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Fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking programs--Chicot
has all this and much more.
The park covers over 6,400 acres of rolling hills and water
in South Central Louisiana. The cool, clear waters of Lake
Chicot have yielded record catches of largemouth bass, crappie,
bluegill and red-ear sunfish. Fishermen will enjoy the convenient
boathouse, three boat launches and boat rental facilities.
Chicot also boasts a unique combination of natural resources
on land. Mature hardwood uplands and extensive beech-magnolia
forest areas add to the beauty of the cypress-tupelo lake
environment. Large numbers of deer, raccoon and other wildlife
live in the surrounding woods. A birding guide to Chicot State
Park is also available for bird watchers. The 300-acre Louisiana
State Arboretum, an area devoted to a living, natural exhibition
of over 150 species of plant life native to Louisiana, is
located adjacent to the main entrance.
Natural Resources
Swimming is a pleasure at the Olympic-sized pool on the shore
of the lake. Open between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends,
the pool is supervised by certified lifeguards.
Picnickers will find a wide choice of beautiful spots to
dine. Most of them feature tables, grills and pavilions, and
many of the areas overlook the huge lake. Playgrounds will
delight the kids after a day at the pool or on the lake.
An extensive hiking/backpacking trail completely encircles
Lake Chicot and includes several primitive campsites along
the way. The hiking trail allows the visitor to experience
and enjoy the park's natural landscape, its bottomland hardwood
forest and the lake itself. For visitors who enjoy a quicker
pace, much of the trail is geared toward mountain bikers,
and all cyclists are welcome to ride the roadways throughout
the park. And the site's new Equestrian Trail offers a scenic
six-mile route through the northern end of the park. The trail
is provided for visitors who can transport their own horses
to the site. Limited trailer parking is available for day
use.
Chicot is conveniently located near the center of the state,
only a two-hour drive or less from Baton Rouge, Lafayette,
Lake Charles and Alexandria.
Park Areas
South Landing (Main Entrance)
The South Landing includes 27 cabins, a group camp, a lodge,
two picnic areas, two playgrounds, a swimming pool, a boat
launch, a fishing pier and a dock with rental boats. All cabins
feature air conditioning and heat, an outside table and a
grill. The camping area includes 108 spurs with water and
electricity. A scenic road links the South Landing with the
North Landing. All visitors to the park must enter through
the South Landing main entrance on La. 3042. All day-use and
overnight fees are collected at the entrance station at the
main entrance.
North Landing (Vehicle Traffic Notice)
The North Landing features 100 campsites with water and electricity,
a playground, a boat launch, a dock, a 400 ft. fishing pier
and a primitive group-camping area. The conservation lodge
is perfect for groups of 13 - 14 guests, and there are two
other three-bedroom facilities (one at North and one at South
Landing) with fireplaces that may be reserved for up to nine
visitors. The North Landing is accessible only through the
South Landing main entrance on La. 3042. The park road connecting
the North Landing to La. 106 is an exit-only thoroughfare.
East Landing
The East Landing is accessible from LA 106. It is less developed
than the other two areas. It includes a boat launch, a dock,
a meeting room and a barbeque pavilion, which makes this area
ideal for day visitors.
Take a trip to Chicot State Park--for the day or for the
week. Chicot State Park will be a memorable encounter with
an area perfect for recreation and relaxation in a beautiful
natural environment.
Nearby Attractions:
Louisiana State Arboretum-- (LA Hwy. 3042, one-and-a-half
miles from entrance of Chicot State Park)--The Arboretum is
the home of a magnificent mature beech-magnolia forest and
features an outdoor classroom and several miles of nature
trails with labeled plant life native to Louisiana.
Prairie Acadian Cultural Center-Jean Lafitte National Historical
Park & Preserve-- (250 W. Park Ave., Eunice)--The Center
depicts the heritage of the Prairie Acadians. Artifacts, exhibits
and live demonstrations portray aspects of the unique culture.
Acadian Town of Ville Platte-- (on US 167 and LA 10 north
of US 190)--Ville Platte means "flat town" in French.
Its strong agrarian and Cajun traditions and cultural influences
can still be found in the spoken French, music, and food of
the area.
Historic Town of Opelousas-- The Confederate capital of Louisiana
during the Civil War, it was also the boyhood home of the
legendary Jim Bowie.
Historic Town of Washington-- Once the largest steamboat
port between New Orleans and St. Louis, the town preserves
its 19th-century architecture and offers an antique mall and
shops.
Zydeco Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway-- races the historic towns,
musical traditions and culture of the Prairie Acadians.
Liberty Theatre/City of Eunice-- (200 W. Park Ave., Eunice)--"Rendez-vous
des Cajuns" is a live radio show held every Saturday
night featuring Cajun & Zydeco music in the style of the
Grand Ole Opry.
Thistlethwaite Wildlife Management Area-- (Off I-49 north
of Opelousas and southeast of Chicot State Park)--In this
11,000-acre area of bottomland hardwoods managed for wildlife,
visitors may hunt (in season), day-hike, bird-watch and view
wildlife.
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Chicot State Park--(3469 Chicot Park Road, Ville Platte,
LA 70586, 337-363-2403 or 1-888-677-2442) comprised of over
6,400 acres, is located in northern Evangeline Parish, six
miles north of Ville Platte. Coming from the north on I-49,
exit on LA 106 south. Turn left off LA 106 onto LA 3042 south,
and continue to the main entrance. From the south, exit I-49
on US 167 and drive toward Ville Platte.
To reserve a cabin, campsite, group camp, lodge, meeting
room or picnic pavilion, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).
Email: chicot@crt.state.la.us
Next Park> Cypremort
Point State Park
Information, pictures and maps
provided by Louisiana
Office of State Parks
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