Johnson's Ranch Marina

Johnson's Ranch Marina

Johnson's Ranch Marina
4.5
About
Come see the Caddo shallow waters, the backwoods, And Fall in Love with The Wonder of Caddo Lake! Picnic on our pavilion overlooking the water and get your feet wet or fish while you are here! We offer Boat tours, Cabin rentals, Canoe and Kayaking rentals, Live Bait, Fishing tours, Boat Fuel and launching, Cold Beer, drinks and Snacks!
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles39 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
4
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0

Keith S
47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2020
Johnson's Ranch Marina is a happening spot on the Lake. My dad spent time at Johnson Ranch back in the 40's. I took him back for his 87th birthday together with his grandson, great grandson, and their fathers. He was able to talk with Billie and share stories from the past 75 years. There is a great covered fishing pier, Go-Devil boat tours, canoe rental, etc. It's a fun place just to hang and soak in the local culture.
Written July 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ExtraUnderwear
Medellin, Colombia665 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
PROS

*We rented a canoe here for the day for $30, which was cheaper than some other places.
*Rental process was pretty easy. Woman working here was extremely helpful.
*Didn't have to pay Caddo Lake entrance fee.

CONS

*None
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jo F
54 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Couples
We went out with Chas Warren a local fishing guide working out of this marina. He put us on the crappie and it was a fabulous day in spite of several inches of rain falling just a few hours earlier. We will be back to fish with him!
Written April 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tankbou
Austin, TX11 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apparently Billy usually catches a lot of fish when he goes out. But when he doesn't, he gets frustrated. We always felt safe, WE were thrilled with the number of fish we caught, and the lake is beautiful, but for the money we spent, it would have been nice for Billy to treat our kids, novice fisherman, more kindly, and not chastise and berate them and the adults as well, while we were learning to cast and fish on Caddo Lake.
Written July 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michelle M
Conroe, TX14 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2018 • Friends
First off, I agree with the other reviewers that the staff of Johnson's Ranch Marina are extremely nice. Very friendly.
My sister and I take one weekend a year to get away and have fun. After reading the reviews on Johnson's Ranch Marina and thoroughly looking at every picture on their website we called in February to reserve the Knotty Pines cabin. I confirmed the Monday before our reservation and was assured that the Knotty Pines cabin was ours. We called in route to remind Karen that we would be arriving after 8:30 or 9 p.m.. she informed us that there had been a mix-up with the reservations and we had been moved to Kermit Castle. She assured us that we wouldn't have to pay the price increase do to Kermit's Castle being larger. We would pay the Knotty Pines price. My sister and I pulled up Johnson's Ranch Marina website while driving to again look at Kermit castle and see what we could expect upon arrival. In the pictures on the website it looks cute and cozy. What we found is a far cry from what was advertised. I copy pictures from Johnson's Ranch Marina website to post with this review, and I've posted 2 pics of what the actual living room and kitchen look like. Kermit's Castle is described on JRM website as a three-bed, two-bath mobile home. In fact it has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The linoleum on the floor is peeling, the floors were so dirty that we were socks and shoes the whole time because our socks were turning black. The blankets and towels did smell fresh. There is sticky stuff all over the counters in the kitchen had not been thoroughly cleaned. A nice thick layer of dust and cobwebs covered everything. There isn't any Wi-Fi. And only one TV station will come in on the antenna.
In truth, I believe that whoever had reserved permits Castle arrived earlier in the day, and seeing the true condition of the mobile home demanded different accommodations. Since they had already arrived at bird-in-hand was worth two in the bush. To be fair we did not complain about the condition of the accommodations. My sister and I decided to focus on the positive of being together and look at the entire experience as an adventure versus throwing a fit. But upon further reflection on our 3 & 1/2 hour drive back to Houston we, again pulled up the website to looking at the pictures and description, comparing it with the video and pictures we took.
I believe something has to be said. It would be unfair for a family to reserve Kermit's Castle expecting a three-bedroom two-bathroom cute little fishing lodge and arrive to a 1970s, 14 foot single wide with peeling linoleum floors, Dusty cobwebs covering the surface of everything. Hair and dust on countertops, lumpy tilted mattress, slanted & tilted cockeyed floors, Etc. Oh, we found out late Saturday afternoon that there is actually a laundry room on the back side of the trailer. A gentleman on site spent all afternoon doing his laundry. We couldn't figure out why the entire house kept shaking and every piece of glass or metal was vibrating. When we found out about the laundry room it suddenly made sense. Every time the washer or dryer went on spin cycle the entire house shook.
The weather this past weekend was beautiful so we did enjoy the front porch and the view it afforded us of the activity going on at the dock.
Written May 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fishing4aDream
Diana, TX3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2016 • Solo
Johnson's Ranch Marina is the best place to anchor your heart. Good people, great fishing and everything to accommodate you. Rustic is part of the magic. If you want Catalina - go there. If you want to truly relax and kick up your feet and catch a few or just glance at the water and herons... The place and the people will put a smile on your face and a dance in your heart. Feeling blue? Get there quick!! Best place ever!!
Written November 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LindsayBaines
El Dorado KS87 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2016 • Friends
During a long business trip my co-workers decided we should all venture out for a day. I stumbled upon Johnsons marina. We rented canoes and kayaks and paddled for about four hours ($30 per boat). The canoe trails were perfect! We were able to navigate through the trees, lily pads, and brush very easily. Each turn was another jaw dropping view. Local fisherman were very friendly as we passed. We saw beautiful fish and birds and even a small gator. I definitely recommend boat rental from Johnsons. They also have motor boat tours. The staff was very nice and made sure we had everything we needed. Note: none of us had any cell service at all.
Written August 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tomthbomb
Longview, TX926 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2015 • Friends
I've been coming to Johnson's Ranch for years and never thought to do a tripadvisor review.
This place looks like a movie set, and has been used for one many times. You can't get this kind of atmosphere without years and years of loving wear and tear.
Karen, Leroy, Kevin and the crew will take care of what you need on Caddo Lake. Recently Karen has become the purveyor of Karen's Kitchen just inside the main door. Come in for a snack and a brewsky.

It's amazing what Dottie and Billy have done with the marina. They made it more inviting without losing any of the hard earned charm of the place.
Written March 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

serickson0722
Weatherford, TX6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Couples
Billy gave us the 'low-down' on local lore, lake politics and wildlife. Really enjoyed this excursion of our trip.
Written February 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pamhiker
Calgary, Canada102 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2014 • Couples
We went for a 2 hour tour on a Devil Boat with our two dogs. The pups loved the boat ride and so did we. Caddo Lake is beautiful, too bad about all the duck blinds set up in it. The cypress trees were a very pretty red and looked fantastic against a setting sun. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area. I would highly recommend getting out on the lake with Johnson's Ranch Marina
Written December 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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JOHNSON'S RANCH MARINA (2025) - All You MUST Know Before You Go (with Reviews)

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