| |
Camping and Hiking in Louisiana
|
Chemin-A-Haut State Park
This 503-acre park near the Louisiana-Arkansas state line is
situated on a high bluff overlooking Bayou Bartholomew and is a
natural paradise for lovers of unspoiled beauty. Chemin-A-Haut
is French for "high road", which describes an old trail used by
the Native Americans for their seasonal migrations. It is easy
to imagine ancient tribesmen camping in this beautiful setting
among towering virgin pines, with soft sounds of water rippling
by to lull them into restful sleep. Present-day visitors can
camp like the Native Americans, but with many more modern
conveniences. They need not, for example, sleep on the ground,
or bathe and wash their clothes in Bayou Bartholomew or nearby
Bayou Chemin-A-Haut. There are 26 campsites at the park, each
including water and electricity. Located nearby is a dump
station and a comfort station with showers and restroom
facilities. A rally camping area is also available for groups.
For those less interested in "roughing it", the park has six
vacation cabins' complete with bedroom, bathroom, fully equipped
kitchen, screened porch and a fireplace. The air-conditioned and
heated cabins have two double beds and can comfortably sleep
four people, with a maximum capacity of six. A group camp
accommodates up to 38 guests, dormitory style. The group camp
has a kitchen/dining area, and the meeting lodge a spacious
conference room for meetings or informal gatherings. For
information call: (888)677-2436
St. Bernard State Park
Warm breezes flowing through the shady trees and that special
kind of quiet that comes with nature are part of the charm and
attraction of St. Bernard State Park. Yet the 358-acre site is
just 19 miles away from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans,
French Quarter. St. Bernard State Park is the ideal spot for
visitors who are seeking a natural experience, as well as for
campers who don't want to or cannot stray far from civilization.
With public transportation to New Orleans within a half-mile of
the park, many campers consider combining a camping vacation
with a touring vacation of the New Orleans area. The Chalmette
National Historic Park, Jackson Barracks, and other historic
sites and plantation homes are also nearby. Located right along
the Mississippi River, the park contains a network of man-made
lagoons which provides a peaceful, natural setting for
relaxation. Woodlands meet wetlands in St. Bernard, resulting in
a diverse habitat for wildlife, including rabbits, raccoons,
opossums, squirrels, turtles, alligators, and a wide variety of
birds. The nature trail through the park is the perfect way to
introduce children to the joy of discovery in nature. Located
right along the Mississippi River, the park contains a network
of man-made lagoons which provides a peaceful, natural setting
for relaxation. Woodlands meet wetlands in St. Bernard,
resulting in a diverse habitat for wildlife, including rabbits,
raccoons, opossums, squirrels, turtles, alligators, and a wide
variety of birds. The nature trail through the park is the
perfect way to introduce children to the joy of discovery in
nature. For information call: (888)677-7823
Lake Bistineau State Park
Situated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, this park
offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding
recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood
forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress
and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat launches, hiking
trails, playgrounds, two swimming pools, a lakefront beach, a
baseball field, camping, cabins, lodges, and excellent fishing.
Lake Bistineau State Park has a lot to offer the angler, but
fishing is certainly not the end of the recreation story. This
beautiful spot in northwest Louisiana offers many recreation
opportunities in both sections of the park--Area 1 and Area 2.
Area 1, or the main section of the park, is accessed from LA
163. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular at
numerous sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby
restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for
larger groups. A park naturalist is on hand to take you along
one of the park's nature trails or offer a variety of programs
which are guaranteed to bring the natural beauty and wildlife of
the park to life. A play area, a boat ramp and launch, or a
quiet spot for swimming in the lake among the cypress and tupelo
trees may suit your wishes. Take advantage of the rental boats
that are also available. Area 1 also has provisions for those
who want to spend the night. Fourteen vacation cabins, complete
with bedrooms, bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, are
extremely popular attractions. A charming lodge that sleeps 12
is great for large families or a group. The cabins and the lodge
have central air conditioning and heat, making them comfortable
year-round. Playgrounds will delight young guests of the park.
For the camper, there are 67 improved campsites with water and
electricity, nearby restrooms, showers, and a dump station. The
park includes a rally campground for groups. Groups may also
enjoy the group camp in Area 1 which provides sleeping quarters
for up to 160 people in 20 cabins, a fully equipped kitchen, and
a swimming pool. This is a favorite for family reunions and
church gatherings. For information call: (888)677-2478
Lake Claiborne State Park
Take your pick: swimming, fishing' birding, boating of all
kinds, waterskiing, camping, hiking or just plain relaxing and
enjoying unsurpassed natural beauty. It's all here at Lake
Claiborne State Park. From the moment you drive into this
620-acre recreational facility, the remarkable beauty of nature
unfolds before you. The piney woods, the rolling hills, and the
cool, clear waters of Lake Claiborne inspire the outdoor
enthusiast in all of us. Campers are invited to hook up at one
of the 87 campsites with water and electricity' picnic tables,
and barbeque grills. Primitive group camping is also available,
and a comfort station and laundry facilities will ensure that
your stay is a pleasant one. Fishermen and water sportsmen may
enjoy an excursion on one of the available rental boats, or they
can launch their own vessels from the boat ramp. A boathouse
with restrooms and a fishing pier completes the waterfront
facilities. Primitive canoe campsites are also available for the
adventurous. One of the most popular activities for visitors of
all ages is swimming at the park's sandy beach. The beach is
situated on an inlet of the lake, and is protected from boats
and waterskiers. So work up an appetite for that fresh fish
supper by taking a brisk swim in Lake Claiborne's famous clear
water. Ecologists and sportsmen alike hail the lake's excellent
water quality, and you will too, once you've made the trip to
Lake Claiborne. Once on site, you will see the area come to life
as a park naturalist will be available to present nature-based
programs and give guided hikes. The woods of Lake Claiborne are
also home to a wide variety of wildlife. A lovely nature trail
will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the area at your own
pace. Or you may be interested in a variety of nature tours,
offered on a regular basis. For information call: (888)677-2524
Sam Houston Jones State Park
Crystal clear waters, towering trees, and beautiful vistas along
unspoiled rivers and streams make this area a delight for those
who enjoy natural beauty at its finest. Originally named for the
Texas folk hero who traveled extensively in the western reaches
of Louisiana, Sam Houston Jones was given its current name in
honor of the state's 37th governor, who was instrumental in
setting aside this tract of land for the public to enjoy.
Campers and picnickers alike find the same breathtaking beauty
that has always attracted people to this nature-perfect setting
at the confluence of the West Fork of the Calcasieu and Houston
Rivers and Indian Bayou. Tree-filled lagoons and a mixed pine
and hardwood forest combine to create a unique natural
environment. For those who wish to stay overnight, the park
offers 12 vacation cabins and 73 campsites. The cabins include
either one or two bedrooms, a living/dining area, a bathroom,
and a fully outfitted kitchen, complete with cooking and eating
utensils. Bed linens are also provided, and each cabin has
central air conditioning and heat. The two campgrounds, located
alongside the lagoons, feature improved sites with water and
electricity. Dump stations, restrooms, and showers are located
nearby. The two hiking trails winding through this beautiful
park make strolling or serious hiking, pleasurable. Particularly
interesting is the old stagecoach road, which hikers may travel
to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to
the Calcasieu River. A park naturalist will be on hand to offer
exciting nature programs and hikes to bring the site to life for
visitors. For information call: (888)677-7264
|
|
|
|
|
|
