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Camping & Canoes – Caddo Lake

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Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/12/2024 - 04/14/2024
All Day

Location
TCU Campus Rec

Categories


Camping & Canoes

Dates: 4/12-4/14 Time: Multiday
Early Bird Deadline: 3/22 Early Bird Cost: $125
Registration Deadline:  4/8 Regular Cost: $150
Pre-Trip Meeting:  4/8 Location: Caddo Lake

Trip Description:

Canoe and camp with us on the beautiful Caddo Lake. We will camp at Caddo Lake State park and paddle along the cyprus lined waterways. This is a great trip for both beginners and experts

Trip Cost:

Early Registration: $125 with a TCU ID, $150 as a sponsored guest

Regular Registration: $150 with a TCU ID, $175 as a sponsored guest

  • Prices reflect the TCU student/faculty and sponsored guest rate.
  • Please read our cancellation/refund policy carefully before registering.
  • Price does not include meals on the road.

Trip Registration:

Register in-person at the Campus Rec Front Office or online @ mycampusrec.tcu.edu

Pretrip

Itinerary

Packing List

Physical Challenge

Risks/Safety

Hygiene/Comfort

Weather

Outfitting & Food

Registration/Cancellation

Pre-Trip Meeting:

4/8 @ 6pm

Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held the date of the Sign-Up deadline (listed above – generally the week of or week before the trip), from 6-7:30 pm at the TCU Climbing Wall.  You will meet the leaders and other trip members, as well as cover all details such as weather, menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bags, pad, tent, etc.).

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at TCU around 4:00 pm and head out toward Caddo Lake. We will unload the boats and gear and set up camp alongside the Lake. Together we will watch the stars come out as we gather around the campfire roasting S’mores.

Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, we go paddle on on of Texas’ best lakes. Scrumptious lunch and dinner will be provided along the way – including fireside S’mores and more stargazing! We will camp alongside the river in rustic, tent-camping accommodations.

Day 3: After a final breakfast, we will paddle downstream of our campsite through the remainder of our route. We will arrive at our take out after lunch, and arrive back at TCU by approximately 6pm.

Packing List

We are limited on space, and the less stuff you bring, the less you have to carry around. Ask yourself…What would I want in the coldest weather or the hottest weather? Pack to be prepared for both!

Things that should be packed inside your personal day pack and kept with you inside the van:

  • Small day pack
  • Money for road meals
  • A warm layer
  • Headlamp
  • Travel size pillow
  • Water
  • Snack food
  • Camera

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:

  • Sunglasses w/retainer strap
  • Personal toiletries i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, extra contact lenses, Chapstick, sunscreen, baby wipes, baby powder, ear plugs, hand lotion, medications you usually take, etc.
  • 2 durable crush proof one-liter water bottles or a hydration pack
  • Eating utensils
  • Plastic bowl
  • Mug/insulated cup
  • Hand sanitizer

CLOTHING LIST:

HEAD:
  • Wide brimmed shade hat
  • Beanie/ stocking cap
  • Bandana
HANDS:
  • Gloves
FEET: NO FLIP FLOPS!!
  • Tennis shoes with good ankle support
  • Water shoes with a heel strap – Chacos, Tevas, old tennis shoes, etc.
UPPER BODY
  • Cotton or synthetic blend hiking shirt (breathable layer)
  • Cotton or synthetic camp shirt (a clean shirt to wear at camp)
  • Synthetic Long Sleeve Top(s) – Polypro, Capilene, or polyester.
  • Fleece jacket or sweatshirt
  • Sports bra
  • Windbreaker
  • Rain Jacket
LOWER BODY:
  • Nylon shorts
  • Lightweight long pants/ cotton or synthetic hiking pants
  • Rain Pants
  • Sweatpants
  • Underwear
  • Synthetic long underwear (top & bottom)
  • Bathing suit
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
  • 15-30˚ sleeping bag and Thermarest sleeping pad
  • Tent with rain fly (sleeps 2-4)
  • Headlamp
  • Camp chair
  • Pack Bag: to hold all of the above items PLUS your personal gear and clothes
GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
  • Expedition First Aid Kit
  • Ground Tarp
  • Stoves, fuel and all cooking gear-pots, pans, spice kit etc.
  • Repair kit for tents, stoves, packs, etc.
  • Water bags -2+ gallon bags for camp use
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert

Physical Challenge

Paddling on Caddo Lake can be tiring and may take the majority of the day. Be prepared to paddle for up to 6 hours per day. Strong winds can increase or decrease the difficulty of this paddle as canoes and kayaks can be highly influenced by the wind. While participants do not need to be superstars athletes, a decent level of fitness can go a long way.

TRIP RATING 1 out of 3 – This is an Beginner paddle trip.

Risk/Hazard/Safety

There are numerous risks and hazards associated with Brazos River. Not dressing appropriately can result in heat or cold illnesses (Hyperthermia or Hypothermia). Not drinking enough water results in dehydration and not being in adequate physical condition can result in sore muscles. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment; however, while they may be able to treat injuries they cannot always prevent them.

Hygiene Comfort

Our campsite will be located in a developed campground operated by the Park.  There will be designated tent sites, picnic tables, fire pit and running water nearby.  In addition, there is a public restroom facility with flush toilets and running water. TCU will provide tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, and foam sleeping pads. You will have the choice to share a tent with two or three trip members or sleep under the stars. The sleeping area provides us with durable hard packed dirt.

Weather

The trip leaders will research the weather conditions in advance to assess the situation. The Trip will be canceled if the weather is dangerous. If you do not receive an email about this, then please be prepared to be out in the weather. Please follow the weather and use your best judgment as well as the packing list to determine what you will personally need to stay warm and dry during the entirety of this trip. Layers are recommended for cold weather and failure to bring proper attire will be detrimental to your experience.

Please contact Emily Tumilty, Coordinator – Outdoor Programs with any questions at e.tumilty@tcu.edu