Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The 6,400 acres that compose Chicot State Park make for some truly scenic exploration. Chicot is surely one of the gems of the Louisiana State Park system. Also home to the Louisiana State Arboretum, this is a great state park to learn about what makes Louisiana nature so special. On the arboretum land alone there are over 5.5 miles of hiking trails. There’s also a 22-mile trail that encircles Lake Chicot, offering both great day hikes and backpacking opportunities with four different trailheads and six backcountry primitive campsites. Each campsite is found near the lake’s edge and offers great privacy for those who like to sleep under the stars. 

Folks who are considering planning a trip to Chicot State Park could easily fill a three-day weekend taking in all that this lake has to offer. One of the activities worth pointing out would be the paddling opportunities found on this lake. There’s an 8-mile canoe trail that takes you through the forested lake, and this is occasionally marked by bright yellow signs so paddlers don't get lost. The state park has both flat bottom boat rentals and canoe rentals that can be rented for the entire day. The lake is filled with Spanish moss-covered cypress trees that really make for an enjoyable paddling experience. 

Some of the other activities that can be enjoyed at Chicot State Park include fishing, playground for the kids, the Splash Pad water playground, picnicking, birding, and nature photography. The state park hosts two separate campgrounds, one on the north end of the lake and one on the south end. Both campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, Wi-Fi, comfort stations, and boat ramps. For those who like to experience nature with a little more comfort, the state park has 17 deluxe cabin and lodge rentals. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Lots of activities. Beautiful lake. Ample camping.

Cons

Gets crowded during the busy season.

Features

ADA accessible
Family friendly
Dump stations
Covered picnic areas
Picnic tables
Wi-Fi
Amphitheater
Rental facilities
Flushing toilets
Boat ramp(s)
Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Old-growth forest
Bird watching
Wildlife
Playground
Fishing

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

10/31/2022
The entire hiking trail including the loop (19 miles) and all the little off shoot trails to campsites equal 22 miles total. We did this trail the last weekend of October and the mosquitoes were terrible. The trail is very well marked (even has emergency exits to a road) and is beautiful. After our long hike day we stopped at Tom's Fried Chicken for a great homemade burger and fries, it's a must! Enjoy!
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