Louisiana State Parks Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer gift cards?

Reloadable gift cards are available, and can be purchased at your local state park or by calling the main office at 225-342-8111 . The gift cards can be purchased for any value with a $5 minimum, and are a great way to share the gift of Louisiana State Parks with your family and friends. Gift cards can also be purchased ONLINE

 

What is supplied at the cabins and lodges?

Basic cookware, cooking utensils, dinnerware, silverware, towels and linens are provided. Bring your own food and personal supplies. Group Camp visitors will need to bring their own towels and linens.

What discounts are available to Louisiana State Parks visitors?

Louisiana State Parks' $80 Annual Park Pass is valid for day use at all sites and can be purchased at any state park, for twelve months from the date of purchase. All people accompanying a permit holder as occupants in a single, private non-commercial  vehicle in which the permit holder is a passenger or driver are provided for in the Annual Pass admission.  

For senior discounts on day-use entry to State Parks and Historic Sites, a driver's license is sufficient.

Active duty military personnel and one immediate family member receive a 50% discount for day use entry to a state park, historic site or world heritage site by presenting a current, valid military photo ID. Free admission to all sites is provided for Disabled Veterans with State Park Permit. Eligible veterans may apply for the permit by contacting their local parish veterans service office.

Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are now called the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior and Access Passes, and are issued by the U.S. Geological Survey/Dept. of the Interior. More information can be found at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/. Visitors who hold an America the Beautiful Pass (or already have a Golden Age/Golden Access Passport) and whose home State Park system honor the America the Beautiful passes for overnight discounts, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).

State Senior Pass Discount Access Pass Discount
Arkansas

Yes

No

Delaware

No

Yes

Louisiana

Yes

Yes

Maryland

Yes

No

 

How can I make online reservations?

Click on the Louisiana State Parks RESERVATIONS graphic on each park's webpage and on the "Reservations" page, or click HERE.

How far in advance can I make a reservation?

Reservations can be made 13 months to the day of arrival, in advance ONLINE or by calling the reservation center at 833-609-0686.

The Reservation Center is closed Saturdays, Sundays and all State holidays. Since reservations cannot be made more than 13 months to the day in advance, then you would need to wait until the next business day to make those reservations through the Reservation Center.

Are pets allowed at Louisiana State Parks?

Visitors and their pets can enjoy the trails and outdoor spaces at Louisiana State Parks provided pets are on a leash no more than 6 feet in length, caged or crated. Dogs and other pets are not allowed to run freely on park property.

Dogs are permitted in pet-friendly designated cabins. There is a surcharge of forty dollars ($40) per dog to cover their stay, with a maximum of two dogs per cabin.

Pets, except for service animals, are prohibited in all group camps, other enclosed structures, swimming areas and cabins not designated as dog friendly.

Pet owners are responsible for any injury or damage caused by their pets.

For those without pets who are concerned about safety and allergies, dogs are only allowed in pet-friendly designated cabins, other cabins remain pet-free.

Park Standard Cabin Pet Friendly Deluxe Cabin Pet Friendly 
Bayou Segnette SP     16 4
Bogue Chitto SP     4 1
Chemin-A-Haut SP 6 2 8 3
Chicot SP     15 4
Cypremort Pointe SP     6 2
Fontainebleau     12*  
Jimmie Davis SP     17 4
Lake Bistineau SP     7 2
Lake Bruin SP 2   1  
Lake Claiborne SP     10 3
Lake D'Arbonne SP     16 6
Lake Fausse Pointe SP     8 3
North Toldeo Bend SP     10 3
Palmetto Island SP     6 2
Poverty Point Reservior SP 4   8 2
Sam Houston Jones SP     10 3
South Toledo Bend SP     19 4
Tickfaw SP     14 3

*Fontainebleau cabins are currently closed due to hurricane damage.

What kinds of activities are there at Louisiana State Parks?

Click here for a map of the activities at our sites.

Is drone usage allowed at Louisiana State Parks?

Personal drone usage is allowed at Louisiana State Park properties; however, we request that operators be mindful of other guests and not interfere with their enjoyment of our parks and historic sites. Due to the nature of historic sites, we ask that you contact the site in advance of your visit to determine that drone usage will not interfere with any activities or special programs at the time of your visit. Also be advised that all drone operators should be aware of and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding drone operation.

Commercial drone usage at Louisiana State Parks properties must be approved in advance by the Assistant Secretary. Please contact the administrative office at 225-342-8111 for further information.

Which parks offer wireless internet access?

  • Bayou Segnette State Park (Westwego)
  • Chemin-a-Haut State Park (Bastrop)
  • Fairview-Riverside State Park (Madisonville)
  • Fontainebleau State Park (Mandeville)
  • Grand Isle State Park (Grand (Isle)
  • Jimmie Davis State Park (Chatham)
  • Lake Bistineau State Park (Doyline)
  • Lake Bruin State Park (Newellton)
  • Lake Claiborne State Park (Homer)
  • Lake D'Arbonne State Park (Farmerville)
  • North Toledo Bend State Park (Zwolle)
  • Palmetto Island State Park (Abbeville)
  • Poverty Point Reservoir State Park (Delhi)
  • South Toledo Bend State Park (Anacoco)
  • Tickfaw State Park (Springfield)

The following parks are experiencing difficulties with wireless internet signals. Your patience, as our technical staff work to correct the issues, is appreciated.

  • Bogue Chitto State Park (Franklinton): spotty reception near the group camp and campsite #15
  • Chicot State Park (Ville Platte): little-to-no reception in the south campground; upgrade to equipment is scheduled
  • Lake Bistineau State Park (Doyline): slow service in the cabin area, pending equipment replacement
  • Lake Fausse Pointe State Park: group camp down due to fiber cut, along with campsites #30 and #47; equipment replacement will be scheduled following all cabin repairs
  • North Toledo Bend State Park: down in the area of the comfort station and group camp
  • Sam Houston Jones State Park (Lake Charles): RV campground is operational. Cabin area remains without service, pending equipment replacement.
  • Tickfaw State Park (Springfield): RV loop is scheduled for upgraded equipment

Do the cabins or lodges at Louisiana State Parks have televisions or radios?

Some parks offer radios with bedside clocks; contact the park directly to confirm. TVs and cable service are available in the deluxe cabins at:

  • Bayou Segnette State Park (Westwego)
  • Bogue Chitto State Park (Franklinton)
  • Chemin-A-Haut State Park (Bastrop)
  • Chicot State Park (Ville Platte)
  • Cypremort Point State Park (Cypremort Point)
  • Fontainebleau State Park (Mandeville)
  • Jimmie Davis State Park (Chatham)
  • Lake Bistineau State Park (Doyline)
  • Lake Claiborne State Park (Homer)
  • Lake D'Arbonne State Park (Farmerville)
  • Lake Fausse Pointe State Park (St. Martinville)
  • North Toledo Bend State Park (Zwolle)
  • Palmetto Island State Park (Abbeville)
  • Poverty Point Reservoir State Park (Delhi)
  • Sam Houston Jones State Park (Lake Charles)
  • South Toledo Bend State Park (Anacoco)
  • Tickfaw State Park (Springfield)

Do visitors to Louisiana State Parks need a fishing license to fish?

All visitors to Louisiana State Parks sites must abide by the policies established by the Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries. Fishing licenses are required for persons age 16 and older; more information is available at WLF's website: www.wlf.Louisiana.govClick here to purchase LDWF Fishing Licenses online!

 

Which parks offer boat rentals?

Call the park, to confirm what boats are available.

Bogue Chitto SP 888-677-7312
Chicot SP 888-677-2442
Lake Bruin SP 888-677-2784
Lake Claiborne SP 888-677-2524
Lake D'Arbonne SP 888-677-5200
Lake Fausse Pointe SP (canoes) 888-677-7200
North Toledo Bend SP 888-677-6400
Poverty Point Reservoir SP 800-474-0392
Sam Houston Jones SP 888-677-7264

What kind of trails are there are Louisiana State Parks sites?

Most sites have "multi-use" trails, meaning they are suitable for hiking, biking or just strolling along enjoying nature.

For the serious trail/mountain biking enthusiast, we usually recommend the bike trails at Chicot State Park near Ville Platte, which has 22 miles of trails (the largest trail in our system, as the trails at the other sites, run about 2-5 miles in length). Lake Claiborne State Park and Lake D'Arbonne State Park, in the northern part of the state, also have bike trails available; their hilly terrain would also be enjoyed by serious mountain bikers. Fontainebleau and Fairview-Riverside State Parks, located on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain, are close to the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile "rails to trails" conversion that goes from Slidell to Abita Springs.

 

Equestrian trails

Equestrian trails at State Parks sites are open to riders and their own horses. There is a $3/horse per day fee, in addition to the day-use entrance of $3 per person; overnight campsites can be rented for $22 to $28 per night, plus tax. Certification of a clean Coggins test is required for all horses brought on State Park property. It is recommended that you call ahead for the status of the trail.

Bogue Chitto State Park (985-839-5707) - A 14-mile trail winds through some of the most interesting topography of southern Louisiana, with gullies and bluffs hosting a variety of wildlife to encounter. The trailhead is located near Fricke's Cave, just inside the park. Bogue Chitto State Park is located off Hwy. 25, about 5 miles south of Franklinton.

Chemin-A-Haut State Park (318-283-0812) - Located 10 miles north of Bastrop in Morehouse Parish, this park has an eight-mile equestrian trail loop. Beginning at the campground where riders can overnight with their horses, the trail goes through mixed pine and hardwood forest, bottomland cypress flats and along Chemin-A-Haut creek.

Lake Bistineau State Park (318-745-3503) - On the equestrian trail at Lake Bistineau State Park, a variety of wildlife can be seen as the trail winds 6.5 miles through pine and hardwood forests and along Bistineau Lake. The relatively flat terrain allows for a relaxed, comfortable ride. Lake Bistineau State Park is located 40 minutes southeast of Shreveport in Webster Parish.

Click here for the State Parks and Historic Sites with trails.

Can I have my wedding at a Louisiana State Park or Historic Site?

If you wish you use one of the pavilions or meeting room facilities that can be booked through the Reservation System, you may do so by calling 1-833-609-0686 or ONLINE. We ask that you also contact the manager of the site in which you are interested, to determine if there are any requirements specific to that site.

If you are interested in a historic site, the preservation area or a part of a recreational site that is not normally rented through the Reservation System, then arrangements must be made through the site's manager.

Which parks have campsites with sewer hookups?

Chemin-A-Haut SP has sewer hookups throughout the whole campground. The parks that offer a selection of campsites with water, electrical and sewer hookups include Bogue Chitto SP, Fontainebleau SP, Poverty Point Reservoir SP and Sam Houston Jones SP.

How can I become a Campground Host, or volunteer at my local state park?

Fill out and return the Application to the Program Coordinator, per the instructions are in the documents. More information about the program can be found here. (PDF documents)

Is ATV usage allowed at Louisiana State Parks?

The only site at which motorized vehicles are allowed to operate off road is South Toledo Bend State Park, near Anacoco. This 12-mile off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail offers 9 loops for riders to enjoy, with varying levels of skill; and is located across La. Hwy. 191 from the main park, keeping the off-road activities separate from our traditional amenities and facilities. Rules and regulations regarding trail use are posted at the trailhead and on South Toledo Bend State Park’s webpage. 

At our other sites, our trail system paths are designed to accommodate either walkers or cyclists and are located throughout the main usage areas. As a public safety concern, motorized traffic of any kind (ATV, motorcycle or 4-wheel drive vehicle) would pose a distinct safety hazard for the visitors using our trails for hiking or biking. State Parks also serve as nature preservation areas for wildlife, and access to the resource is provided to allow nature observation -- birdwatching, nature photography -- in an undisturbed setting. Off-road, motorized vehicle use in that environment conflicts with our mission as a state agency created to preserve that natural setting.

Public lands are available in the Kisatchie National Forest for ATV use, and possibly for motorcycle use. For more information, call the Kisatchie National Forest Headquarters in Pineville at 318-473-7160. The Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries also provides four-wheel drive access to state-supervised Wildlife Management Areas on all-weather roads within designated areas, and may also provide off-road motorcycle access to these areas. 

What about electric scooters and golf carts?

Golf carts are allowed at state parks (state historic sites excluded), and are subject to a $10/cart per day fee. The cart must be operated by a licensed and insured driver at all times.

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