Louisiana's Top State Parks For a Day of Adventure
Do you hear that? It’s the great outdoors calling! Whether you’re looking to enjoy a weekend of camping and cooking on the fire or simply want to hike through some of the most beautiful parts of the state, these top state parks in Louisiana have you covered. Across the board, each of Louisiana’s best state parks offers stunning natural views, diverse selections of wildlife, and plenty of recreational activities. That said, each park also features a few things that set them apart from the pack. Whether that’s the historic sugar mill in Fontainebleau State Park or the award-winning disc golf course in Lake Claiborne State Park, there is truly something for everyone in the Bayou State.
Fontainebleau State Park
Between sparkling views of Lake Pontchartrain, a beautiful sandy beach, and the park’s proximity to New Orleans, it’s no surprise that Fontainebleau State Park is the most visited state park in Louisiana. The popular piece of land spans 2,800 acres and offers old rail tracks for hiking and biking as well as places to fish, boat, and camp.
In addition to recreational fun, the park is also a popular spot for TV and movie filming. Most recently, Fontainebleau State Park served as a filming location for the 2022 movie, Where the Crawdads Sing. Originally established in 1942, Fontainebleau State Park has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999. During a visit to the state park, travelers will find a few historic attractions to explore including the ruins of an 1829-era sugar mill.
Bogue Chitto State Park
In the small town of Franklinton, Louisiana you will find Bogue Chitto State Park. This scenic park is popular among locals and tourists and features 1,786 acres of sprawling greenery, lake views, and plenty of space for recreational activities. Those looking to explore the park to its fullest will want to grab a campsite. The state park offers tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and a special campground for people traveling with horses.
Throughout the park ther are 14 miles of mountain biking trails, a 7-mile nature trail that winds past the Bogue Chitto River, rows of cypress trees, and plenty of scenic rest areas. There is also a short paved trail lined with interactive art pieces to keep families entertained. Other activities available in the park include disc golf, tubing, and splashing around at the water playground.
Grand Isle State Park
Located on the end of a narrow barrier island by the same name, Grand Isle State Park is a beautiful location, especially for those who love being surrounded by water. Here, you will have access to the glistening Gulf Coast where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the view. Between the coast and the park's lagoons, birding enthusiasts will have a grand time admiring the various birds and wildlife that reside in the area. Other popular activities at Grand Isle State Park include crabbing, boating, fishing, and sunning. Those who can’t say no to a good hike will find a modest 2.5 mile hiking trail here. Along the trail, hikers can admire local flora and fauna.
North Toledo Bend State Park
North Toledo Bend State Park is a picturesque, activity-packed park tucked along the shores of the Toledo Bend Reservoir. This reservoir is the largest man made reservoir in the South and offers park-goers opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and paddling. Hiking enthusiasts of all levels will enjoy the trail selection here which features a 1.5 mile loop, a 4 mile loop, and a 12-mile multipurpose trail. Amenities such as a swimming pool and an 18-hole disc golf course are also on site. Those interested in spending a night or two in the park will find plenty of campsites and deluxe cabins to choose from.
Sam Houston Jones State Park
Rows of longleaf pine trees, 1,087-acres of land, and an abundance of hiking trails are a few joys waiting for you at Sam Houston Jones State Park. The park is located in a very productive birding area of Louisiana so enthusiasts are in for a real treat. While in the park, you'll get thechance to see up to 200 different species of birds lingering around the lagoons or resting on the tree branches. Hikers are spoiled for choice when it comes to trails. Within the grounds there are five different hiking routes, the longest is 3.5 miles. Activities such as camping, biking, and boating are also offered here.
Lake Claiborne State Park
Lake Claiborne State Park is a fishing lover's paradise. The park’s lake has a surface area of 6,400 acres and is home to a diverse range of freshwater fish. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, channel catfish, black crappie, striped bass, chain pickerel, bream, and white perch.
Don’t enjoy fishing? Don’t worry–the park offers a handful of other activities to indulge in. Starting with camping, Lake Claiborne State Park provides RV sites, tent camping, and a selection of two-bedroom cabins hidden amongst the trees. Another notable amenity are the disc golf courses which are ranked among the best in the state. There are also six hiking trails ranging from a short walkt to 6 miles long. Clear swimming water, birds, and a range of wildlife can also be found here.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
The grounds that make up Lake Fausse Pointe State Park span a whopping 6,000-acres throughout the Atchafalaya Basin. The park, which was originally home to the Chitimacha indigenous tribe, feels like a piece of living history. Walk through the same areas where indigenous tribes and later, European settlers made their homes in the early 1700s.
History buffs will also be interested in exploring the nearby Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site during their visit. Meanwhile, hiking enthusiasts will want to set out on any one of four nature trails located within the park. Other activities including biking, birding, camping, swimming, fishing, and splashing around in the water playground are also available here.
In Conclusion
When adventure comes calling, these Louisiana State Parks are the perfect spots to spend a day or two traipsing through nature. Between hiking trails of various lengths and swimming holes with clear, sparkling water–there is so much fun to be had in these top seven state parks. So grab your gear, gather your friends or family, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors!