LAKE CLAIBORNE STATE PARK
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. For fishermen, the freshwater 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.
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.
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. All park sites close at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.
Day-UseFishingyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
Deluxe Cabins 10 available, 2 are ADA compliant, sleeps up to 8 people with 1 double bed, 2 bunk beds and 1 double sofa sleeper.
67 Improved Campsites (water and electrical hookup). 20 Premium Campsites (12 pull-through campsites, 8 prime location campsites, all with water and electrical hookup). 2 Unimproved Campsites (no hookups). Primitive camping area (maximum capacity of 20).
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.
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.
Boats includes 2 paddles and 3 life jackets. Canoes includes paddles, life jackets.
Lake Claiborne State Park is located near Homer, Ruston
White Tail Hiking Trail -- 6 miles
Dogwood Nature Trail -- .14 mile
Muscadine Hiking Trail -- 1/2 mile
King of the Mountain Nature Trail -- .45 mile
Scenic Overlook Path -- 1/2 mile
Whispering Pines Bike Trail -- 5 miles
Chemin-A-Haut State Park (East of US 425,10 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.
Jimmie Davis State Park at Caney Lake (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.
Directions: From I-20 at Minden take Hwy 79 north, then head east on LA 518. Turn east onto LA 146; the park is less than mile down LA 146. From I-20 at Ruston, take LA 146 north
My sister and I took the kids, ages ranging from 17-7. The older boys tent camped while we and the rest of the kids stayed in a cabin. It was very relaxing! The cabins are very clean and comfortable. We fished, canoed, hiked, swam, and the little one played at the playground. None of us wanted to leave! Planning to return this summer!
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