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Lake Bistineau State Park
Recreation and Nature in Perfect Balance
Situated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, this park
offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding
recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed
hardwood forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands
of cypress and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat
launches, hiking trails, playgrounds, two swimming pools, a
lakefront beach, a baseball field, camping, cabins, lodges,
and excellent fishing!
Nature Got It Started
Lake Bistineau dates back almost 200 years. It began in 1800
when several thousand acres of land were flooded due to a
gigantic log jam in the Red River. Gradually, however, as the
area was dredged, the lake began to drain.
Then in 1935, a permanent dam was built across Loggy
Bayou,creating the present-day Lake Bistineau. The dam has
since been enlarged, giving the reservoir a surface area of 26.9 square miles, with an average depth of seven feet and
maximum depth of 25 feet.
Lake Bistineau State Park was born on July 6, 1938, the day legislation was signed authorizing the creation of the park. Ten
years later, the entire tract of land was acquired, plans were drawn, and construction began.
Natural Resources
A Fisherman's Paradise
Local people tell many stories of the successes enjoyed by
fishermen on Lake Bistineau.
Beginning in January with the "yo- yo" season and lasting
through the spring, summer, and early fall, the dedicated
fisherman can draw such catches as black crappie, largemouth
bass, yellow bass, bullheads, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish
from the lake's clear waters.
Something for Everyone
Lake Bistineau State Park has a lot to offer the angler, but
fishing is certainly not the end of the recreation story. This
beautiful spot in northwest Louisiana offers many recreation
opportunities in both sections of the park--Area 1 and Area 2.
Area 1, or the main section of the park, is accessed from LA 163. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular at
numerous sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for larger
groups. A park naturalist is on hand to take you along one of the park's nature trails or offer a variety of programs which
are guaranteed to bring the natural beauty and wildlife of the park to life.
A play area, a boat ramp and launch, or a quiet spot for swimming in the lake among the cypress and tupelo trees may suit
your wishes. Take advantage of the rental boats that are also available.
For the Overnight Visitor
Area 1 also has provisions for those who want to spend the
night. Fourteen vacation cabins, complete with bedrooms,
bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, are extremely
popular attractions. A charming lodge that sleeps 12 is great
for large families or a group. The cabins and the lodge have
central air conditioning and heat, making them comfortable
year-round. Playgrounds will delight young guests of the
park. 
For the camper, there are 67 improved campsites with water
and electricity, nearby restrooms, showers, and a dump
station. The park includes a rally campground for groups.
Groups may also enjoy the group camp in Area 1 which
provides sleeping quarters for up to 160 people in 20 cabins,
a fully equipped kitchen, and a swimming pool. This is a
favorite for family reunions and church gatherings.
Around the Corner
While Area 1 is memorable for its natural tranquility, Area 2
is notable for its lively recreation facilities.
Although Area 2 is connected to the main part of the park by the lake, to reach Area 2 by car you will return to the highway
by going east off LA 163, along Webster Parish Road 178, to
the entrance.
Area 2 includes a group camp (which can accommodate 48
people), playgrounds, a large picnic area with several
pavilions, a swimming pool, a baseball field, and a boat
launch.
If natural beauty and outstanding facilities are what you're seeking, you'll find exactly what you're looking for at Lake
Bistineau State Park.
Nearby Attractions:
Lake Claiborne State Park-- (7 miles southeast of Homer on LA 146)--Located on the banks of a 6,400-acre
lake. With steep ravines and rolling hills, the park features excellent picnicking, pavilions, 10 vacation cabins, 87 improved
campsites, a swimming beach, boat launch, fishing pier, and nature trails.
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.
Caney Creek Lake State Park-- (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.
Historic Town of Minden-- (East of Shreveport on I-20)--Visitors may travel old brick streets still leading down
Main Street and explore 2 historic residential districts including both antebellum and Victorian homes.
Kisatchie National Forest-Caney Lakes Recreation Area-- (North of I-20 on LA 159)--This area
offers picnick- ing, 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.
Trails End Public Golf Course-- (I-20 at Arcadia)--This 18-hole golf course is one of the most challenging
courses in the area.
Loggy Bayou Wildlife Management Area-- (On LA 154 south of Haughton)--The 4,211 acres of alluvial
flood plain or bottomland hardwoods offer hunting, fishing, birding, day hiking, a boat launch, and designated camping
areas.
Ambrose Mountain-- (Hwy. 154 south of Sailes and I-20)--A granite column marks the spot where notorious
outlaws Bonnie and Clyde were ambushed and killed by Texas Rangers and a posse in 1934.
Driskoll Mountain-- (Off LA 507 between Parish Roads 797, 164 and 163, south of Arcadia and I-20)--This
"mountain" is the highest point in Louisiana, rising 535 feet above sea level.
Mt. Lebanon-- (South of I-20 on LA 154)--This pioneer community was established in 1836. Its historic structures
include Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, built in 1837, and seven private homes, all listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. The old wood-frame church still has divided pews for men and women.
Bodcau Wildlife Management Area-- (On LA 157, north of the I-20 Haughton exit)--This 32,471-acre area
features hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, a boat launch, and camping along Bodcau Bayou.
Lake Bistineau State Park--(103 State Park Road, Doyline, LA 71023; 318-745-3503 or 1-888-677-2478) is located southeast of Shreveport just off LA 163 south of Doyline. From I-20 at Minden take LA 7 south to Sibley, LA 164 west to Doyline, and LA 163 south to the park. Enjoy a multitude of recreational opportunities in the midst of a beautiful woodland on the edge of a 200-year-old lake. To reserve a cabin, campsite, group camp, picnic pavilion or the lodge, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652)
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