Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Do you know how many state parks are in Louisiana? I’ll give you a moment. While you’re thinking about that, have you ever taken the time to explore Louisiana’s beautiful state parks? There truly are so many peppered around the state that you’re never more than an hour’s drive from one. Whether you prefer sandy beaches or rolling hills, these are some of the best state parks in Louisiana.
Oh, and 21. There are 21 state parks in Louisiana. 38 when you count Historic Sites and Preservation Areas.
Even with over 20 state parks in Louisiana, some are more popular than others. Typically, these state parks are so popular for two reasons: they’re located close to major cities and offer plenty of things to do. These three Louisiana state parks are the most popular and are easily worth a visit.
1. Bogue Chitto State Park
Bogue Chitto State Park, 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438, USA
Need To Know: Established in 2010, Bogue Chitto is one of the newest parks in the Louisiana State Parks network.
Wow Factor: 11 lakes stocked with fish, an 18-hole disc golf course, and 14 miles of single-lane bike trails
Located only 65 miles from New Orleans, Bogue Chitto State Park is one of the most scenic parks on the Northshore. With over 1,700 acres to explore, you can rest assured that there are plenty of things to do at Bogue Chitto State Park. In addition to the 11 lakes stocked with freshwater fish, visitors to this state park can also enjoy 7+ miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of equestrian trails, awesome mountain bike trails, and even an 18-hole disc golf course. While you’re tackling the trails, be sure to check out Fricke’s Cave. The name may be a bit deceiving, but the sandstone formations here are unlike anything else you’ll come across.
2. Fontainebleau State Park
Fontainebleau State Park, 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Need To Know: This waterfront state park is equal parts nature and history.
Wow Factor: This is one of the best state parks in Louisiana to watch the sunset.
Fontainebleau is another state park close to New Orleans, and it’s one of my favorite state parks in Louisiana. Nestled along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the drive into Fontainebleau State Park will quickly win you over. As you make your way to the waterfront side of the park, you’ll come across the ruins of a sugar mill. The area was once owned by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, the founder of Mandeville, who ran a sugar plantation here until 1852. The beach is one of the most popular things to do at Fontainebleau State Park, and I’d highly recommend sticking around until sunset. You won’t regret it.
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3. Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Need To Know: The Louisiana State Arboretum is also located within this park.
Wow Factor: This is the largest state park in Louisiana!
Sitting pretty in the heart of Cajun Country, there are plenty of things to do at Chicot State Park. Clocking in at 6,400 acres, much of Louisiana’s largest state park’s appeal is the lake itself. You can bring your own boat and launch into the lake on your way to catch yourself a record-breaking bass, or rent a canoe and explore the park from an entirely new perspective along the 8-mile paddle trail. On land, the 20-mile hiking trail that completely encircles the lake will take you on a beautifully scenic journey through boardwalks over the wetlands.
The Louisiana State Arboretum is also part of this park, but you will have to leave the state park to enter the arboretum. This little slice of paradise has plenty of nature trails, a visitor center, and plenty of informational signs along the way to learn about the ecosystems here. It’s the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country and absolutely worth a visit while you’re exploring Chicot State Park.
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Best State Parks In Louisiana To Camp
While you can go camping at all of the state parks in Louisiana, some have a little bit of an edge over the others. Whether you prefer to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars, rent a waterfront cabin, or pull up in your own RV, these are some of the best state parks in Louisiana to camp:
4. Lake Claiborne State Park
Lake Claiborne State Park, 225 State Park Rd, Homer, LA 71040, USA
Need To Know: This state park has waterfront camping spots
Wow Factor: Plenty of space at campsites, plus a sandy beach to enjoy!
Our first northern Louisiana to make the list, you’ll find plenty of things to do at Lake Claiborne State Park. Much of the appeal of this state park is the lake itself. You can go swimming, fishing, and boating here, so it’s no surprise that this place can be rather popular during the summer months. Water sports including waterskiing and tubing are very popular, too! Lake Claiborne State Park also boasts two of the best disc golf courses in Louisiana, as well as more than 12 miles of hiking trails. For camping, guests can choose to rent a cabin, an RV slot, or a primitive tent camping site.
5. Grand Isle State Park
Grand Isle State Park, 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358, USA
Need To Know: Grand Isle is the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana. The state park has been affected greatly by past hurricanes and is still recovering.
Wow Factor: This is one of the few places you can camp right on the beach!
All the way down at the tip of the boot, Grand Isle State Park is a haven for fishermen. Every July, Grand Isle hosts the Tarpon Rodeo which is the country’s oldest fishing tournament, and it draws thousands of ambitious anglers. Fishing may be one of the most popular things to do at Grand Isle State Park, but it’s far from the only thing. Since the park is located on a flyway for migratory birds, it’s an ideal spot to do a little birdwatching. You can also pitch and tent and camp right on the beach! There are RV slots available to rent, too, and they’re very close to the beach.
6. North Toledo Bend State Park
North Toledo Bend State Park, 2907 N Toledo Park Rd, Zwolle, LA 71486, USA
Need To Know: Like with all of the state parks on this list, you will need a Louisiana fishing license if you plan to do any fishing.
Wow Factor: This park is isolated and the perfect spot to go camping when you want to get away from it all.
The Toledo Bend Reservoir is so large, we have two state parks around it. North Toledo Bend State Park is the smaller of the two, but only by 100 acres. The 900-acre state park is a great spot for anyone who enjoys the water. Fishing is one of the most popular things to do at North Toledo Bend State Park and there is a boat launch with a double ramp to drop in from, as well as fish cleaning stations and even boat rentals. North Toledo Bend State Park offers cabins and campsites which include water and electrical hookups.
7. South Toledo Bend State Park
South Toledo Bend State Park, 120 Bald Eagle, Anacoco, LA 71403, USA
Need To Know: Remember your fishing license if you plan to do any fishing!
Wow Factor: South Toledo Bend State Park has one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles in the southern United States.
Down at the other end of the reservoir, you’ll find South Toledo Bend State Park. Nestled along several small bluffs that overlook the water, the views at this state park are just dreamy. Nationally recognized as one of the best places to go bass fishing, South Toledo Bend State Park is also a nesting ground for bald eagles. With any luck, you might even watch one of these majestic birds snag a snack right out of the water! Fishing and birdwatching are just a few of the things to do at South Toledo Bend State Park, there’s also a beach area, playgrounds for the kids, and a few quick and easy trails to explore. The campsites are the perfect setting to relax for a long weekend, and the park offers premium campsites, primitive sites, cabins, plus a few Tentrr glamping sites with wonderful waterfront views.
Best State Parks In Louisiana To RV
You don’t have to own an RV to enjoy RV life. With RVShare, you can rent an RV to see if it’s a lifestyle you could see yourself in! Here are some of the best start parks in Louisiana to RV:
8. Jimmie Davis State Park
Jimmie Davis State Park, 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA 71226, USA
Need To Know: Since there are limited RV campsites, it’s recommended that you make reservations in advance.
Wow Factor: Jimmie Davis State Park is often referred to as the most beautiful state park in Louisiana!
Jimmie Davis State Park rests on the shores of Caney Lake, and it’s perfect for all kinds of aquatic fun. Two boat launches and a fishing pier provide anglers with plenty of fishing options, and if you’re more into water spots, you’re in luck because waterskiing is one of the most popular things to do at Jimmie Davis State Park during the summer. On land, bikers will thoroughly enjoy the bike trails that weave throughout the park’s rolling hills, and the white sandy beach is the perfect spot to sit back and watch the sunset.
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9. Lake D’arbonne State Park
Lake D'Arbonne State Park, 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville, LA 71241, USA
Need To Know: 60+ campsites to choose from, and they all have water/electrical hookups.
Wow Factor: The 15,250-acre lake is great for fishing, kayaking and waterskiing.
If you’re seeking peace and quiet, look no further than this majestic state park. Clocking in at 655 acres, there are plenty of things do to at Lake D’Arbonne State Park despite its modest size. The park is home to five fishing piers, and the 15,250-acre lake is clearly the centerpiece of the park, so be sure to bring your tackle box. Cyclists will also have a blast riding through the rolling hills and bike trails within the park, and there’s also a disc golf course, a tennis court, a swimming pool, and a playground for all ages to enjoy.
Need To Know: Louisiana Black Bear sightings are common here, so make sure you are storing your food properly.
Wow Factor: The wildlife!
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park might be one of the most underrated state parks in Louisiana. The 2,700 man-made lake offers plenty of opportunities for fishing and other water sports, and birdwatching is one of the most popular things to at Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, especially in the spring and fall. The park lies right on the Mississippi Flyway, so you can expect to see ducks, geese, pelicans, and cormorants during various seasons. The nature trail here runs alongside the beautiful Bayou Macon, and the campsites are all spaced out enough so that you don’t feel on top of one another. This area is home to the Louisiana black bear and sightings are common. Bear-proof containers are peppered all around the park for proper waste disposal, so make sure you don’t leave any food out.
While you’re in the area, be sure to visit Poverty Point, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back more than 3,000 years.
11. Sam Houston Jones State Park
Sam Houston Jones State Park, 107 Sutherland Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70611, USA
Need To Know: This park was hit hard by hurricanes in 2020 and is practically brand new.
Wow Factor: There are plenty of deer here, so it’s a great spot to do a little wildlife watching.
Named after the Texas folk hero, Sam Houston Jones State Park is the perfect place to rest after a long day of driving, especially if you’re driving from Texas. The 1,087-acre park is another one of Louisiana’s state parks that’s been hit hard by hurricanes in the past, and it’s made impressive recovery efforts since hurricanes Laura and Delta practically destroyed it in 2020. These hurricanes damaged or destroyed every single building in the park and took down more than 80% of the trees here, so it’s important to keep that in mind when you visit. Some of the best things to do at Sam Houston Jones State Park include hiking through the mixed pine and hardwood forest, bird watching, and fishing. The park has 30 premium campsites with sewer, water, and 50-amp electrical hookups.
Best State Parks In Louisiana For Hiking
Ready to get your steps in? Thankfully, Louisiana hiking trails don’t have any intense elevation gains to worry about, so hiking at these state parks is generally an activity that the entire family will enjoy! Most Louisiana State Parks have special kid’s trails that offer a whimsical journey into nature, but these three parks in particular have some incredibly scenic hiking trails that are great for solo travelers and families with little ones!
12. Chemin-A-Haut State Park
Chemin-A-Haut State Park, 14656 State Park Rd, Bastrop, LA 71220, USA
Need To Know: This is Louisiana’s oldest state park! It opened in 1935.
Wow Factor: There are hiking trails, equestrian trails, and even paddle trails here.
Named after the French word for “high road,” Chemin-A-Haut sits on a high bluff that overlooks Bayou Bartholomew, so you can expect beautiful views with every step. Hiking is one of the best things to do at Chemin-A-Haut State Park, and there are nearly 10 miles of equestrian and hiking trails to explore. This park is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves begin to change, but honestly, its year-round beauty is worth a visit no matter the season. If you have the time, rent a canoe and paddle out to the Castle Tree. This mighty cypress tree measures 20 feet in diameter and is estimated to be anywhere from 800-1,000 years old!
13. Palmetto Island State Park
Palmetto Island State Park, 19501 Pleasant Dr, Abbeville, LA 70510, USA
Need To Know: Be sure to swing by the Visitor Center during your visit to learn all about the area.
Wow Factor: Beautiful scenery, well-maintained restrooms and six vacation cabins if you’d like to extend your stay!
Tucked away in the heart of Cajun Country, Palmetto Island State Park is teeming with adventure. Hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and fishing are some of the most popular things to do at Palmetto Island State Park. There is a boat launch at the park for access to the Vermilion River, and the interior lagoons are just perfect for kayaking and canoeing around. On land, the nature trails will take you through the park, weaving past all of the gorgeous palmetto plants the park is named for.
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14. Tickfaw State Park
Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
Need To Know: The park is prone to flooding, so steer clear of the trails after a hard rainfall.
Wow Factor: Tickfaw State Park contains four separate ecosystems plus a Nature Center with several hands-on exhibits and displays.
Tickfaw State Park is one of my favorite parks in Louisiana. Its unique location makes it the perfect habitat for four different ecosystems to thrive: a cypress-tupelo swamp, a bottomland hardwood forest, a mixed pine-hardwood forest, and the Tickfaw River. Over a mile of boardwalk trails take you over these ecosystems so you can get a closer look. While hitting the trails is certainly one of the best things to do at Tickfaw State Park, it’s far from the only thing! Be sure to swing by the park’s Nature Center. Here, you’ll find an 800-gallon aquarium filled with fish from the Tickfaw River, plus several exhibits and displays to learn all about the history of the park and the critters that call it home.
15. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, 5400 Levee Rd, St Martinville, LA 70582, USA
Need To Know: Clocking in at 6,000 acres, this is one of the largest state parks in Louisiana.
Wow Factor: This park is smack dab in the Atchafalaya Basin and perfect for anyone looking to see Louisiana’s iconic landscape up close.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Since it’s practically surrounded by water, fishing, boating, and canoeing are easily some of the most popular things to do at Lake Fausse Point State Park, but there are plenty of on-land adventures, too. There are over five miles of trails here, and each one is prettier than the next. The longest trail is just over three miles, so you can mix and match the trails to fit your schedule.
Little-Known State Parks In Louisiana
We’ve covered 15 of the best state parks in Louisiana to go camping, hiking, rving, and some of the most popular parks…but we’re not done yet! These lesser-known state parks are hidden gems, and while they may not offer hundreds of acres to roam, they’re still worth a road trip for. Here are some little-known state parks in Louisiana:
16. Cypremort Point State Park
Cypremort Point State Park, 306 Beach Ln, Cypremort Point, LA 70538, USA
Need To Know: This park is very remote, with few amenities nearby
Wow Factor: Incredible sunsets, fabulous fishing, and a beautiful beach to enjoy.
If you want to feel a million miles away from everything, head over to this secluded state park in Louisiana. Even on the drive over, you’ll begin to question your GPS. Trust me, it’s worth it. This tiny little park overlooking Vermilion Bay is definitely underrated, but for folks who are willing to make the drive, you’ll be rewarded. A half-mile stretch of beach is the perfect spot to catch some rays and splash around in the water, while fishermen will love dropping a line from shore and seeing what they can reel in. Fishing and boating are two of the most popular things to do at Cypremort Point State Park. You can launch your boat to cruise around the Bay or head out into deeper waters in the Gulf of Mexico. This is one of my favorite state parks to watch the sunset, and it’s always incredible. Since it’s a bit of a drive, consider booking one of the park’s vacation cabins so you can spend a few days exploring.
17. Fairview-Riverside State Park
Fairview-Riverside State Park, 119 Fairview Dr, Madisonville, LA 70447, USA
Need To Know: There are no cabins at this park, but they do offer several campsites with hookups.
Wow Factor: One of the first things you’ll see when you enter the park is the Otis House. Built in the 1880s, this home is a historical landmark and you can take a tour inside.
Clocking in at a mere 99 acres, Fairview-Riverside is far from the largest state park in Louisiana, but it’s not the smallest, either! Sitting pretty on the shores of the Tchefuncte River, this is a perfect spot to spend an afternoon wandering around and maybe enjoying a picnic lunch. The park was originally the family home for William Theodore Jay, a sawmill owner who built the home you pass by when you enter the park. Frank Otis purchased the property in the 1930s and used it as his summer home until he passed away in 1962. Otis left the property to the state so it could be used as a recreational area, and today we have Fairview-Riverside State Park to enjoy because of it. The Otis House offers tours Wednesday through Sunday and it’s one of the best things to do at Fairview-Riverside State Park.
18. Lake Bruin State Park
Lake Bruin State Park, 201 State Park Rd, St Joseph, LA 71366, USA
Need To Know: Originally a fish hatchery, Lake Bruin State Park is the smallest state park in Louisiana!
Wow Factor: The park may be small, but the 3,000-surface-area lake is home to some of the best bass, crappie, and bluegill fishing in the state.
Lake Bruin State Park’s 53 acres make it the smallest state park in Louisiana, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. Fishing is one of the most popular things to do at Lake Bruin State Park, so be sure to bring your tackle box. The lake was originally established as a fish hatchery back in 1928, and today it’s a great spot to drop a line from one of the three fishing piers around the lake. There’s also a year-round boat launch and boat rentals available, too.
There are three state parks left that deserve honorable mention, and those parks are Bayou Segnette State Park, Lake Bistineau State Park, and Lake Claiborne State Park. These parks are all great in their own way and easily worth a road trip. Remember that it costs $3 per person to visit any of these Louisiana State Parks.
Check out the beach at Lake Claiborne. Looks like the perfect spot to spend a summer day, right? Read on to learn more:
