10 Best State Parks in Louisiana

From architectural splendor to savory jambalaya to music festivals – and of course Mardi Gras – the down-home folks in Louisiana know how to showcase their state. But Mother Nature has added her own flair. With its 21 state parks, hundreds of species of birds and wildlife, 4,000 miles of waterways, and endless nature trails, it’s no wonder Louisiana is called the Sportsman’s Paradise.

If you are considering relocating to a southern state to escape freezing winters or just want to experience a deeper appreciation of music, history, and a smorgasbord of delightful cuisine, Louisiana may be the perfect destination for you. NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top 10 state parks in Louisiana to help you get started.

1. Jimmie Davis State Park

Google Rating 4.7

This waterfront refuge, the namesake of a former governor, lies on a narrow peninsula that stretches along the expansive Caney Creek Reservoir. Jimmie Davis State Park offers plenty of natural charm and recreation for guests of all ages. Water enthusiasts can kayak, waterski, or spend the day at a beach, complete with a splash pad. Children will enjoy the playground and hikers can trek along the nature trails that wind through the woods. Located 45 minutes southwest of Monroe, the 294-acre park is a fisherman’s sanctuary where prized largemouth bass and bluegill lurk beneath the waters.

2. Lake Claiborne State Park

Google Rating 4.7

Lying halfway between Shreveport and Monroe, the 6,400-acre Lake Claiborne State Park puts nature on display. Guests can rent flat-bottomed boats and canoes and learn about the diverse fauna and flora from a park guide. Visitors may swim at the designated sandy beach, where they are safe from boaters. A popular recreational activity for visitors is disc golf; Lake Claiborne State Park offers two 18-basket disc golf courses. This is one park you will want to explore with family and friends.

3. Chicot State Park

Google Rating 4.6

Located in south-central Louisiana, Chicot State Park encompasses more than 6,000 acres of navigable waterways and rolling hills. Here in Louisiana’s largest state park, Anglers never tire of reeling in largemouth bass, bluegill, and sunfish. Prepare to be spellbound by the dynamic blend of ecosystems in Chicot State Park – including the 300-acre forested Louisiana State Arboretum. If paddling through a marsh is on your bucket list, you can rent a canoe or kayak. Hikers can take their pick of trails – whether for a leisurely stroll or a brisk, challenging climb. Families will enjoy the South Landing, which includes a beach and water playground, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.

4. Lake D’Arbonne State Park

Google Rating 4.6

In the quiet refuge in the Northeast quadrant of Louisiana’s expansive forest is the 655-acre Lake D’Arbonne State Park. Family-friendly activities include fishing, biking, paddling, and camping, along with a swimming pool. The boat launch serves as a launching pad for water skiers. Considered a fishing haven, Lake D’Arbonne has an abundance of freshwater bass and catfish. A diverse species of birds and wildlife make their home in the preserves of Lake D’Arbonne.

5. Poverty Point Reservoir State Park

Google Rating 4.6

Another northeast outpost is the popular Poverty Point Reservoir State Park. The centerpiece of the park is a 2,700-acre, man-made lake where guests can enjoy an array of water sports. At various times of the year, you may spot indigenous wildlife, such as ducks, geese, and pelicans. It’s a scenic place to cast a line and reel in largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. If you want to camp but don’t have the equipment, you can rent a cabin or lodge. 

6. Fairview Riverside State Park

Google Rating 4.5

Along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is the idyllic 99-acre Fairview Riverside State Park. The Tchefuncte River runs through the park, much to the delight of anglers of all ages. As you stroll along the waterway’s boardwalk that straddles the swamp, you may catch a glimpse of an alligator. And overhead, you may see seasonal migratory birds. Whether you are an amateur or professional photographer, you can capture breathtaking shots of the landscape – ones that you will treasure for a lifetime.  

7. North Toledo Bend State Park

Google Rating 4.6

Ready to get back to the heart of nature? The South’s largest man-made lake, North Toledo Bend State Park, is a haven for anglers as the fish are always biting. Fishermen from across the country visit Toledo Bend Reservoir many times throughout the year to participate in its freshwater fishing competitions. Boats and canoes are available for rent, as well as overnight accommodations. Other amenities are a playground, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

8. Cypremort Point State Park

Google Rating 4.4

Tucked away on Vermilion Bay, Cypremort Point State Park has been called a watersports mecca. The park gives visitors a premium spot for saltwater fishing. The spacious half-mile-long beach, which lies between Grand Isle and Cameron, is perfect for sunbathers and picnickers. But the park offers more than water fun; the 185-acre park is home to abundant wildlife. Quiet observers may be fortunate enough to see deer and red foxes, so keep your camera at your fingertips.

9. Chemin-A-Haut State Park

Google Rating 4.5

This park’s name is tied to the state’s French heritage. Chemin-A-Haut State Park – or the high road – sits atop a bluff, providing visitors with a spectacular view of cypress-filled bayous. Paddle along Bayou Bartholomew and gaze at its unspoiled beauty – especially the thousand-year-old Castle Tree whose trunk’s diameter measures 20 feet. It’s also a recreational paradise for youngsters; the park offers two playgrounds and a wading pool. If the park is too enchanting to leave after a day trip, you’ll be glad to know that waterfront cabins are available to rent.

10. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

Google Rating 4.5

If you are ready for a swampland adventure, there’s no better place than Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. Occupying 6,000 acres in south central Louisiana, the park lies in the heart of the Atchafalaya River Basin – the largest freshwater swamp in the country. Alligators and raccoons, along with a myriad of other wildlife, freely roam the wetlands under a canopy of hanging Spanish Moss. You can reach Lake Fausse Pointe State Park from either Lafayette or Saint Martinville.

Ready to start planning your move to Louisiana? Check out the best places to live and retire, as well as our guide on how to build your home in Louisiana. And when you’re ready, you can find new home listings every day at NewHomeSource.

Kathy Pierce

Kathy Pierce is a freelance writer and editor based in Houston who has amassed an extensive portfolio. Her articles have been published in Woman’s Day, Forbes, Huffington Post, Yahoo Finance, Guideposts, and many other national Christian magazines. Further, she has written content for the University of Notre Dame and edited a Wall Street Journal bestseller. Kathy is also a contract writer for Deloitte. When she’s not writing or editing, she enjoys spending time with her biological family and her church family.