Jimmie Davis State Park
1209 State Park Road
Chatham, LA 71226
United States
Site is open daily.
Gate Opening Times:
Sunday through Thursday
- open at 6 a.m.
- close at 10 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.
- open at 6 a.m.
- close at 10 p.m.
Entrance Station Hours:
Sunday through Thursday
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
$3 per person
Free for seniors (62 & older)
Free for children (3 & under)
Located on a peninsula on Caney Lake, Jimmie Davis State Park offers two boat launches and a fishing pier that cater to the outdoors enthusiast looking for a prime freshwater fishing spot. Waterskiing is another way to enjoy the clear waters of the lake, which was created by damming Caney Creek in 1986. Don't forget to look back at the lakeshore to appreciate the beautiful mixed pine and hardwood forest surrounding the lake and the birds and animals that make the forest their home.
To ensure that there's never a dull moment, the park also has a playground for the kids after a day on the lake. Cyclists will enjoy the park as a starting point for biking treks through the hills of North Louisiana, and nature lovers are invited to discover the beauty of the wooded land and lakefront. Bring your binoculars to get a closer look at the wide variety of birds that live in or pass through the area.
After a day of fishing and exploring the park, stay the night in a cabin...or bring the extended family and sleepover in a lodge. For large groups, a group camp – including four dormitories and a dining hall – is available, with its own playground and fishing pier. RV campers have several scenic sites to choose from, for a closer visit with nature.
Opened in the fall of 1996, Jimmie Davis State Park was originally named Caney Creek Lake State Park. The 2003 Louisiana State Legislature approved renaming the park in honor of two-term Governor Jimmie H. Davis, who served from 1944 to 1948 and again from 1960 to 1964.
Features
A $4.5 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.
$33/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$30/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar
$28/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$20/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar
Available through the National Park Service.
Holders of the Passes, whose state of residence also honors the America the Beautiful pass, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).
A $4.5 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.
Cabins/Lodges/Group Camp: Basic cookware, cooking utensils, dinnerware, silverware, towels and linens are provided. Bring your own food and personal supplies; group camp visitors will also need to bring their own dishes, silverware, paper products, bathroom tissue, towels and linens.
$150/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs
$175/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$175/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs
$225/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$600/night plus tax
$10/cart per day
$100 annual permit available.
Kayaks-$7 per hour/$35 per day.
Rental is free. All-terrain chair must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance. Available for rent between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Water Playground
Louisiana State Parks' water playgrounds operate Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the facilities will be closed on Mondays for cleaning and maintenance. Please contact the park directly, to confirm that the playground is open or for additional information.
Birding
A Birder's Guide to Louisiana gives directions to over 100 areas for birding throughout the state, includes maps, Louisiana specialties, and contains beautiful photography and checklists of Louisiana birds and other wildlife. The Guide was produced through a partnership between the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the American Birding Association.