6 National & State Parks In Louisiana You Have To Visit
Louisiana’s natural landscapes are as diverse as its people and cities, and its state and national parks highlight this often overlooked variety. From the swamps and bayous to the south, to the pine forests of the north, these protected areas safeguard many unique ecosystems while providing ample space for outdoor recreation and education.
In 2025, you will find that Louisiana’s parks are more than just scenic destinations, but places where you can get a true sense of the wonders that can be found in the Deep South. Whether you're paddling through cypress-filled waters, hiking longleaf pine trails, or exploring historic battlefields, these green spaces capture the essence of Louisiana’s identity in ways that you ought to explore sometime soon.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Located just south of New Orleans, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a standout destination for exploring both Louisiana’s iconic swampy landscapes and fascinating cultural history this year. This preserve covers about 26,000 acres of wetlands, offering you a chance to experience some of the state’s bayous, swamps, and marshes firsthand. The Barataria Preserve section is especially popular, with boardwalk and gravel trails that make it easy to see stunning cypress-tupelo swamps, alligators, wading birds, and other native wildlife.
But, beyond its outdoor appeal, the park also opens a window into Louisiana’s longstanding past. For example, the park operates the French Quarter Visitor Center in New Orleans and the Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette, which give detailed context on the lives of the Cajun, Creole, and other communities that have shaped the region. Historical draws extend to the Chalmette Battlefield, the site of the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, making this one a hotspot for nature lovers and history buffs alike in 2025.
Chicot State Park
Situated near Ville Platte in central Louisiana, Chicot State Park is actually the largest state park in the state. Covering 6,400 acres, it is centered around none other than Chicot Lake, a 2,000-acre reservoir popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Anglers will find abundant largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill, while paddlers are free to navigate the quiet, forest-lined waters for a relaxing afternoon outside.
This park is also well known for its extensive hiking trails. For one, the 20-mile Chicot Loop Trail circles the entire lake, providing up-close access to the region's pristine hardwood forests, rolling hills, and diverse habitats that support white-tailed deer, countless bird species, and even armadillos. On the other hand, for those more interested in botany, the Louisiana State Arboretum is also located within the park. This site preserves hundreds of native tree and plant species, with interpretive trails that help you better understand Louisiana’s ecological wonders.
If you are interested in spending a night in Chitcot, cabins, campsites, and fishing piers make the park accessible for extended stays. You can also play a round at the nearby Ville Platte Golf & Country Club, a highly scenic course located right in the heart of the park's woodlands.
Kisatchie National Forest
Kisatchie National Forest, stretching across central and northern Louisiana, is the state’s only national forest and a major outdoor destination for residents and visitors to the area alike. Encompassing more than 604,000 acres, it protects unique longleaf pine ecosystems that once dominated the southeastern United States.
The forest is divided into five ranger districts, each with distinct landscapes ranging from foothills to sandstone outcrops. With that, hiking is a clear highlight here, with more than 100 miles of trails spread throughout! That includes the Wild Azalea Trail, Louisiana’s longest designated hiking route at around 26 miles. Wildlife is abundant along the way, with red-cockaded woodpeckers, wild turkeys, and, of course, lots of wild azalea plants that bloom in early spring.
Other forms of recreation that can be enjoyed include horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and paddling on meandering forest streams. Furthermore, scenic drives, such as the Longleaf Trail Byway, will take you to a number of overlooks and historic sites tied to early settlers and Native American communities in the area.
Lake Claiborne State Park
Lake Claiborne State Park is a popular destination for spending some quality time by the water for a day or two. Centered on Lake Claiborne, a 6,400-acre reservoir well known for fishing, swimming, and boating. Fishermen come primarily for the largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, while sandy beaches along the shoreline make summer swimming a favorite activity for anyone. This park also houses several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through a nice blend of mixed pine and hardwood forests.
For extended stays, Lake Claiborne has several options, from fully equipped cabins to campsites and RV facilities, making it a versatile stop for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Playgrounds, picnic areas, and a disc golf course further fill out its appeal for all kinds of visitors in need of a simple, peaceful escape to nature this year in Louisiana.
Fontainebleau State Park
On the north shore of the famed Lake Pontchartrain near Mandeville, Fontainebleau State Park preserves a site with both ecological and historical significance. It notably sits on the former grounds of a 19th-century sugar plantation, and remnants of the old mill can still be seen today.
Covering more than 2,800 acres, the park also presides over bottomland hardwood forests, marshes, and sandy beaches along the lake, with birdwatching being a major draw. In fact, the area lies on the Mississippi Flyway, attracting herons, egrets, and a variety of migratory songbirds. Try exploring along the Tammany Trace, a popular 31-mile recreational trail that passes through Fontainebleu, accessible to cyclists and walkers making their way around the broader region. Furthermore, the Fontainebleu Beach is a highly popular spot to catch a sunset, go for a shorter walk, or kick back and enjoy the views on a nice day.
Campgrounds, cabins on stilts over the water, and a designated swimming area provide options for overnight stays and family outings, while you can also spend quite a bit of time learning about the region’s cultural past through various interpretive displays spread throughout the park.
Red River National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 2001, with its first plot of land being purchased in 2002 outside of Shreveport, Red River National Wildlife Refuge was designed to maintain natural habitats along the Red River in northwestern Louisiana, especially serving as an important stop for migratory birds. The refuge spans multiple units across parishes such as Bossier, Caddo, and Natchitoches, with the Headquarters Unit near Bossier City providing the most accessible visitor facilities.
As you can imagine, birdwatching is a popular activity here, drawing thousands of enthusiasts every year to hopefully spot species like wood ducks, great blue herons, and wintering waterfowl. A system of trails and observation decks makes it easy to view all sorts of wildlife without disturbing sensitive areas.
The refuge also hosts several spaces for fishing, boating, and environmental education programs. Seasonal events primarily highlight conservation efforts and engage the community in habitat restoration, so be sure to check in if something is going on while you're visiting at any time throughout the year.
Explore Louisiana's Parks Today
Each destination above highlights a different aspect of Louisiana, from its vast wetlands filled with wildlife to forests and urban parks rich in history. Watch migrating birds, gaze out over wetlands, and connect with the rich stories of this fascinating state. Any of these locations is still an excellent travel choice, even as the summer of 2025 draws to an end, giving you lots of ways to engage in outdoor recreation and/or simply escape big city life for a while in the heart of the Deep South.
