Jimmie Davis State Park may not be the largest state park in Louisiana, but it’s not the smallest, either. Clocking in just under 300 acres, it’s the perfect size for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway. Come with me on this adventure to explore one of the best hidden gems in Louisiana. Trust me when I tell you, it’s worth the trip!

The northern Louisiana park is conveniently located just south of Ruston, which is perfect for folks who live in the Ruston or Monroe area.
Jimmie Davis State Park
Sonja Washington/Google
You may be surprised to learn that this little slice of natural paradise in Jackson Parish opened to the public in 1996, making it one of Louisiana’s newer state parks.
It originally opened under the name Caney Creek Lake State Park but was renamed in 2003 to honor Jimmie Davis, a former Louisiana Governor.
831 Adventures/Google
The lake is a 5,000-acre reservoir that's ideal for a day on the water.
You could spend an entire day just exploring the lake.
Kim Jones/Google
Especially if you're a fisherman! Some of the largest bass in Louisiana live in these waters. In fact, the largest bass ever caught in Louisiana (16 pounds) was caught in these waters!

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If fishing isn't your thing, you can always pull up some sand and enjoy the beautiful beach.
Jimmie Davis State Park
Kimberly Gragg/Google
You'd be surprised how many beaches are in Louisiana. In addition to our coastal beaches, many state parks also have lovely stretches of beach like this to enjoy.
If you want to flip the day trip into a weekend getaway, you've got plenty of options.
Go Outdoors America/Google
The park offers several cabins that will sleep up to eight people, plus there are always RV hook-ups and primitive tent camping available.
In the evenings, make yourself your favorite beverage and enjoy one of the most incredible sunsets in northern Louisiana.
Jimmie Davis State Park
Wanderer/Google
Waterfront sunsets just hit differently. If you know, you know!
And don't forget to keep an eye out for wildlife all the while.
Nola Frederick/Google
The lake is a great place to do a little bird watching, and if you find yourself on the nature trails, you stand a great chance at catching a glimpse of deer, foxes, raccoons, and many more woodland creatures!

For cabin rentals and more information, visit the Jimmie Davis State Park website.

Wanna see inside this Louisiana state park? Take this tour with YouTuber Class C Chaos highlighting all the amenities.

Once you spend a day exploring this state park, you’ll want to explore the other 20 Louisiana State Parks. Here are some of our favorite state parks in Louisiana to get you started. Or for more adventure, check out some of the best attractions in Louisiana that we recommend.

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Hidden Gems In Louisiana

Melanie J. | November 15, 2023

What are some more state parks in Louisiana that are worth visiting?

While all the state parks in Louisiana are worth visiting, these are the ones that we recommend:

  • Cypremort Point State Park, Cypremort Point 
  • Lake Claiborne State Park, Homer
  • St. Bernard State Park, Braithwaite
  • Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle
  • Fairview Riverside State Park
  • Chicot State Park, Ville Platte
  • Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego
  • Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville
  • Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, Delhi
  • Bogue Chitto State Park, Franklinton

 

Check out our previous article with more information on these state parks in Louisiana that are worthy of a visit. 

What are some of the best hidden gems in Louisiana?

Of course, Jimmie Davis State Park isn’t the only hidden gem in Louisiana. These are some more of our best kept secrets that belong on your list:

  • Louisiana Castle, Franklinton
  • Briarwood Nature Preserve, Saline
  • Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Ouachita Parish
  • Driskill Mountain, Bienville Parish
  • Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Pioneer
  • Grosse Savanne Waterfowl and Wildlife Lodge, Lake Charles
  • Audubon Insectarium, New Orleans
  • Chimp Haven, Keithville
  • Gators & Friends, Greenwood
  • Cajun Encounters Tour, Slidell

 

Want to know more? Check out our previous article telling you more about these hidden gems in Louisiana.

Are there good hiking trails in Louisiana?

The short answer is yes! Here are some of the best hiking trails in Louisiana that are tons of adventure:

  • Wild Azalea Trailhead, Woodworth
  • Tammany Trace: Covington Trailhead, Covington
  • Mandalay Nature Trail, Houma
  • Restoration Park Trail, West Monroe
  • Backbone Trail, Montrose Rd, Natchitoches

 

Be sure to read our article telling you more about these hiking trails in Louisiana.

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Jimmie Davis State Park, 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA 71226, USA