Calcasieu River at Same Houston Jones State Park
Accessible river boardwalk at Sam Houston Jones State Park

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Lake Charles Area

107 Sutherland Road
Lake Charles, LA 70611
United States

Hours of Operation

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.
Admission/Entrance Fees

$3 per person

Free for seniors (62 & older)

Free for children (3 & under)

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.

The Office of State Parks has partnered with Sasol in Lake Charles on the Longleaf Legacy Project,  to preserve the iconic tree's rich history, restore the splendor of local forests, and ensure the resiliency of such habitats for generations to come.  The project includes restoration of over 70 acres of longleaf forest in the park and companion educational programs for local teachers and families.

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 their 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.

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Luxury cabins at Sam Houston Jones State Park
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Camp luxuriously in new cabins at Sam Houston Jones State Park
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Cabin porch
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Watch the big game or hang out and relax on the screened in porch
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Sam Houston Jones cabin living area
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The cabins feature an open floorplan and beautiful, yet comfortable furnishings.
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Sam Houston Jones State Park
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Day visitors and overnight guests alike appreciate the trails of the park
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Sam Houston Jones State Park
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A boat launch near the park entrance provides a way onto the west fork of the Calcasieu River
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Sam Houston Jones State Park
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You’re sure to see some of the “local residents” on your visit

Features

graphic tree
Parks & Preserves
Biking
Biking
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Canoeing/Kayaking
Paddling
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing
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Cabins
Group Lodging
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Lodges
Primitive Group Camping Icon
Primitive Group Camping
RV Camping Icon
RV Camping
Camping Tent Icon
Tent Camping
Unimproved Camping Icon
Unimproved Camping
Group Facilities
Outdoor Pavilions Icon
Outdoor Pavilions

Nearby Sam Houston Jones State Park

Find Things to Do

 

 

Camping

A $4.5 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.

30 Premium Campsites

$33/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$30/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar

Pull-through sites with sewer, water and 50 amp electrical hookups
America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes

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).

Facilities

A $4.5 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.

Cabins: Basic cookware, cooking utensils, dinnerware, silverware, towels and linens are provided. Bring your own food and personal supplies.

Deluxe Cabins

$150/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs
$175/night plus tax, Fri-Sat

10 available, 1 is ADA compliant; sleeps up to 8 people with 1 queen bed, 2 bunk beds and 1 sofa sleeper.
Deluxe Lodge

$175/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs
$225/night plus tax, Fri-Sat

1 available, ADA compliant; sleeps up to 14 people with 2 queen beds, a queen sofa sleeper and 4 bunk beds
Pavilions

$70/day Maximum Occupancy of 60 people.
$120/day Maximum Occupancy of 100 people.

*Units are equipped with electrical lighting.
Other Rates
Use of Personal Golf Carts on State Park Property

$10/cart per day

$100 annual permit available

Proof of cart insurance required; must be operated by a licensed driver.
State Park Boat Rentals
Single Kayak  $20/1 hour  $35/2 hours  $50/4 hours
Tandem Kayak  $35/1 hour  $50/2 hours  $65/4 hours
Stand Up Paddleboard  $20/1 hour  $35/2 hours  $50/4 hours
All-Terrain Track Chair Rental

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.

Hiking

  • Riverwalk Trail – 1.6 miles
  • Cypress Tupelo Trail – 1/2 mile
  • Swamp Walk Trail – 1.1 miles
  • Longleaf Pine Trail – 3-1/2 miles
  • Longleaf Pine Extension – 1.3 miles

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.