With 21 state parks peppered throughout Louisiana, you’re almost always near a beautiful park you can retreat to when you need a little peace and quiet. This particular state park is the largest in the state, and you’ll need the full weekend to explore it all. Let’s check it out.
Clocking in at a staggering 6,400 acres, Chicot State Park in Ville Platte is the largest state park in Louisiana.
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It was established in 1939, making it one of the oldest state parks, too.
Staci M./Trip Advisor
Surrounding the beautiful 2,000-acre Lake Chicot, this state park truly has something for everyone.
Mike Duhe/All Trails
Fishermen will delight in taking to the man-made lake that stocked with bass, bluegill, crappie, and many other fish. Bring your own boat or rent one of theirs for a truly relaxing day on the water.
Chicot State Park/Facebook
No boat? No problem. Their fishing pier is a great place to drop a line and take in the beautiful views.
Susie King Moore/All Trails
Kids will love the water playground, which is open Tuesdays through Sundays from April 1 through October 31st.
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Chicot State Park is also a nature lover’s paradise.
Luis Valdez/All Trails
There is an extensive, 20-mile hiking trail that completely encircles the lake and includes several primitive campsites along the way if you’d like to pitch a tent and rough it for a couple of days.
Richard May/Flickr
Along the trail, you’ll have some truly stunning views of some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Louisiana.
Luis Valdez/All Trails
Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the park is home to scores of alligators, turtles, raccoons, snakes, deer, and many others.
Staci M./Trip Advisor
To truly get the full experience, rent one of their cabins for a relaxing weekend getaway.
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You’ll have everything you could need need for your stay, plus some spectacular views of the lake.
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The Louisiana State Arboretum is also located within Chicot State Park. Established in 1961, this 600-acre arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country and certainly worth your while.
Louisiana State Arboretum/Facebook To learn more about the Louisiana State Arboretum, check out our previous article here.
Chicot State Park is located at 3469 Chicot Park Rd., Ville Platte, LA 70586.
Randolphclan/Trip Advisor
Staci M./Trip Advisor
Mike Duhe/All Trails
Chicot State Park/Facebook
Susie King Moore/All Trails
JackieHower/Trip Advisor
Luis Valdez/All Trails
Richard May/Flickr
denisegdavid/Trip Advisor
Louisiana State Arboretum/Facebook
To learn more about the Louisiana State Arboretum, check out our previous article here.
Have you ever been to Chicot State Park? Let us know in the comments below!
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