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Something for Everyone
Take your pick: swimming, fishing, birding, boating of
all kinds, waterskiing, camping, hiking or just plain relaxing
and enjoying unsurpassed natural beauty. It's all here . .
. at Lake Claiborne State Park. From the moment you drive
into this 620-acre recreational facility, the remarkable beauty
of nature unfolds before you. The piney woods, the rolling
hills, and the cool, clear waters of Lake Claiborne inspire
the outdoor enthusiast in all of us.
The Creation of Lake Claiborne
The wooded shoreline bordering the magnificent lake presents
such an unspoiled natural setting that visitors are surprised
to learn that the lake itself was created not long ago by
damming Bayou D'Arbonne. The land to be covered by water was
carefully cleared of trees and structures to assure maximum
skiing and boating pleasure for sportsmen. For fishermen,
the lake was lavishly stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill
sunfish, channel catfish, black crappie, striped bass, chain
pickerel, bream, and white perch. The lake itself, at full
reservoir level, has a surface area of 6,400 acres.
Activities and Accommodations
Campers are invited to hook up at one of the 87 campsites
with water and electricity, picnic tables, and barbeque grills.
Ten vacation cabins and primitive group camping are also available,
and a comfort station and laundry facilities will ensure that
your stay is a pleasant one. Fishermen and water sportsmen
may enjoy an excursion on one of the available rental boats,
or they can launch their own vessels from the boat ramp. A
boathouse with restrooms and a fishing pier completes the
waterfront facilities. Primitive canoe campsites are also
available for the adventurous.
One of the most popular activities for visitors of all ages
is swimming at the park's sandy beach. The beach is situated
on an inlet of the lake, and is protected from boats and waterskiers.
So work up an appetite for that fresh fish supper by taking
a brisk swim in Lake Claiborne's famous clear water. Ecologists
and sportsmen alike hail the lake's excellent water quality,
and you will too, once you've made the trip to Lake Claiborne.
Once on site, you will see the area come to life as a park
naturalist will be available to present nature-based programs
and give guided hikes.
The woods of Lake Claiborne are also home to a wide variety
of wildlife. Lovely nature trails and a scenic overlook will
allow you to appreciate the beauty of the area at your own
pace. Or you may be interested in a variety of nature tours,
offered on a regular basis.
If you prefer to relax among the towering hardwood trees
along the shoreline or deeper within the rolling countryside,
there are picnic areas with tables and grills, plus a large
covered shelter with restrooms. Children will happily spend
time at the playground, while you may choose another setting
to suit your pleasure--with more than 600 acres at hand, you're
bound to find the perfect spot you're looking for.
Nearby Attractions:
Chemin-A-Haut State Park--
(East of LA 139,10 miles north of Bastrop)--This 503-acre
park is situated on a high bluff over- looking scenic Bayou
Bartholomew along an old Indian trail once used for seasonal
migrations. Chemin-a-Haut is French for "high road."
Located near the Louisiana/Arkansas line, the park offers
26 improved campsites, six vacation cabins, a rally camp-
ing area, and a day use area with a swimming pool, picnic
area, and two playgrounds. Two barrier-free nature trails
and a conference room make this a popular area year-round.
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 Bistineau State Park--
(South of I-20 at Minden and 9 miles south of Doyline on LA
163)--This park features 13 cabins, 67 improved campsites,
a lodge, 2 group camps with pools, 2 boat launches, hiking
trails, playgrounds, and a lakefront beach in the heart of
a beautiful pine forest.
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.
Historic Town of Homer-- (North of I-20 on US 79)--The town
offers classic examples of Greek Revival architecture in the
antebellum courthouse and many historic antebellum and Victorian
homes. It is one of only four antebellum courthouses still
in operation.
Lincoln Parish Park-- (Off LA 33, north of Ruston and I-
20)--This 260-acre park has picnic pavilions, hiking trails,
a swimming beach, playgrounds, and camping.
Kisatchie National Forest-Caney Lakes Recreation Area-- (North
of I-20 on LA 159)--This area offers picnicking, 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.
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.
Jackson Bienville Wildlife Management Area-- (12 miles southwest
of Ruston on LA 147)--Visitors may enjoy hunting, fishing,
hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing on 33,460 acres of upland
pine woods and stream bottoms.
Georgia Pacific Wildlife Management Area-- (5 miles northwest
of Bastrop on Parish Road 592)--Visitors and hunters may use
this 28,000-acre area, managed primarily for timber.
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Lake Claiborne State Park--(P.O. Box 246, Homer, LA 71040;
318-927-2976 or 1-888-677-2524) is located in North Louisiana,
seven miles southeast of Homer on LA 146.
The park offers a multitude of recreational opportunities
on and near the 6,400-acre Lake Claiborne.
To reserve a campsite or the picnic pavilion, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA
toll free (877-226-7652).
Email: lakeclaiborne@crt.state.la.us
Next Park > Lake Fausse Pointe
State Park
Information, pictures and maps provided by
Louisiana Office of State Parks
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