|
Welcome all fishermen! Long known as one of the premier trophy
bass-fishing lakes, Caney Lake can boast that nine of the
state's top ten bass were caught in these waters. So cast
your line and reel them in--enjoy a great day on the fish-filled
waters of Caney Lake.
Located on a peninsula in this grand lake, Jimmie Davis State
Park offers two boat launches and a fishing pier that cater
to all types of sportsmen. Waterskiing is another way to enjoy
the clear waters of the lake, which was created by damming
Caney Creek in 1986. Don't forget to look back at the lakeshore
to appreciate the beautiful mixed pine and hardwood forest
surrounding the lake and the birds and animals that make the
forest their home.
Once you've recounted the tale of how you landed the big
one (again), treat your family to your bounty by cooking out
at one of the park's 80 picnic sites. Picnic tables and charcoal
grills are provided in the picnic area. The park's three picnic
pavilions will accommodate larger gatherings and are perfect
for family reunions, youth groups or any bunch of outdoor
enthusiasts who would appreciate an afternoon in the woods.
If you bring your camper or a tent, take advantage of the
park's 73 camping sites. Each site is equipped with a table,
tent pad, and a fire ring for roasting marshmallows.
Help your kids identify constellations in the sky and the
sounds of wildlife in the forest. Two comfort stations and
laundry facilities in the camping area will provide the basics
of civilization to create an ideal combination of natural
living and modern convenience.
New overnight accommodations include 17 two-bedroom cabins,
two four-bedroom lodges and a group camp that can house 120
guests (click here for facility layouts). For a weekend family
getaway, family reunion or planned group activity, Caney Creek
Lake SP provides choices for whatever you need.
There's More
Ready to take a dip in the lake? A sandy beach on the
lakeshore is perfect for sunning, swimming, building sandcastles,
or just relaxing on a raft. Restrooms and a bathhouse provide
the necessities, while the lively beach scene provides the
summer fun.
To ensure that there's never a dull moment, the park also
has a playground for the kids after a day on the lake. Cyclists
will enjoy the park as a starting point for biking treks through
the hills of North Louisiana, and nature lovers are invited
to discover the beauty of the wooded land and lakefront. Bring
your binoculars to get a closer look at the wide variety of
birds that live in or pass through the area.
Park History
Opened in the fall of 1996, Jimmie Davis State Park was
originally named Caney Creek Lake State Park. The 2003 Louisiana
State Legislature approved renaming the park in honor of two-term
Governor Jimmie H. Davis, who served from 1944 to 1948 and
again from 1960 to 1964.
Born in 1899 near Beech Springs, La., Davis attended Louisiana
College and Louisiana State University, served on the Public
Service Commission and performed as a country/western and
gospel singer for many years, including appearances in motion
pictures. His music career honors included induction into
the Song Writers Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame
and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He was widely known for
the popular tune "You Are My Sunshine", which later
became one of Louisiana's state songs.
Nearby Attractions:
Poverty Point State Historic
Site-- (East of Monroe and north of I-20 on LA 577 northeast
of Epps)-- The site is considered one of the most significant
archaeological finds in the country. It has a complex of Native
American ceremonial mounds built between 1700 and 700 B.C.
A museum and guided tours interpret a culture that once flourished
on the site.
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, 16 cabins, 2 lodges, a group camp,
visitors center, swimming pool, picnic tables and grills,
5 fishing piers, a boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station.
Historic Town of Chatham-- (10 miles north of park at intersection
of LA 146 and LA4)--The town features the historic Wilder
House and bed & breakfasts in historic Victorian and turn-of-the-century
homes and an antique shop and local restaurant.
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.
Jackson Bienville Wildlife Management Area-- (12 miles southwest
of Ruston on LA 147)--Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing,
hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing on 33,460 acres of upland
pine woods and stream bottoms.
Christmas Wonderland in the Pines-- (15 miles south of park,
on LA 4, Jonesboro, LA)--Jackson Parish's lighting display
and celebration begins annually the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Festivities include a parade on Saturday with the official
lighting of millions of tiny lights on businesses and residences.
Displays remain on through January 1.
Jimmie Davis Tabernacle-- (15 miles west of park, located
on Hwy. 542, between Jonesboro and Quitman, LA) --Was built
in 1964 by friends of Jimmie Davis, who served two terms as
Governor of Louisiana. It is built on the old Davis home place
and annually hosts the Jimmie Davis Homecoming the first Sunday
in October.
Bonnie and Clyde Trade Days-- (35 miles west of park. Take
exit 69 off I-20. Go south for 3.5 miles. Arcadia, LA) --Louisiana's
largest flea market. Open monthly on the weekend before the
third Monday of the month.
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo-- (30 miles north of park.
Sandifer Rd. off US 165, Monroe, LA) -- See magnificent animals,
beautiful gardens. Seasonal tours by boat, one-of-a-kind miniature
steam engine or stroll through the gardens.
Antique Alley-- (30 miles north of park, Trenton and Cotton
Street, West Monroe) -- Atop attraction in North Louisiana
for over 10 years. Visit and shop the many antique stores,
a working pottery studio and gallery and check out the fly
fishing gear.
Jimmie Davis State Park--(1209 State Park
Road, Chatham, LA 71226; 318-249-2595 or 1-888-677-2263) is
located east of Jonesboro, off LA 4. From Jonesboro, take
LA 4 east 12.8 miles to Lakeshore Drive, which leads to State
Road 1209, approximately 20 minutes away. Park visitors can
also access the site from LA 34 at the south end of Lakeshore
Drive. Situated on a premier trophy bass-fishing lake, Jimmie
Davis State Park offers cabins, lodges, a group camp, campsites,
picnicking, boating, fishing, and an ideal spot to launch
biking expeditions. To reserve a cabin, lodge, the group camp,
a campsite or picnic pavilion, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free
(877-226-7652).
Email: jimmiedavis@crt.state.la.us
Next Park > Chemin-A-Haut
State Park
Information, pictures and maps provided by
Louisiana Office of State Parks
|
