More than 6,400 acres of rolling hills, hardwood forest, marshy swampland, lake, and beech-magnolia trees lie within Chicot State Park. This beautiful South Central Louisiana park is located in Evangeline Parish only 50 miles north of Lafayette.
Chicot State Park is home to a wildlife preserve, the Louisiana State Arboretum, and the 2,000 acre Lake Chicot. Here guests may canoe, kayak, fish, hike, mountain bike, picnic, bird watch, and more. And choose from a variety of overnight accommodations, including glamping, modern and primitive campsites, cabins, and lodges.
Visitors to this picturesque area especially enjoy exploring the extensive hiking and paddling trails that highlight its rugged beauty.
Activities
Spend a few days exploring the wilderness inside this South Central Louisiana state park – camp, hike, paddle, fish, picnic, and cool off in the small water park. As you surround yourself entirely with serene woodlands, wetlands, and alongside the scenic lake you’ll begin to relax and feel renewed.
Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Chicot State Park:
Boating at Chicot State Park
Bring your canoe, kayak, or rent one inside the park and explore the 12 miles of canoe trails that wind through the swampland inside Chicot State Park. In addition to canoe and flat bottom boat rentals, the park also provides 3 boat launches, and a boathouse.
Swimming at Chicot State Park
Cool off at the splash park area that features a small pool area with waterfalls, waterspouts, and small waterslides. This fun water playground inside Chicot State Park is open Tuesdays through Sundays.
Hiking at Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park has 20 miles of trails that wind throughout the surrounding woodlands, swamp, and around Lake Chicot. The Louisiana State Arboretum, located within the park, has several more trails that lead into Ferguson’s Gully and Walker Branch.
Here are a couple of the trails at Chicot State Park:
- Lake Chicot Trail – A moderate 17.3 mile loop that winds through the swampy woodlands, across several long wooden bridges, and around the entire lake. Several primitive camping areas lie along the trail.
- North Landing Trail – Moderate 8 mile loop that winds up and down hills and showcases a few spectacular views over the lake.
Biking at Chicot State Park
Love to ride? Chicot State Park’s roadways are open to mountain bikes. This makes for a fun and convenient way to get from one area to another without losing too much time. Riding is also allowed on the Lake Chicot Trail. This extensive trail winds around the lake offering spectacular views of the native flora and fauna.
Fishing at Chicot State Park
Pack your angling gear, pick up a Louisiana fishing license, and prepare to spend a relaxing day on the lake during your visit to Chicot State Park. The park’s 2,000 acre lake, Lake Chicot, is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, red-ear sunfish, and crappie.
Fish from shore, boat, along the 400 foot fishing pier, or from your private cabin dock. Boat rentals, a boathouse, and 3 boat launches are also available within the park.
Birding at Chicot State Park
If you’re a bird lover you’ll enjoy seeing a variety of species inside the park, especially during the spring and fall. Winter also provides prime viewing because Lake Chicot provides an important habitat for several thousand wintering waterfowl.
Bring your binoculars while hiking or paddling for a closer view of Bald Eagles, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Mallards, Baltimore Orioles, Ring-billed Gulls, American Bitterns, Henslow’s Sparrows, Greater White-fronted Geese, Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Grasshopper Sparrows, Painted Buntings, Wood Thrushes, and Least Terns.
Nature and Wildlife at Chicot State Park
This beautiful south central Louisiana state park features more than 6,400 acres of rolling hills, hardwood forest, swamp, beech-magnolia trees, the 2,000 acre Lake Chicot, and the Louisiana State Arboretum.
The arboretum takes up more than 600 acres inside Chicot State Park and contains trails, an outdoor classroom, interactive exhibits, and meeting areas.
While exploring trails that extend deep within the woodlands of sycamores, magnolias, maples, hickories, and ferns you may observe a variety of birds as well as White-tail Deer, squirrels, raccoons, opossum, foxes, skunks, snakes, bobcats, coyotes, and alligators.
Pets at Chicot State Park
Pets are allowed at Chicot State Park but must be supervised and kept on a leash. Pets are not permitted inside any park buildings, including cabins.
Camping at Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park offers a variety of overnight accommodations: 10 Glamping sites, 198 campsites with water and electric, backcountry and primitive campsites, cabins, and group lodges.
Each of the 15 deluxe cabins has enough space to accommodate up to 8 overnight guests (1 queen bed, 2 bunk beds, and a sleeper sofa). Cabins have a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and a living room area with cable TV and a fireplace.
There are two types of lodges within the park. The smaller North Lodges can accommodate groups up to 14 and the large Group Camp Lodge is ideal for family gatherings or organized groups of up to 52 people.
Each of the 2 North Lodges has 2 queen beds, 4 bunk beds, and a sleeper sofa. And the Group Camp Lodge features a dormitory with bunks and a dining hall and kitchen. Guests should bring their own dishes, eating utensils, towels, and linens.
Park Location
Chicot State Park
3469 Chicot Park Rd
Ville Platte, LA 70586
Phone: 337.363.2403
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Chicot State Park:
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