Chicot State Park is one of the perfect getaways in Louisiana. The 6400 acres of wild reserve features rolling hills surrounds the vast man-made lake. The Chicot State Park is an absolute family destination which provides a bit for everyone. Located near Ville Platte near Louisiana, this beautiful wildlife reserve has camping sites, hiking, picnic areas, fishing, fishing boat rentals, biking, barbecue pits and view of the wildlife in the park. The cool waters of the lake is refreshing to go for a boat ride or fishing where record catches of bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie and red-ear sunfish have caught. Chicot State Park is a combination of natural landscape and wildlife. One can enjoy the natural landscape of the park along the hiking trials, watch the wildlife or just relax at the lake environment.
Chicot State Park Location
Chicot State Park is located near Ville Platte. For those coming from the north at I-49, they have to exit on Louisiana 106 south. Once on LA 106, turn left towards 3042 south to the main entrance. If you are coming from the south, exit I-49 on US 167 and head towards Ville Platte. on reaching Ville Platte, turn right towards Dupre Street LA 3042/N and then left towards Lincoln Road, LA 3042 W. the Chicot State Park is about 7 miles along LA 3042.
Picture 1 - Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park History
Chicot State park was incorporated to the Louisiana State Park system in 1939. It was taken care and the areas of the park were developed by the Civil Conservation Corps under the guidance of National Park Service.
Chicot State Park Attractions
Chicot State Park Camping
The Chicot State park has about 400 camping spots divided between two camping areas of North Landing and South Landing. All these spots are equipped with water, electricity and picnic tables. The South Landing is more secluded whereas the South Landing has an Olympic-sized pool which is supervised by trained lifeguards. This camping spot has large playgrounds and picnicking areas ideal for family with children. Chicot State Park is the perfect place to pitch your tent at the midst of the hills or the scenic riverside campsite with a cozy bonfire.
Chicot State Park Hiking
The hike along the Chicot State Park is a single track through pine and hardwood forest. The section of the trail crosses the beautiful magnolia, a stream flowing nearby and the beech trees. During the hunting season, hundreds of ducks are seen around the lake.
Lake Chicot State Park Fishing
The lake Chicot State Park is one of the largest natural lakes. Lake Chicot is an ox-bow lake formed centuries ago when the Mississippi River changed its course. The lake is now a habitat to crappie, bream, bass, read ear sunfish and bluegill. Fishing is popular in this lake with boat houses and boat rentals available.
Chicot State Park Wildlife
The beautiful magnolia forest with mature hardwoods surrounding the lake is inhabited by deer, raccoon, bobcats and coyotes. It is a wonderful site to se the deers hopping around in the park during early mornings or evenings. The beauty of the park and of its wildlife makes it a must visit.
Picnic and Cabin facilities in Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park is an ideal picnicking place for the entire family. Playgrounds are available for the kids. Lodges, cabins, meeting rooms for business meetings and barbecue pavilion are available at the park. There are trials particularly for mountain biking and cycling throughout the park. Primitive ground camping areas are available too.
Chicot State Park Swimming Pool
Swimming pool at the park is open from Memorial Day weekend to 1st August. Except for in holiday Mondays, the pool is usually closed for maintenance during Mondays. The schedule may be modified from 1st August to Labors day.
Picture 2 - Chicot State Park Picture
Mountain Biking in Chicot State Park
The entire loop of the trail would take around 3 hours. The Chicot State park mountain biking trail is mainly challenged for the distance it covers. The trail is a single track with few hills. The track varies from muddy to steeply rolling lakesides.
Trials at Chicot State Park
- 20 miles hiking Trail
- 5.7 miles equestrian trail
- 8 miles canoe trail
Chicot State Park Educational Activities
Geocoaching in the Chicot State Park can be an adventurous outdoor activity for people of all age. You get to learn about the natural diversity, wildlife, landmarks and also enjoying the scenic and historic sites. It can be a fun activity for kids as well as adults who would like to know more about the natural resources and nature.
Chicot State Park Events
The Chicot State park organizes programs to provide a meaningful park experience to the visitors. The family-friendly programs that the park organizes each year includes guided hikes, park party barges, birding adventures, nature games, historic site tours, history demonstrations, fall foliage programs, bald eagle watches, campfires, spring wildflower walks, outdoor skill workshops and many other activities.
Chicot State Park Weather
Chicot State park has a temperate climate. The temperature reaches the freezing point during the months of December to February. Day time at winters, the temperature reaches around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. During Spring and Fall, the temperature at the park has the lowest of 44 degree Fahrenheit to the highest of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature varies into an average of mid-eighties from June to September. Rainfall occurs in spring and winter.
Chicot State Park Hours of Operation
- Sunday to Thursday Gates are open from: 6 a.m to 9 p.m
- Friday to Saturday and days preceding holidays Park sites closes at: 10 p.m
Entrance Gates are open till
- April to September: 6 a.m to 7 p.m
- October to March: 8 a.m to 5 p.m
Chicot State Park Entrance Fees
- Senior Citizens and children below 3 years of age: Free
- Fee per person: $1
Picture 3 - Chicot State Park Image
Chicot State Park Contact Details
Address
Chicot State Park
3469 Chicot Park Road
Ville Platte,
Louisiana 70586
Phone No: 337-363-2403
Toll Free No: 888-677-2442
Reservation No: 877-226-7652
Email: chicot@crt.state.la.us
