Things to do Near South Toledo Bend State Park

The scenic vistas alone make South Toledo Bend State Park worth a visit, though for many travelers, it’s the world-class freshwater fishing that makes the drive there worthwhile. In 2015, Toledo Bend Reservoir was named the nation’s No. 1 bass fishing lake by Bassmaster magazine. Here, anglers are regularly reeling in photo-worthy catches of bream, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass.

Fishing is only one reason to get out on the water at South Toledo Bend State Park. Jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking and canoeing are other popular family-friendly activities.

On shore, hiking and biking trails offer visitors the chance to see the dense forests that surround the lake. A 9.2-mile off-highway vehicle trail can also be found within South Toledo Bend State Park. Bring your ATV and pay a daily fee to ride the hills, which have clearly marked signage and are open for day use. While you’re on the trails, be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles — the area is a nesting ground for them.

You can see plenty of South Toledo Bend State Park’s natural beauty without venturing far down any trails, too. The park’s observation deck affords gorgeous views of Toledo Bend Reservoir, and a 3,000-foot nature trail takes guests to the visitors center and RV park.

Guests staying overnight have their pick of accommodations. Tent campers can stay in one of five sites, while RV campers can choose from more than 50 spots to park — many of them with beautiful views of the lake. Finally, South Toledo Bend State Park has 19 deluxe cabins on site, close to the waterfront and capable of sleeping up to eight guests each.

Nearby Attractions

South Toledo Bend State Park is on Highway 191, a stretch of road that is part of the Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway. This Byway, part of a network of scenic roads called the Louisiana Scenic Byways, introduces visitors to the lesser-known, infrequently traveled parts of the state. This particular Byway runs along the eastern shores of Toledo Bend Reservoir, and takes drivers to the luxurious Cypress Bend Golf Resort, Spa & Conference Center, as well as neighboring North Toledo Bend State Park, old-school seafood and soul food joints in and around the town of Many, and the town of Zwolle — famous for its Zwolle Tamale Fiesta.

You’ll find other events happening year-round in the towns around South Toledo Bend State Park. The Sabine Freestate Festival is held the first weekend in November in the village of Florien, celebrating the era in which western Louisiana was disputed territory between Spain and the United States (1806-1822), and earned the name “No Man’s Land.” The festival celebrates the Wild West spirit of the region with shoot-outs, bull rides, quilt demonstrations and activities for the kids.

Down the road in Leesville, festivals keep the locals and out-of-towners coming back year after year. Between the first Wednesday and Sunday, each October is The West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fair and Carnival. This is Louisiana country charm on full display, with carnival rides and foods, a livestock show, a woodsman skills contest and numerous pageants. Another big Leesville event, MayFest, is held downtown the first weekend of May. Visitors can try homemade made-from-scratch dishes, hear local music and find plenty of activities that are suited towards the whole family.