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Recreation and Nature in Perfect Balance
Situated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, this park
offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding
recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood
forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress
and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat launches, hiking
trails, playgrounds, two swimming pools, a lakefront beach,
a baseball field, camping, cabins, lodges, and excellent fishing!
Nature Got It Started
Lake Bistineau dates back almost 200 years. It began in
1800 when several thousand acres of land were flooded due
to a gigantic log jam in the Red River. Gradually, however,
as the area was dredged, the lake began to drain. Then in
1935, a permanent dam was built across Loggy Bayou,creating
the present-day Lake Bistineau. The dam has since been enlarged,
giving the reservoir a surface area of 26.9 square miles,
with an average depth of seven feet and maximum depth of 25
feet. Lake Bistineau State Park was born on July 6, 1938,
the day legislation was signed authorizing the creation of
the park. Ten years later, the entire tract of land was acquired,
plans were drawn, and construction began.
A Fisherman's Paradise
Local people tell many stories of the successes enjoyed
by fishermen on Lake Bistineau. Beginning in January with
the "yo- yo" season and lasting through the spring,
summer, and early fall, the dedicated fisherman can draw such
catches as black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, bullheads,
bluegill, and red-ear sunfish from the lake's clear waters.
Something for Everyone
Lake Bistineau State Park has a lot to offer the angler,
but fishing is certainly not the end of the recreation story.
This beautiful spot in northwest Louisiana offers many recreation
opportunities in both sections of the park--Area 1 and Area
2.
Area 1, or the main section of the park, is accessed from
LA 163. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular
at numerous sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby
restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for
larger groups. A park naturalist is on hand to take you along
one of the park's nature trails or offer a variety of programs
which are guaranteed to bring the natural beauty and wildlife
of the park to life.
A play area, a boat ramp and launch, or a quiet spot for
swimming in the lake among the cypress and tupelo trees may
suit your wishes. Take advantage of the rental boats that
are also available.
For the Overnight Visitor
Area 1 also has provisions for those who want to spend
the night. Fourteen vacation cabins, complete with bedrooms,
bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, are extremely popular
attractions. A charming lodge that sleeps 12 is great for
large families or a group. The cabins and the lodge have central
air conditioning and heat, making them comfortable year-round.
Playgrounds will delight young guests of the park.
For the camper, there are 67 improved campsites with water
and electricity, nearby restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
The park includes a rally campground for groups.
Groups may also enjoy the group camp in Area 1 which provides
sleeping quarters for up to 160 people in 20 cabins, a fully
equipped kitchen, and a swimming pool. This is a favorite
for family reunions and church gatherings.
Around the Corner
While Area 1 is memorable for its natural tranquility,
Area 2 is notable for its lively recreation facilities.
Although Area 2 is connected to the main part of the park
by the lake, to reach Area 2 by car you will return to the
highway by going east off LA 163, along Webster Parish Road
178, to the entrance.
Area 2 includes a group camp (which can accommodate 48 people),
playgrounds, a large picnic area with several pavilions, a
swimming pool, a baseball field, and a boat launch.
If natural beauty and outstanding facilities are what you're
seeking, you'll find exactly what you're looking for at Lake
Bistineau State Park.
Nearby Attractions:
Lake Claiborne State Park--
(7 miles southeast of Homer on LA 146)--Located on the banks
of a 6,400-acre lake. With steep ravines and rolling hills,
the park features excellent picnicking, pavilions, 10 vacation
cabins, 87 improved campsites, a swimming beach, boat launch,
fishing pier, and nature trails.
Lake D'Arbonne State Park--
(5 miles west of Farmerville on LA 2)--A fisherman's paradise,
this 655-acre state park on the shores of Lake D'Arbonne features
65 improved campsites, 50 picnic tables and grills, 3 fishing
piers, a boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station.
Caney Creek Lake State Park-- (Off LA 4 southwest of Chatham,
on Lakeshore Drive and State Road 1209). Situated on an outstanding
bass-fishing lake, the park offers camping, picnicking, 2
boat ramps, a fishing pier, swimming beach and is an ideal
spot to launch biking expeditions.
Historic Town of Minden-- (East of Shreveport on I-20)--Visitors
may travel old brick streets still leading down Main Street
and explore 2 historic residential districts including both
antebellum and Victorian homes.
Kisatchie National Forest-Caney Lakes Recreation Area-- (North
of I-20 on LA 159)--This area offers picnick- ing, swimming,
fishing, waterskiing, hiking/biking trails, boat launches,
group picnic shelters, and 27 improved and 21 unimproved campsites.
The 7.6-mile Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail circles
upper Caney Lake and offers a forest ecosystem, views of the
lake, and the visible remains of an old sugar cane mill.
Trails End Public Golf Course-- (I-20 at Arcadia)--This 18-hole
golf course is one of the most challenging courses in the
area.
Loggy Bayou Wildlife Management Area-- (On LA 154 south of
Haughton)--The 4,211 acres of alluvial flood plain or bottomland
hardwoods offer hunting, fishing, birding, day hiking, a boat
launch, and designated camping areas.
Ambrose Mountain-- (Hwy. 154 south of Sailes and I-20)--A
granite column marks the spot where notorious outlaws Bonnie
and Clyde were ambushed and killed by Texas Rangers and a
posse in 1934.
Driskoll Mountain-- (Off LA 507 between Parish Roads 797,
164 and 163, south of Arcadia and I-20)--This "mountain"
is the highest point in Louisiana, rising 535 feet above sea
level.
Mt. Lebanon-- (South of I-20 on LA 154)--This pioneer community
was established in 1836. Its historic structures include Mt.
Lebanon Baptist Church, built in 1837, and seven private homes,
all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The
old wood-frame church still has divided pews for men and women.
Bodcau Wildlife Management Area-- (On LA 157, north of the
I-20 Haughton exit)--This 32,471-acre area features hunting,
fishing, birding, hiking, a boat launch, and camping along
Bodcau Bayou.
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Lake Bistineau State Park--(103 State Park Road, Doyline,
LA 71023; 318-745-3503 or 1-888-677-2478) is located southeast
of Shreveport just off LA 163 south of Doyline. From I-20
at Minden take LA 7 south to Sibley, LA 164 west to Doyline,
and LA 163 south to the park.
Enjoy a multitude of recreational opportunities in the midst
of a beautiful woodland on the edge of a 200-year-old lake.
To reserve a cabin, campsite, group camp, picnic pavilion
or the lodge, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).
Email: lakebistineau@crt.state.la.us
Next Park> Lake Bruin State
Park
Information, pictures and maps provided by
Louisiana Office of
State Parks
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