Sam Houston Jones State Park

Originally named for the Texas folk hero who traveled extensively in the western reaches of Louisiana, Sam Houston Jones was given its current name in honor of the state's 46th governor, who was instrumental in setting aside this tract of land for the public to enjoy for both day-use and overnight visitors.

Because the caretakers of this 1,087-acre park have worked to keep the land in its natural state, abundant wildlife inhabits the area. Tree-filled lagoons and a mixed pine and hardwood forest combine to create a unique natural environment. The park is located just north of the most productive birding region of Louisiana. The bird watching is always excellent, but at certain times of year, nearly 200 species of birds can be seen at or within 30 miles of the site.

Sam Houston Jones State Park is home to more than 70 acres of longleaf pines, the oldest living southern pine species. They were once one of the most abundant tree species in the United States, stretching across 90 million acres from Virginia to Texas. Over time, land-use practices such as logging, farming, development, urban encroachment, and fire exclusion have diminished the longleaf pine, leaving less than 4 million acres of longleaf forest and less than 10 percent of its original presence in Louisiana.

The numerous waterways in this area make water sports a natural highlight at the park. Two boat launches are conveniently located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, providing access to Calcasieu Lake, about 20 miles away.

The three hiking trails winding through this beautiful park make strolling or serious hiking, pleasurable. Particularly interesting is the old stagecoach road, which hikers may travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River.

Major Ecological Restoration Project Underway

In 2026, the Office of State Parks partnered with Woodside Energy, RES and McNeese State University on a large-scale ecological restoration designed to strengthen resilience to hurricanes, restore native habitats, and support biodiversity across Sam Houston Jones State Park.

Woodside, a global energy company, is exclusively funding the project, committing $5 million over six years to restore more than 800 acres of forest habitat within the park. The investment represents the largest corporate donation ever received by a Louisiana state park and will support the restoration of the park’s distinctive longleaf pine forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, and hardwood ecosystems. 

The partnership brings together expertise in conservation, ecological restoration, and environmental research to support the long-term recovery of one of Louisiana’s most visited state parks while improving opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and tourism.

Learn more about the project happening inside the park, visit the interactive story map webpage: Interactive Story Map