Shreveport's Own 8,575-Acre Cypress Lake
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Why Rent On Cross Lake
Cross Lake is an 8,575-acre man-made reservoir in Caddo Parish, created in 1926 to serve as Shreveport’s primary water source and now one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich lakes in northwest Louisiana. Moss-covered cypress trees, alligators, waterfowl, and a beautiful natural shoreline give the lake a character that feels far more wild than its urban location would suggest. A vacation rental near Cross Lake gives your family a genuine Louisiana lake experience with one of the state’s great cities right next door.
Lakehouses with Cypress Lake Views and City Access
Vacation rentals near Cross Lake offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces with views of the cypress-studded water that makes this lake so visually distinctive. The proximity to Shreveport means your family can enjoy a real lakeside retreat while maintaining easy access to the city’s dining, museums, and entertainment. Pet-friendly options are available, and the lake’s natural shoreline gives dogs and kids alike excellent outdoor space to explore.
Fishing, Boating, and Wildlife Viewing
Cross Lake supports excellent fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie, and the cypress structure throughout the lake provides outstanding habitat that keeps fish populations strong. Boating and kayaking through the cypress stands is one of the more visually impressive water experiences available at any Louisiana urban lake. Wildlife viewing, including alligators and a wide range of waterfowl, is a regular part of any day on the water here.
Bayou Walks, Ford Park, and Shreveport Attractions
Richard Fleming Park features a walking path through mixed pine-hardwood and bottomland hardwood forests along the lake’s cypress-studded edge, offering one of the more beautiful urban nature walks in northwest Louisiana. Ford Park provides additional family recreational amenities nearby. Shreveport’s R.W. Norton Art Gallery, the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, and the Shreveport Aquarium give the trip genuine cultural depth beyond the lake.
A City Lake That Punches Above Its Weight
Cross Lake is remarkable precisely because of the contrast it offers: a wild, cypress-lined lake experience within the boundaries of a major Louisiana city. A vacation rental near Cross Lake gives your family the alligators and herons in the morning and the restaurants and museums in the evening. That combination is genuinely unusual and genuinely worth booking.
- Surface area (mi)
- 21.56
- Max depth (ft)
- 65.62
- Elevation (ft)
- 147.64
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 70
Popular activities
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Ice Skating
- Cross-country Skiing
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Marinas on Cross Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Cross Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not entirely safe to swim in Cross Lake. The lake has high phosphorus levels, leading to annual algal blooms and impaired water quality, which can affect its safety for swimming.
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Cross Lake is a popular destination because it offers recreational activities like boating, fishing, and hunting. The lake is also known for its abundant wildlife, including waterfowl and alligators, and features moss-covered cypress trees and several access sites and public parks.
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On Cross Lake in Louisiana, the use of fish nets, including gill nets, trammel nets, hoop nets, and fish seines, is prohibited. This prohibition is enforced by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to protect the lake’s fish population. Commercial fishing is also generally prohibited unless approved by the city council.
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There are no dog-friendly beaches on Cross Lake. Crosslake does not have any beaches that allow dogs. You can consider other locations in Minnesota that have dog-friendly beaches, such as Park Point or Matoska Park Dog Beach.
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Towns near Cross Lake in Louisiana include Greenwood, Blanchard, and Hosston. These towns are located in Caddo Parish, with Cross Lake situated on the west side of Shreveport. The lake is easily accessible from these nearby towns and the city of Shreveport itself.
