🌤 Weather at Jimmie Davis State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45–83 °F | 69–93 °F | 44–88 °F | 35–61 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Ruston La Tech, 17 mi away, elevation 295 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Jimmie Davis State Park is a public state park in Louisiana near Chatham. Spanning 294 acres and established in 1996, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Louisiana |
| Nearest City | Chatham |
| Park Size | 294 acres |
| Established | 1996 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Jimmie Davis State Park is located near Chatham, Louisiana. The park’s coordinates are 32.2919, -92.5122.
Things to Do
Louisiana state parks immerse visitors in the unique landscapes of the Deep South — ancient cypress-tupelo swamps, bayou waterways, coastal marshes, and moss-draped hardwood forests. Activities include kayaking through mysterious cypress swamps, canoeing down bayous, fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie in rich warm-water environments, hiking through bottomland forests, camping in waterfront settings, birdwatching along the Mississippi Flyway, geocaching on park trails, and exploring Cajun and Creole cultural heritage sites.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (October–November) and spring (March–April) are the best seasons — comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and manageable mosquito levels. Winter (December–February) is mild and excellent for birding, especially migratory waterfowl. Summer (June–September) brings extreme heat, humidity, and aggressive mosquitoes — plan morning visits and bring powerful insect repellent. Hurricane season (June–November) can affect coastal parks.
Visitor Tips
Louisiana state parks charge a nominal admission fee ($3 per person, children under 3 free). Camping and cabin reservations through lastateparks.com. Many parks offer excellent cabins and glamping options. Insect repellent is absolutely essential, especially in swamp and bayou parks. Alligators inhabit virtually every freshwater body in Louisiana — keep a safe distance. Some parks flood during heavy rains — check conditions before visiting.
Explore More Louisiana State Parks
Jimmie Davis State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Louisiana. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Louisiana guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Jimmie Davis SP — named for Governor Jimmie Davis — who wrote “You Are My Sunshine” — one of the most recorded songs of all time. The park’s Caney Lake, pine-hardwood forest, and wetlands support bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and largemouth bass.
Nearby Attractions
Chatham — nearby. Jackson Parish — surrounding.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Caney Creek Lake State Park (a short drive away) or Lake D’Arbonne State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Jimmie Davis State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome on trails and in outdoor spaces at Louisiana state parks provided they are on a leash no more than 6 feet long, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required (or caged/crated)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are prohibited in swimming areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins at 16 parks for a $40-per-dog surcharge, max two dogs per cabin; at least half of all cabins remain pet-free; proof of vaccinations required
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $40 per dog per stay in pet-friendly cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets banned from group camps and other enclosed structures
Are dogs allowed at Jimmie Davis State Park?
Pets are welcome on trails and in outdoor spaces at Louisiana state parks provided they are on a leash no more than 6 feet long, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via lastateparks.com. More: Louisiana state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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