Take time to explore and relax in one of Louisiana’s beautiful state parks. You will find wonderful camping, hiking, fishing and recreation in landscapes of forested hills, clear-water lakes, lowland swamps, marshes and Gulf beaches.
alert – hurricane closures
Nearly all of Louisiana’s State Parks have fully reopened following damage from Hurricane Ida. As of August 2022, Grand Isle State Park remains closed until further notice. The cabins at Fountainbleau State Park are closed, but the campground and other facilities are open. All boardwalk trails at Tickfaw State Park are closed due to hurricane damage. Get the latest closure updates from the Louisiana Office of State Parks.
The state of Louisiana operates 20 state parks that begin near the state’s northern border with Arkansas and extend south to a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. You will find a state park conveniently located near all of Louisiana’s major cities.
Chicot State Park
Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Chicot with native flowers and plants in the arboretum at this central Louisiana State Park.
Lake Bistineau State Park
A 27 square mile lake loaded with moss-draped cypress trees. Great fishing, kayaking and camping.
Fontainebleau State Park
Fountainebleau State Park in Mandeville, only a short 45-minute drive from downtown New Orleans, the state’s most visited park.
Toledo Bend State Parks
Toledo Bend Reservoir was created in the 1960’s on the Sabine River and is the fifth largest man-made lake in the United States.
Poverty Point Reservoir
Sunsets at this state park are amazing, and the best place to watch is from the back porch of one of the state park cabins that sit above the man-made lake.
Jimmie Davis State Park
This north Louisiana state park is famous for its record-sized catches of bass. The clear waters of Caney Lake are also great for swimming and water sports
Bogue Chitto State Park
Enjoy a float on the river, camping, horseback riding, hiking and extreme bike trails.
Bayou Segnette State Park
Sleep in a cabin floating on the water on the edge of the marsh.
Lake Bruin State Park
A hot spot for fishing from a boat or long fishing pier, and a great place to enjoy beautiful sunsets.
Tickfaw State Park
A great place for nature lovers to explore a variety of Louisiana habitats from pine forests to boardwalks over a river swamp.
Chemin-a-Haut State Park
Louisiana’s first state park featuring the “Castle Tree”, a nearly 1,000 year old cypress giant.
Palmetto Island State Park
A south Louisiana treasure where you can canoe, kayak or hike in a jungle-like environment.
Lake D’Arbonne
Enjoy north Louisian’s hill country with fishing, camping and hiking.
Lake Fausse Pointe
This southern LA state park puts you in America’s Great Atchafalaya Basin Swamp.
Mountain Bike Trails
Take the challenge on these extreme mountain bike trails at Bogue Chitto State Park.
Hiking the Gorge
The 5.5 mile long Gorge Run Trail loops through pine-covered hillside and river lowlands.
Louisiana State Arboretum
Chicot State Park is home to the state arboretum with miles of nature trails and seasonal wild flowers.
Chicot Canoe Trails
The large cypress tree filled lake at Chicot is the perfect place to canoe or kayak.
Sam Houston Jones State Park
After two years of hurricane cleanup, this state park is open with new upgraded cabins and campground.
State Park Stargazing
Some Louisiana state parks offer a unique opportunity to enjoy a star-filled dark sky.
Grand Isle State Park
Temporarily closed due to Hurricane Ida damage.
Dutch Oven Cooking
Outdoor cooking demonstrations at Louisiana State Parks.
Trail Rides
No horse, no problem. Guided trail rides at Bogue Chitto State Park
Tchefuncte River Tours at Fairview-Riverside Park
Great wildlife viewing along Tchefuncte River from Fairview-Riverside State Park
Kitty Carlisle
Would love to have a book “Heart of Louisiana” to travel with
Dave McNamara
Thanks Kitty. It’s always a possibility.
Susan Merrick
Just saw your report on Lincoln State Park but don’t see it on the map or shown on this site? Any info on where it is? How close is it to Covington? Thanks
Dave McNamara
Hi Susan, Lincoln Parish Park is not a State Park. It’s owned & operated by the parish police jury. It is a very nice park. The park is located in Ruston, so it is a bit of a drive from Covington – 200 miles and will take you about 4.5 hours to get there. Not a day trip for you but a very nice campground if you camp. Thanks for watching! Here is the link to the Lincoln Parish Park story: https://heartoflouisiana.com/lincoln-parish-park-thrill-ride/