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Pristine Nature - Year-Round Pleasure
On the eastern shore of one of the country's largest man-made
reservoirs, clean, cool waters gently touch the edges of North
Toledo Bend State Park. The Toledo Bend Reservoir provides
park visitors the opportunity for a wide variety of water-related
activities in a pleasant environment. More than 900 acres
of pine-filled lands are available for camping, picnicking,
hiking, and relaxing in the heart of nature. Whether you're
picnicking for an afternoon, camping overnight, or roughing
it in the woods for several days, North Toledo Bend is the
perfect destination.
The Toledo Bend Reservoir covers approximately 185,000 acres,
includes 1,200 miles of shoreline, and is contained by a dam
completed in 1969. This reservoir project was jointly developed
by Texas and Louisiana for the purposes of water supply, electricity
generation, and recreation. Water-oriented recreation facilities,
both public and private, are found all along the lakeshores
of both states.
Recreation Among the Pines
North Toledo Bend State Park is situated on a peninsula
which extends into the reservoir at the mouth of Bayou San
Miguel. The land consists of rolling uplands and interconnected
ravines and valleys. The park site lies in a region of major
lumbering activity, with a mixed pine and hardwood forest
covering most of the park. A nature trail will lead you through
this beautiful woodland.
A spacious and attractive Visitor Center complex contributes
to the park's year-round versatility and appeal. In the main
building is a meeting room which can be reserved for group
functions. Also within the complex is an Olympic-size swimming
pool and a bath-house. A concession area and laundry complete
the complex and provide visitors with all the conveniences
for a long or short stay in the park.
Adjacent to the Visitor Center complex is the picnic area,
where picnic sites, shelters and a restroom are nestled among
the pines. The picnic area's playground will keep the children
happy and occupied.
Camping and Water Sports
North Toledo Bend is a camper's delight, accommodating
those who prefer to sleep in tents and those who prefer a
roof over their heads. The park includes 63 campsites, each
equipped with water and electrical hookups. Ten vacation cabins
at the park comfortably sleep six people each. And for those
who stay in the fall or winter, fireplaces will add a warm
glow. Some cabins also feature boardwalk ramps for wheelchair-bound
visitors.
Large groups of visitors may reserve the group camp, which
consists of five dormitories, a large bathhouse, and a central
kitchen/dining building.
Water sports, of course, are an important part of the recreation
opportunities available at North Toledo Bend. A boat launch
area, featuring a spacious ramp, a large parking lot, boat
rentals, and a fish cleaning station, provides access to the
reservoir. Organizations associated with the Toledo Bend Reservoir
host numerous fishing competitions which attract fishermen
from around the country. Fishing, swimming, boating, hiking,
picnicking, and relaxing--all of these activities and more
are yours to enjoy at North Toledo Bend State Park. Also,
a park naturalist will be on site year-round to present many
nature-based programs which will bring to life the beauty
of the park.
Nearby Attractions:
Fort Jesup State Historic Site-- (6 miles east of Many
off LA 6, formerly the "San Antonio Trace")-- The
site of a fort established in 1822 by Zachary Taylor to secure
the western border of the U.S. frontier. It features the original
field kitchen, a replica of officers' quarters which serves
as a museum and visitors center, and interpretive programs.
Mansfield State Historic Site-- (4 miles south of Mansfield
on LA 175)--The site of the last major Confederate victory
of the Civil War. Visitors may take daily tours, see interpretive
programs, spend time in the museum with its comprehensive
collection of Civil War artifacts, and walk the trail through
the battlefield area.
Rebel State Historic Site-- (3 miles northwest of Marthaville
on State Hwy. 1221, and 25 miles west of Natchitoches and
I-49)--Features the gravesite of an unknown Confederate soldier
and is the home of the Louisiana Country Music Museum. An
amphitheater offers concerts featuring gospel, country and
folk music, as well as the Annual Fiddling Championship.
Los Adaes State Historic Site-- (1 mile northeast of Robeline
on LA Hwy. 485)--The 14-acre site located on the "El
Camino Real" near Natchitoches features the remains of
a Spanish fort built in the 1700s to protect Texas from the
French. It is a major archaeological site and offers interpretive
programs.
Historic Town of Natchitoches-- (off I-49 on Cane River Lake)--The
oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, it has a 33-block
Historic Landmark District featuring Creole architecture,
bed and breakfasts, restaurants, shops and historic homes.
Cane River Country-- (South of Natchitoches along LA 1)--Features
some of the South's oldest plantation homes situated along
the 32-mile oxbow-shaped Cane River Lake. The countryside
is dotted with pecan orchards, cotton farms, historic landmarks,
plantations, and churches.
Kisatchie National Forest - Longleaf Vista National Recreation
Trail-- (25 miles west of Natchitoches and I- 49)--Take LA
6 west 6 miles, then take LA 117 another 16 miles to this
trail featuring spectacular views of mesas, buttes, and sandstone
outcroppings within the U.S. Forest Service Kisatchie Hills
Wilderness Area.
Sabine Wildlife Refuge-- (5 miles south of Zwolle)-- This
area of 14,780-acres of loblolly and short leaf pine is open
to visitors to enjoy hunting, birding, and camping.
National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium-- (615 Hwy. 1 south,
Natchitoches)--Tours feature aquarium exhibits of native Louisiana
species including turtles and alligators as well as a video
presentation. Visitors may also observe seasonal operations
such as feeding fish, hatching eggs, and harvesting fish.
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 North
Toledo Bend State Park--(P.O. Box 56, Zwolle, LA 71486; 318-645-4715
or 1-888-677-6400) is located 90 minutes south of Shreveport,
or 45 minutes west of Natchitoches, and nine miles southwest
of Zwolle off LA 3229. It is easily accessible off I-49, US
171 and LA 6.
The park boasts a spectacular location on the bank of the
185,000 acre Toledo Bend Reservoir. Cabins, camping, outstanding
fishing and water sports are available at the park. A nature
trail, a swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic areas and a boat
launch make North Toledo Bend State Park an unforgettable
recreation experience.
To reserve a cabin, campsite, group camp, meeting room or
picnic pavilion, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).
Email: toledobend@crt.state.la.us
Next Park > Poverty Point
Reservoir State Park
Information, pictures and maps
provided by Louisiana Office of State Parks
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