If you're looking for the perfect spot to call home for a few days, then Chicot State Park is just what you need. This massive state park features some of the most stunning natural scenery in the state, and any outdoor explorer would have a blast here. Whether you're going on a solo adventure or you're looking for a family-friendly spot, this scenic state park will quickly capture your heart.
Tucked away in the tiny town of Ville Platte, Chicot State Park is an outdoor oasis just waiting for you to explore.
The park features over 6,400 acres of rolling hills, cypress-tupelo swamps, and the crown jewel of them all: Chicot Lake.
Boating is a popular pasttime at this park, and it's the best way to explore the lake.
Bring your kayak or rent a canoe from the park and paddle along the eight-mile kayak trail for a picture-perfect afternoon.
Once you've paddled around the lake, lace up your boots and tackle the 20-mile hiking trail.
The trail will take you all around the lake with primitive campsites peppered along the way.
Speaking of camping, you've got plenty of options for lodging at Chicot State Park.
Bring your RV, a tent, or go with a hybrid solution and go glamping in one of their TENTR campsites.
The lakefront cabins are absolutely stunning.
Situated right over the water, you can paddle right up to your front door!
You might even spot an alligator or two swimming along.
There's plenty of activities for the youngest of nature lovers, too.
The splash pad is a great option for keeping cool during the warmer months, and there's even a kid's trail that's much shorter than the 20-mile hiking trail and full of fun sights the kids will enjoy.
And just when you thought you've explored the entire park, there's more.
The Louisiana State Arborteum is located within the park, and it's full of even more awesome adventures.
The 600-acre arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country.
There are several trails that weave throughout the arboretum, each one more mesmerizing than the next.
And the informative placards along the way are super helpful for knowing what you're looking at.
While Chicot State Park might be the largest state park in Louisiana, there's a special place in our hearts for some of Louisiana's smallest state parks, too. Don't let their size deter you, these tiny-but-mighty state parks sure pack a punch when it comes to scenery, hiking trails, and even history!
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