North Toledo Bend State Park
Located on Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the country's largest man-made reservoirs, North Toledo Bend State Park provides a venue for a wide variety of water-related activities. A boat launch area, featuring a spacious ramp, a large parking lot, boat rentals, and a fish cleaning station, provides access to the reservoir. Organizations associated with the Toledo Bend Reservoir host numerous freshwater fishing competitions that attract fishermen from all around the country.The 900-acre park is situated on on a peninsula which extends into the reservoir at the mouth of Bayou San Miguel. The land consists of rolling uplands and interconnected ravines and valleys. A nature trail runs through this beautiful woodland, where a variety of wildlife can be spotted. Overnight accommodations include 63 RV campsites, 10 vacation cabins and a group camp that sleeps up to 150 people. A Visitor Center and Nature Center, and an Olympic size swimming pool provide opportunities for both fun and educational experiences at the site.
Located near five of the state’s historic sites (Fort Jesup, Fort Saint Jean Baptiste, Los Adaes, Mansfield, and Rebel), North Toledo Bend SP serves as a "base camp" for those interested in experiencing the history of northwest Louisiana, from Colonial times through the Civil War.
(Park is located 90 minutes south of Shreveport, 45 minutes west of Natchitoches, or 9 miles southwest of Zwolle off LA 3229.)
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
Located on a 2,700-acre man-made lake, Poverty Point Reservoir State Park was created in 2001 as a water resource for the area and outdoor recreation outlet. A campground featuring 54 improved campsites, 8 new lakefront cabins, and a water playground all opened in 2006, marking the completion of a $5.2 million improvement project at the park. The North Marina Complex, off LA 17 on the northwest corner of the lake, features a swimming beach area, boat launch, marina with 48 covered boat slips, concession area, fishing pier and fish cleaning station.
Since the park is located along the Mississippi Flyway, visitors have excellent opportunities for viewing seasonal bird migrations, including cormorants, ducks, geese and pelicans. Louisiana black bears can be also be sighted on or near the reservoir.
Marsden Mounds, located on-site, were built in three separate phases over a period of 1,000 years, from the time of Christ until about 1,000 years ago. These mounds are believed to be a part of a complex Native American culture in place centuries before European settlers arrived. For a more in-depth experience of Native American culture in the area, visitors can go to Poverty Point State Historic Site, located only 20 minutes away from the park.
(Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is located three miles north of Delhi/I-20.)
Saint Bernard State Park
Located only 18 miles from the New Orleans' French Quarter, Saint Bernard State Park is the ideal spot for visitors who are seeking to enjoy nature without straying too far from civilization. Many campers combine a stay at the park with a touring vacation of the New Orleans area or a visit to Chalmette National Historic Park, Jackson Barracks, and other nearby historic sites and plantation homes.The hardest-hit of all state parks sites, Saint Bernard State Park closed in August of 2005 due to wind damage from Hurricane Katrina and subsequent flooding. After about $800,000 in construction and clean-up, the park re-opened in December of 2006. Overnight visitors can enjoy a completely renovated 51-site campground with new electric and water hook-ups.
Situated right along the Mississippi River, the park contains a network of man-made lagoons that provides a peaceful, natural setting for relaxation. Woodlands meet wetlands, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife, including rabbits, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, turtles, alligators, and a wide variety of birds. The nature trail through the park is a great way to introduce children to the joy of discovery in nature.
Day use facilities at the park include new picnic tables, barbeque grills, a covered pavilion, and a swimming pool. Visitors can also launch their boats one-tenth of a mile from the park's entrance in the Caernarvon waterway and experience some great fresh- and salt-water fishing.
(Park is located near Braithewaite on LA 39.)