For anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the water, there’s no better place to be than the Toledo Bend Reservoir. Located right on the Texas-Louisiana border, this impressive reservoir is a favorite warm-weather destination for both Texans and Louisianians, and the history behind how this iconic reservoir came to be is nothing short of incredible. Let’s check it out:

Clocking in at a staggering 185,000 acres, the Toledo Bend Reservoir is the largest man-made body of water in the South.

It’s also the fifth largest in the country (by surface area). The reservoir extends to Sabine, Shelby, Panola, and Newton counties in Texas and Sabine and DeSoto parishes on the Louisiana side.

Around 1950, after dealing with years of flooding from the Sabine River, both states formed committees to establish a freshwater supply with hydroelectric power.

Texas formed the “Sabine River Authority of Texas in 1949 and the following year Louisiana formed the “Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana.” In 1953, both sides combined to establish the “Sabine River Compact.”

By 1959, Texas and Louisiana had 30 million dollars set aside for the project and once the land was acquired in 1963, construction on the Toledo Bend Dam began the next year.

The most impressive part of the entire process was that the dam was built completely by both states without any assistance from the federal government. It’s the only one in the United States to have been built without any federal assistance!

With 1,200 miles of shoreline, the reservoir is a popular spot for recreational activities.

On the Louisiana side, both North Toledo State Park and South Toledo State Park offer endless opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

The reservoir is one of the best freshwater fishing spots in the state.

Anglers will have their hands full catching record-breaking catches of bass and catfish here.

Because of all of the inlets and coves, exploring the water by kayak or canoe is a perfect opportunity to explore the reservoir from an entirely new perspective.

There are plenty of boat/kayak launches along the Louisiana side, including both state parks.

For those looking to spend a few days in the Toledo Bend area, you've got plenty of options.

Both Louisiana state parks have several options for camping, including RV slots, cabins, and hybrid glamping-style tents, like the one pictured above.

With views like this, you may never want to leave!

And we wouldn't blame you.

In the evenings, the sunsets over the water are just magical.

Whether you choose to end your day on land, in a kayak, or rocking a giant inflatable flamingo is up to you. We hope you choose option #3. Stay quirky.

Learn more at the Toledo Bend website and start planning your waterfront getaway today.