the Kids Happy with a Waterpark, SUP boards and Mini-GolfToledo Bend Lake Country is super kid-friendly, giving families a chance to reconnect in an old-fashioned setting that still serves up irresistible fun. Wildwood Resort on the Toledo Bend lakefront checks all the boxes. The expansive property includes well-appointed, recently renovated cabins that sleep parties up to 24. Enjoy the lake’s crystal waters on rented paddle boards and hydro bikes or use the private boat launch and onsite bait shop for a day of fishing. Little ones love the onsite playground, too. The resort’s newest amenity, the 3.5-acre Toledo Bend Family Adventure Park, features mini-golf, three swimming pools, and a water park. Stay cool on the lazy river, and let kids burn off some energy at the splash pad. The park’s thrilling water slides mean a splashtastic good time for all ages.
Enjoy a True Taste of LouisianaFrom fresh seafood and spicy crawfish to some of the country’s most distinct hot tamales, Toledo Bend Lake Country is filled with mouthwatering regional fare. The town of Zwolle is known nationwide for its unique tamales, a blend of Native American and Spanish culinary traditions dating back 200 years. Pick up mild and hot pork tamales wrapped in corn husks cooked fresh daily at Bub T's Tamale House, part of the Sabine Parish Tamale Trail that takes you to numerous local vendors.
For a truly unique culinary adventure, follow the Gas Station Eats Trail through Toledo Bend Lake Country. These unassuming roadside gems serve up authentic Louisiana flavors that locals swear by, from crispy fried catfish and hearty red beans and rice to legendary Zwolle Tamales. Stop by favorites like The Busy Bee or Gulf Station Cafe for a taste of Southern hospitality and down-home cooking that’s every bit as memorable as the landscape. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dessert, this trail will have you craving more with every bite.
For a taste of savory, succulent Louisiana crawfish check out Gilligan's on the Bend, the perfect place to roll up your sleeves over a tray of spicy mudbug while hearing a little live music on Saturdays. Seafood is a big part of life in Toledo Bend Lake Country, and for a taste of crispy catfish or a seafood po’boy, check out Fisherman’s Galley, also known for its thick juicy steaks. And if Italian fare is your thing, spend an evening at Martone’s Restaurant, where you’ll find homemade wood-fired pizza and pasta dishes draped in a homemade red sauce prepared with a 100-year old family recipe.
