Caney Creek Lake State Park

Available Activities

Hiking
Camping
Swimming
Fishing
Boating
Kayaking

Louisiana’s Premier Lakeside Resort — 73 RV Sites, 17 Cabins, 5,000-Acre Lake, Trophy Bass, Splash Pad, Disc Golf & Group Camp Near Chatham

Caney Creek Lake State Park (officially Jimmie Davis State Park) is a 294-acre lakeside recreation area on the shores of Caney Creek Lake, a 5,000-acre reservoir in Jackson Parish, Louisiana, near Chatham. The park offers 73 improved campsites with 50-amp electric and water hookups, 17 deluxe two-bedroom cabins, two large lodges, a group camp facility with dormitories, a swimming beach, splash pad, boat launches, fishing piers, disc golf, hiking trails, and a playground.

Caney Creek Lake is renowned for its exceptionally clear water — a rarity in Louisiana’s bayou country — and its trophy-quality largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. The park’s pine and hardwood forests provide scenic camping in a mature woodland setting. With deluxe cabins, lodges, and a group camp with dormitories and a dining hall, Caney Creek Lake accommodates everything from solo anglers to family reunions to large organizational retreats.

Things to Do

Fishing

Trophy largemouth bass: Caney Creek Lake is known for producing trophy-sized bass
Additional species: Crappie, bluegill, channel catfish
Access: Two boat launches, fishing pier, fish cleaning stations
Louisiana fishing license required

Water Recreation

Swimming beach: Sandy beach area on the lake
Splash pad: Water play area for children
Waterskiing and tubing
Kayaking and canoeing

Hiking & Recreation

Forest trails: Winding through pine and hardwood forest
Disc golf course
Playground
Picnic pavilions: Available for rental
Cycling: Paved park roads suitable for biking

Camping & Lodging

Option	Details
RV Sites	73 improved sites; paved pads; 50-amp electric + water hookups; picnic tables; fire rings/grills
Cabins	17 deluxe two-bedroom cabins — fully equipped
Lodges	2 large lodges — ideal for family groups
Group Camp	4 dormitories + dining hall — for organizations, youth groups, retreats
Dump Station	Available
Comfort Stations	Modern restrooms; hot showers; laundry facilities

Best Time to Visit

Season	Highlights	Considerations
Spring (Mar–May)	⭐ BEST: Bass spawn; crappie run; wildflowers; comfortable temps; splash pad opening; birding	Rain; some muddy trails; spring storms; book cabins early
Summer (Jun–Aug)	⭐ Swimming beach; splash pad; waterskiing; full services; disc golf; longest days	Hot and humid (90°F+); mosquitoes; thunderstorms; peak crowds
Fall (Sep–Nov)	⭐ Fall bass; crappie; comfortable temps; fall foliage in hardwoods; quiet; disc golf	Cooling; some services seasonal; shorter days
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Winter crappie fishing; cabin stays; solitude; mild Louisiana winters	Cooler; some facilities reduced; rain

Visitor Tips

Clear water: Caney Creek Lake is known for its exceptionally clear water — unusual for Louisiana. This makes it excellent for sight-fishing and swimming.
Trophy bass: The lake is a trophy largemouth bass destination — bring quality tackle and consider a local guide for the best spots.
Name note: The park was renamed to Jimmie Davis State Park (after the former Louisiana governor and songwriter), but is still widely known locally as Caney Creek Lake State Park.
Group camp: The group camp with dormitories and a dining hall is ideal for youth groups, church retreats, and organizational events — book well in advance.
Splash pad: The splash pad is a huge hit with younger children — bring swimsuits and towels.
Contact: (318) 249-2595 for reservations and current conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caney Creek Lake good for bass fishing?

Yes — Caney Creek Lake (at Jimmie Davis State Park) is one of Louisiana’s premier largemouth bass lakes. The 5,000-acre reservoir is known for producing trophy-sized bass and for its exceptionally clear water, which is unusual in Louisiana. Additional species include crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. The park provides two boat launches, a fishing pier, and fish cleaning stations. A valid Louisiana fishing license is required.

Does Caney Creek Lake State Park have cabins?

Yes — the park (officially Jimmie Davis State Park) offers 17 deluxe two-bedroom cabins and two large lodges. In addition, 73 improved RV campsites with 50-amp electric and water hookups are available. A group camp facility with four dormitories and a dining hall accommodates large organizations. Modern comfort stations with hot showers and laundry are available throughout the campground. Reservations can be made through the Louisiana State Parks website or by calling (318) 249-2595.

Last updated: May 2026

Last updated: May 2, 2026