View source for List of Louisiana state parks

{{Short description|None}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{| align="right"
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| {{State parks of Louisiana map}}
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|Map of state parks maintained by the Office of State Parks<br /><small>(Each dot is linked to the corresponding park article)</small>
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The state of [[Louisiana]] has 21 [[state park]]s, which are governed by the Office of Lieutenant Governor, a division of the [[Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism|Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=State Parks and Preservation Areas - Louisiana State Parks - Culture, Recreation, and Tourism |url=https://www.lastateparks.com/find-a-state-park-or-preserve |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=Louisiana State Parks |language=en }}</ref> Louisiana's state park system began in 1934 when the state passed legislation that created the State Parks Commission of Louisiana.<ref name="history">{{cite book|title=Historical Overview of LA State Parks System|year=2009|publisher=Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism}}</ref> In 1952, legislation broadened the role of the commission to include the development of outdoor recreation programs and resources.  The commission was renamed to the Louisiana State Parks and Recreation Commission.<ref name="history" /> In 1977, the Office of State Parks was created in the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.<ref name="history" />

After the State Parks Commission of Louisiana was formed in 1934, 7 sites were acquired for use as state parks.<ref name="history" />  During [[World War II]], the rate of new park acquisition declined with the addition of only one new site, Sam Houston Jones State Park in 1944.  In 1966, the [[National Park Service]] reviewed Louisiana's state parks system and made many recommendations, which led to specific guidelines and requirements for state parks.<ref name="MasterPlan">{{cite book|title=Louisiana State Parks Plan, 1975-1990&ndash;Master Plan for Improvements to the State Parks System|publisher=Gulf South Research Institute|year=1973}}</ref>  Over time, many state parks that did not meet these guidelines were either reclassified as state historic sites or were turned over to local or state agencies.  Some of these parks include {{lang|fr|[[Lac des Allemands]]}}, [[Saline Bayou]], and [[Black Lake (Louisiana)|Black Lake]].<ref name="OutdoorRecPlan">{{cite book|title=State of Louisiana comprehensive outdoor recreation plan&ndash;1970-1975|publisher=Louisiana State Parks and Recreation Commission|year=1971}}</ref>  During the 1970s, government management of the state parks was restructured.  The Office of State Parks was created, and 2 new parks were acquired.  From 1995 to 2009, $80 million were invested in creating new facilities, or updating existing facilities.<ref name="history" />

Louisiana state parks are selected on the criteria that they must be natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic value.<ref name="MasterPlan" />  Many of the state parks also have historic or scientific importance.  For example, Chemin-A-Haut State Park served as a route used by [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] during seasonal migrations.<ref name="CheminAHautStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chemin-a-haut-state-park|title=Chemin-A-Haut State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000926/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chemin-a-haut-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref>  Louisiana state parks have many accommodations, including overnight cabins, boating rentals, guided daily tours, and fishing piers.  In 2002, Louisiana state parks had more than 2 million visitors.<ref name="history" />  With the addition of Palmetto Island State Park in 2010, Louisiana state parks comprise more than {{nowrap|30,000 acres}} {{nowrap|(12,000 ha)}} of land.

==Current parks==

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" border="1" style="width:100%"
! scope="col"  width="*" | '''Park name'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="*" | '''Parish'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="*" | '''Size'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="*" | Year Established
! scope="col"  width="*" class="unsortable" width="45%" | '''Remarks'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="*" class="unsortable" | Image
|-
! scope="row" | [[Bayou Segnette State Park]]
| [[Jefferson Parish, Louisiana|Jefferson]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|676}} acres}} {{nowrap|(274 ha)}}<ref name="Barataria-Terrebonne">{{cite book|last1=Gorman|first1=Carolyn Portier|last2=Schultz|first2=Deborah|url=http://btnep.org/Libraries/Lessons/Field_Trip_Guide_to_the_Barataria-Terrebonne_National_Estuary.sflb.ashx|format=pdf|title=Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program&ndash;Tour Guide|access-date=March 18, 2011|page=20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812222014/http://btnep.org/Libraries/Lessons/Field_Trip_Guide_to_the_Barataria-Terrebonne_National_Estuary.sflb.ashx|archive-date=August 12, 2011}}</ref> || {{dts|1987}}<ref name="LAConservationist">{{cite book|title=Louisiana Conservationist|publisher=Louisiana Wild Life and Fisheries Commission, Louisiana. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries|volume=40&ndash;42|year=1988|quote=Bayou Segnette State Park in Jefferson Parish and Lake Fausse Pointe State Park in Iberia Parish since the grand opening in 1987 have been very popular.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DNdMAAAAYAAJ&q=%22Bayou+Segnette+State+Park%22+1987}}</ref> || Bayou Segnette State Park features a [[wave pool]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/bayou-segnette-state-park|title=Bayou Segnette State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000927/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/bayou-segnette-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || [[File:Bayou Segnette State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=A grey tent set up on Bayou Segnette park grounds]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Bogue Chitto State Park]] 
| [[Washington Parish, Louisiana|Washington]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|1786}} acres}} {{nowrap|(723 ha)}}<ref name="BogueChittoStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/bogue-chitto-state-park|title=Bogue Chitto State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000924/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/bogue-chitto-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{dts|2010}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Bogue Chitto State Park near Franklinton set to open at the end of this month|date=August 4, 2010|url=http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/08/bogue_chitto_state_park_near_f.html|access-date=February 14, 2011|last=Derry|first=Jim|newspaper=[[The Times-Picayune]]|publisher=[[Advance Publications]]|location=New Orleans, Louisiana|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629095652/http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/08/bogue_chitto_state_park_near_f.html|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> || Bogue Chitto State Park, pronounced bo&ndash;guh chit&ndash;uh,<ref>{{cite book|title=Native American place names in Mississippi|url=https://archive.org/details/nativeamericanpl00baca|url-access=limited|last=Baca|first=Keith|date=June 1, 2007|publisher=University Press of Mississippi|isbn=978-1-57806-955-2|page=[https://archive.org/details/nativeamericanpl00baca/page/n30 10]}}</ref> contains {{convert|14|mi|km}} of [[Equestrianism|equestrian]] trails with the [[trailhead]] located near Fricke's Cave.<ref name="BogueChittoStatePark" /> || [[File:Chairs along the beach at Bogue Chitto State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=Beach cairs along the river at Bogue Chitto state park]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chemin-A-Haut State Park]] 
| [[Morehouse Parish, Louisiana|Morehouse]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|503}} acres}} {{nowrap|(204 ha)}}<ref name="CheminAHautStatePark" /> || {{dts|1935}}<ref name="WallCal">{{Cite book|title=2009 Wall Calendar&ndash;75 Years of Celebrating Louisiana's Treasures and Making Memories|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|year=2009}}</ref> || The park was designed with children in mind and has two playgrounds at the day use area.<ref name="CheminAHautStatePark" /> || [[File:Chemin-A-Haut State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=Canoes tied to a pole at Chemin-A-Haut state park]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chicot State Park]] 
| [[Evangeline Parish, Louisiana|Evangeline]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|6400}} acres}} {{nowrap|(2,590 ha)}}<ref name="CCBrouchure">{{cite web|url=http://www.crt.state.la.us/Assets/Parks/brochures/SWGlayout_web.pdf|access-date=July 21, 2017|title=Louisiana State Parks Brochure|publisher=Louisiana State Parks|archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906064006/http://www.crt.state.la.us/Assets/Parks/brochures/SWGlayout_web.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ChicotStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chicot-state-park|title=Chicot State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000931/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chicot-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{dts|1939}}<ref name="WallCal" /> || Chicot State Park contains the [[Louisiana State Arboretum]], which has a mature [[beech]]&ndash;[[magnolia]] forest.<ref name="ChicotStatePark" /> || 
|-
! scope="row" | [[Cypremort Point State Park]] 
| {{sort|Saint Mary Parish|[[St. Mary Parish, Louisiana|St. Mary]]}} || {{nowrap|{{nts|185}} acres}} {{nowrap|(75 ha)}}<ref name="CCBrouchure" /><ref name="CypremortPointStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/cypremort-point-state-park|title=Cypremort Point State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125210621/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/cypremort-point-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{dts|1970}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekend with Nick|url=https://princessmaddieanne.blogspot.com/2009/01/weekend-with-nick.html|access-date=April 23, 2012|date=January 19, 2009|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304133226/http://princessmaddieanne.blogspot.com/2009/01/weekend-with-nick.html|url-status=live}}</ref> || Most of the park is situated on a half-mile stretch of a man-made beach.<ref name="CypremortPointStatePark" /> || [[File:Pavilion at Cypremort Point State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=An outside pavilion on the grass]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Fairview-Riverside State Park]] 
| {{sort|Saint Tammany Parish|[[St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana|St. Tammany]]}} || {{nowrap|{{nts|98}} acres}} {{nowrap|(40 ha)}}<ref>{{cite book|title=State Parks of the South: America's Historic Paradise : A Guide to Camping, Fishing, Hiking, & Sightseeing|url=https://archive.org/details/stateparksofsout0000deha|url-access=registration|last=DeHaan|first=Vici|page=[https://archive.org/details/stateparksofsout0000deha/page/192 192]|isbn=978-1-55566-167-0|publisher=Johnson Books|date=April 1996}}</ref> || {{dts|1962}}<ref name="FairviewRiversideStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fairview-riverside-state-park|title=Fairview-Riverside State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000926/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fairview-riverside-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || The Otis house, listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]], is located in the park.<ref name="FairviewRiversideStatePark" /> || [[File:Frank Otis House.jpg|center|100px|alt=A two-story light yellow plantation home]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Fontainebleau State Park]] 
| {{sort|Saint Tammany Parish|[[St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana|St. Tammany]]}} || {{nowrap|{{nts|2800}} acres}} {{nowrap|(1,133 ha)}}<ref name="FountainebleauStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park|title=Fontainebleau State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000919/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{dts|1942}}<ref name="NorthshoreConifer">{{cite web|url=http://www.northshoreconifer.com/Articles/tabid/56/EntryId/219/It-Is-What-It-Was.aspx|title=Northshore Conifer&ndash;It Is What It Was|access-date=March 18, 2011|publisher=Northshore Conifer|first=Nixon|last=Adams|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008115138/http://www.northshoreconifer.com/Articles/tabid/56/EntryId/219/It-Is-What-It-Was.aspx|archive-date=October 8, 2011|publication-date=November 5, 2009}}</ref> || The park was once the site of a sugar plantation and brick yard operated by [[Bernard de Marigny]].<ref name="FountainebleauStatePark" /> || [[File:Fontainebleu State Park Sunset.jpg|center|100px|alt=The sun setting over Lake Pontchartrain]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Grand Isle State Park (Louisiana)|Grand Isle State Park]]
| [[Jefferson Parish, Louisiana|Jefferson]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|140}} acres}} {{nowrap|(57 ha)}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Louisiana Almanac: 2006-2007|date=May 31, 2006|last1=Frois|first1=Jeanne|last2=Calhoun|first2=Milburn|publisher=Pelican Publishing|edition=17|isbn=978-1-58980-306-0|page=58}}</ref> || {{dts|1968}}<ref name="GrandIsleTriState">{{cite web|url=http://www.tri-parishtimes.com/gumbo/article_d975ed10-ecc6-568c-b98f-f347e64b4e24.html|title=Make a Weekend Stop to Grand Isle State Park|date=July 6, 2011|publisher=Gumbo Entertainment Guide|location=Houma, Louisiana|access-date=April 11, 2012|quote=Nestled in the northeastern portion of the only inhabited barrier island in the state, Louisiana purchased the 150-acre park in 1968.}}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="GrandIsleFacebook">{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/grandislestatepark/info|title=Facebook&ndash;Grand Isle State Park|access-date=April 11, 2012|quote=The park was purchased in 1968 by the State.|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism}}</ref> || Grand Isle State Park is the only state-owned and -operated beach on the [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Louisiana gulf coast]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ktbs.com/news/grand-isle-beach-reopens-to-public/article_4b6a2fa4-b538-5d25-9670-1ed65a4fb2eb.html|title=Grand Isle Beach Reopens to Public|date=July 25, 2008|publisher=KTBS-TV|agency=Associated Press|access-date=November 5, 2017|archive-date=March 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331084553/https://www.ktbs.com/news/grand-isle-beach-reopens-to-public/article_4b6a2fa4-b538-5d25-9670-1ed65a4fb2eb.html|url-status=live}}</ref> || [[File:Grand Isle State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=A pier extending into the Gulf of Mexico]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Jimmie Davis State Park]] 
| [[Jackson Parish, Louisiana|Jackson]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|294}} acres}} {{nowrap|(119 ha)}}<ref name="Smith499">[[#Smith07|Smith 2007]], p. 499.</ref> || {{dts|1996}}<ref name="JimmieDavisStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/jimmie-davis-state-park|title=Jimmie Davis State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000922/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/jimmie-davis-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || Many of the largest bass caught in Louisiana have been in Caney Lake Reservoir which is in the park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameandfishmag.com/2010/09/28/fishing_bass-fishing_la_0506_01/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123204937/http://www.gameandfishmag.com/2010/09/28/fishing_bass-fishing_la_0506_01/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-23|title=The Changing Face Of Caney Lake|last=Felsher|first=John N.|date=May 2006|access-date=April 1, 2011|publisher=Game & Fish Magazine}}</ref> As of 2010, the largest bass from Louisiana was caught at Caney Lake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.louisianasportsman.com/details.php?id=2151|title=16-pound bass caught on Caddo, Louisiana record at stake|quote=The current state record is a 15.97-pounder landed by Greg Wiggins in 1994 while fishing Caney Lake.|access-date=April 1, 2011|first=Andy|last=Crawford|date=March 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720150920/http://www.louisianasportsman.com/details.php?id=2151|archive-date=July 20, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> || [[File:Jimmie Davis State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=Two silhouetted people fishing on a boat]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lake Bistineau State Park]] 
| [[Webster Parish, Louisiana|Webster]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|750}} acres}} {{nowrap|(304 ha)}}<ref>{{Cite book|title=Louisiana State Parks&ndash;A Guide to Louisiana's State Parks, State Historic Sites and Preservation Areas Brochure|publisher=Louisiana State Parks|year=2007}}</ref><ref name="CCBrouchure" /> || {{dts|1938}}<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050305082231/http://www.crt.state.la.us/crt/parks/lakebist/bistino.htm|url=http://www.crt.state.la.us/crt/parks/lakebist/bistino.htm|archive-date=March 5, 2005|access-date=March 17, 2011|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|title=Lake Bistineau State Park}}</ref> || Lake Bistineau State Park is the first state park in Louisiana to accommodate African Americans, starting in 1956.  The two separated areas are an artifact of the segregated nature of the park at the time.<ref>{{cite book|title=Insiders' Guide to Shreveport|last=Otto|first=David|page=127|isbn=978-0-7627-5702-2|publisher=Insiders' Guide|date=August 17, 2007}}</ref> || [[File:Many Cypress Trees at Lake Bistineau State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=Cypress trees covered in moss in reflective water]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lake Bruin State Park]] 
| [[Tensas Parish, Louisiana|Tensas]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|53}} acres}} {{nowrap|(21 ha)}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Weekend Getaways in Louisiana|last=Fonseca|first=Mary|date=August 8, 1996|publisher=Pelican Publishing|isbn=978-1-56554-096-5|page=188}}</ref> || {{dts|1956}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Wildernet.com&ndash;Lake Bruin State Park, Louisiana State Parks|access-date=April 18, 2012|url=http://activities.wildernet.com/pages/area.cfm?areaid=lsplb|publisher=Interactive Outdoors Inc.|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305092446/http://activities.wildernet.com/pages/area.cfm?areaid=lsplb|url-status=live}}</ref> || Lake Bruin State Park was originally established in 1928 as a [[fish hatchery]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-bruin-state-park|title=Lake Bruin State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000929/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-bruin-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || [[File:Shaded area at Lake Bruin Park IMG 1254.JPG|center|100px|A shaded area next to a small pier]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lake Claiborne State Park]] 
| [[Claiborne Parish, Louisiana|Claiborne]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|643}} acres}} {{nowrap|(260 ha)}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.claiborneone.org/lakes.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211220112/http://www.claiborneone.org/lakes.html|archive-date=December 11, 2010|last=Herring|first=Susan|title=Claiborne Parish Lakes and Recreation Areas|access-date=February 14, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> || {{dts|1974}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Outdoor Recreation Action|publisher=United States. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation|year=1974|page=67}}</ref> || Lake Claiborne State Park is situated on, but does not include, Lake Claiborne, the park's main attraction.  When at full reservoir level, Lake Claiborne has a surface area of {{nowrap|6,400 acres}} {{nowrap|(2,590 ha)}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-claiborne-state-park|title=Lake Claiborne State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000924/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-claiborne-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || [[File:Lake Claiborne State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=A pier extending out into the swamp]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lake D'Arbonne State Park]] 
| [[Union Parish, Louisiana|Union]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|655}} acres}} {{nowrap|(265 ha)}}<ref name="LakeDArbonneStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-darbonne-state-park|title=Lake D'Arbonne State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000919/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-darbonne-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{dts|1967}}<ref>{{cite journal|date=June 2009|title=Fall General Meeting at Lake D'Arbonne|journal=Pack & Paddle|issue=Summer|page=7|publisher=Ozark Society|url=http://www.ozarksociety.net/Newsletters%202009/PP_Sum09.pdf|access-date=March 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202173908/http://www.ozarksociety.net/Newsletters%202009/PP_Sum09.pdf|archive-date=February 2, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> || Lake D'Arbonne State Park offers [[disc golf]].  The course is located near the group camp.<ref name="LakeDArbonneStatePark" /> || [[File:Pool at Lake D'Arbonne State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=A lifeguard watching people swim in a pool]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lake Fausse Pointe State Park]] 
| [[Iberia Parish, Louisiana|Iberia]] and [[St. Martin Parish, Louisiana|St. Martin]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|6000}} acres}} {{nowrap|(2,428 ha)}}<ref name="LakeFaussePointeStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-fausse-pointe-state-park|title=Lake Fausse Pointe State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=March 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301220631/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-fausse-pointe-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{dts|1987}}<ref name="LAConservationist" /> || The site was once part of the [[Atchafalaya Basin]] and the surrounding land was once the home of the [[Chitimacha|Chitimacha Native Americans]].<ref name="LakeFaussePointeStatePark" /> || [[File:FossePointeCypressSwamp.jpg|center|100px|alt=A dried up swamp bed]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[North Toledo Bend State Park]] 
| [[Sabine Parish, Louisiana|Sabine]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|900}} acres}} {{nowrap|(364 ha)}}<ref name="NorthToledoBendStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/north-toledo-bend-state-park|title=North Toledo Bend State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214180351/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/north-toledo-bend-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Louisiana State Parks Crossroads Brochure|publisher=Louisiana State Parks|year=2007}}</ref> || {{dts|1987}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Louisiana statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan: Information base for executive decision, 1993-1998|publisher=Division of Outdoor Recreation|year=1994|volume=1|quote=North Toledo Bend State Park has been developed and has been operational since 1987.}}</ref> || The park is situated on [[Toledo Bend Reservoir]],<ref name="NorthToledoBendStatePark" /> the [[List of largest reservoirs in the United States|5th largest]] in the nation by surface area.<ref>{{cite web|title=North Toledo Bend (WMA)|url=http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=33|access-date=June 13, 2011|publisher=Texas Parks and Wildlife Department|date=April 21, 2009|location=Austin, Texas|archive-date=August 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820062600/http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=33|url-status=live}}</ref> || [[File:RV Camper at North Toledo Bend State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=An motor home set up with party lights on the outside]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Palmetto Island State Park]] 
| [[Vermilion Parish, Louisiana|Vermilion]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|1299}} acres}} {{nowrap|(526 ha)}}<ref name="PISPADV">{{cite news|last=Bergeron|first=Judy|title=Palmetto Island State Park opens in Abbeville|newspaper=The Advocate|location=Baton Rouge, Louisiana|date=November 7, 2010|url=http://www.2theadvocate.com/entertainment/106780383.html|access-date=February 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127073938/http://www.2theadvocate.com/entertainment/106780383.html|archive-date=January 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> || {{dts|2010}}<ref name="PISPADV" /> || The visitor center complex contains a water playground and a bathhouse.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/palmetto-island-state-park|title=Palmetto Island State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217100548/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/palmetto-island-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || [[File:Palmetto Island State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=A picture of a lake with dormant trees in the back]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Poverty Point Reservoir State Park]] 
| [[Richland Parish, Louisiana|Richland]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|2700}} acres}} {{nowrap|(1,093 ha)}}<ref name="Smith502">[[#Smith07|Smith 2007]], p. 502.</ref> || {{dts|2005}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/ltc_11/pdf/Poverty%20Point%20Reservoir.pdf|title=Poverty Point Reservoir|publisher=Louisiana Department of Public Works and Water Resources|access-date=March 19, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031040/http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/ltc_11/pdf/Poverty%20Point%20Reservoir.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> || Due to an active bear population, bear-proof containers are provided for waste disposal throughout the park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/poverty-point-reservoir-state-park|title=Poverty Point Reservoir State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000933/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/poverty-point-reservoir-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || [[File:Boat Landing at Poverty Point Reservoir State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=A truck backing a boat into the water]]
|-
! scope="row" | {{sort|Saint Bernard State Park|[[St. Bernard State Park]]}} 
| {{sort|Saint Bernard Parish|[[St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana|St. Bernard]]}} || {{nowrap|{{nts|358}} acres}} {{nowrap|(145 ha)}}<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sternberg|first1=Mary Ann|page=160|title=The Pelican Guide to Louisiana|isbn=978-0-88289-901-5|publisher=Pelican Publishing Company Inc.|edition=2}}</ref> || {{dts|1971}}<ref name="SaintBernardStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/st-bernard-state-park|title=St. Bernard State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000928/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/st-bernard-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || A local family business donated the land for the park to Louisiana in 1971.<ref name="SaintBernardStatePark" /> || [[File:StBernardStateParkPoydrasEntrance.JPG|center|100px|alt=A brown brick welcome center building]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Sam Houston Jones State Park]] 
| [[Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana|Calcasieu]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|1087}} acres}} {{nowrap|(440 ha)}}<ref name="SamHoustonJonesStatePark">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/sam-houston-jones-state-park|title=Sam Houston State Park|access-date=February 7, 2022|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000920/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/sam-houston-jones-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{dts|1944}}<ref name="WallCal" /> ||  The park is located north of the most productive birding region of Louisiana.  At certain times of year, nearly 200 species of birds can be seen within {{convert|30|mi|km}} of the park.<ref name="SamHoustonJonesStatePark" /> || [[File:Sam Houston Jones State Park.jpg|center|100px|alt=Cypress trees in a swamp.]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[South Toledo Bend State Park]] 
| [[Vernon Parish, Louisiana|Vernon]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|1000}} acres}} {{nowrap|(405 ha)}}<ref name="STBSPLOSP">{{cite web|url=https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/south-toledo-bend-state-park|title=South Toledo Bend State Park|access-date=January 30, 2011|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|location=Louisiana|archive-date=August 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813170118/https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/south-toledo-bend-state-park|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{dts|2004}}<ref name="STBSPLOSP" /> || South Toledo Bend State Park is a nesting ground for the [[bald eagle]], which feeds from the supply of freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, bream, and white perch.<ref name="STBSPLOSP" /> || [[File:South Toledo Bend State Park Visitor Center.jpg|center|100px|alt=Visitor center surrounded by pine trees.]]
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tickfaw State Park]] 
| [[Livingston Parish, Louisiana|Livingston]] || {{nowrap|{{nts|1200}} acres}} {{nowrap|(486 ha)}}<ref name="Herndon165">[[#Herndon03|Herndon 2003]], p. 165.</ref> || {{dts|1999}}<ref name="Herndon165" /> || Tickfaw State Park contains four distinct ecosystems:  a [[Taxodium|cypress]]/[[Tupelo (tree)|tupelo]] swamp, a [[bottomland]] hardwood forest, a mixed pine/hardwood forest,<ref>{{cite book|title=The Louisiana Coast: Guide to an American Wetland|last=Gomez|first=Ms. Gay M.|page=161|publisher= Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi|isbn= 978-1-60344-033-2|date=October 9, 2008}}</ref> and the [[Tickfaw River]]. || [[File:Swamp in Tickfaw State Park Louisiana.jpg|center|100px|alt=A small brook in a forest of cypress trees.]]
|}

==Other names of current parks==
The following are significantly different former or alternate names for current Louisiana state parks.

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="width:100%"
! scope="col"  width="20%" |'''Former or alternate name'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="14%" |'''Parish'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="12%" |'''Current park name''' &nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="43%" class="unsortable" |'''Remarks''' &nbsp;&nbsp;
|--
! scope="row" | Caney Creek Lake State Park
| [[Jackson Parish, Louisiana|Jackson]] || [[Jimmie Davis State Park]] || The park is located on Caney Lake Reservoir, which was created by damming Caney Creek in 1986.<ref name="JimmieDavisStatePark" /> It was renamed in 2003.<ref name="JimmieDavisStatePark" />
|--
! scope="row" | Lake Bruin Wayside Park
| [[Tensas Parish, Louisiana|Tensas]] || [[Lake Bruin State Park]] || Originally only a park, but when made a state park it was renamed in 1962.
|--
! scope="row" | Sam Houston State Park
| [[Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana|Calcasieu]] || [[Sam Houston Jones State Park]] || Originally named for [[Sam Houston]], but was renamed in honor of [[Sam Houston Jones]], 46th Governor of Louisiana.<ref name="SamHoustonJonesStatePark" />
|--
! scope="row" | Tchefuncte State Park and Conservation Reservation 
| {{sort|Saint Tammany Parish|[[St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana|St. Tammany]]}} || [[Fontainebleau State Park]] || The land was originally owned by [[Bernard de Marigny]] who called the area Fontainebleau after a forest in Paris he admired.<ref name="NorthshoreConifer" />  When designated a state park, Governor [[Richard W. Leche]] named it Tchefuncte State Park and Conservation Reservation, which was later reverted to Fontainebleau.
|}

==Former state park==
The following is a park that was officially recognized as a state park after the 1966 National Park Service review but was later removed.

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="width:100%"
! scope="col"  width="*" | '''Park name'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="*" | '''Parish'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="*" | '''Size'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! data-sort-type="date" scope="col" width="*" align="center" | '''Date Established'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! data-sort-type="date" scope="col" width="*" align="center" | '''Date Removed'''&nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="*" class="unsortable" | '''Remarks''' &nbsp;&nbsp;
! scope="col"  width="*" class="unsortable" | Image
|--
! scope="row" | [[Hodges Gardens State Park]]
| {{nowrap|[[Sabine Parish, Louisiana|Sabine]]}} || {{nowrap|{{nts|700}} acres}} {{nowrap|(283 ha)}}<ref name="HGSPLOSP">{{cite web|url=http://www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/parks/hodges-gardens-state-park/index|title=Hodges Gardens State Park&ndash;Louisiana Office of State Parks|access-date=January 30, 2011|publisher=Office of State Parks, Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406003819/http://www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/parks/hodges-gardens-state-park/index|archive-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref> || 1956<ref name="HGSPLOSP" /> || October 1, 2017<ref name="HGCASUALTY">{{cite web|url=https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2017/08/30/future-plans-hodges-gardens-state-park-unclear-control-reverts-foundation/617491001/|title=Hodges Gardens State Park a 'casualty of the funding crisis;' control reverts to foundation|access-date=February 7, 2018|publisher=[[The Daily Advertiser (Lafayette)|The Daily Advertiser]]|first=Leigh|last=Guidry|archive-date=January 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117011904/http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2017/08/30/future-plans-hodges-gardens-state-park-unclear-control-reverts-foundation/617491001/?|url-status=live}}</ref> || The park features a 225-acre man-made lake that was built in 1954.<ref name="HGSPLOSP" />  After a funding issue, the donated property was reverted to the A.J. and Nona Triggs Hodges Foundation.<ref name="HGCASUALTY" /> || [[File:HGwaterfall.JPG|center|100px|alt=A small pond surrounded by greenery]]
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|United States}}
*[[List of Louisiana state historic sites]]
*[[Louisiana State Arboretum]]
*[[List of U.S. national parks]]

==References==
*{{cite book|title=Parks Directory of the United States|publisher=Omnigraphics, Inc|edition=5|date=May 30, 2007|editor-last=Gill|editor-first=Kay|last=Smith|first=Darren L.|isbn=978-0-7808-0018-2|ref=Smith07}}
*{{cite book|title=Canoeing Louisiana|last=Herndon|first=Ernest|date=April 15, 2003|publisher=University Press of Mississippi|isbn=978-1-57806-426-7|ref=Herndon03}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|State parks of Louisiana}}
* [http://www.lastateparks.com/ Louisiana State Parks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051028053517/http://www.lastateparks.com/ |date=October 28, 2005 }}

{{Louisiana}}
{{Protected Areas of Louisiana}}
{{Lists of state parks by U.S. state}}

{{featured list}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:List Of Louisiana State Parks}}
[[Category:State parks of Louisiana| ]]
[[Category:Lists of state parks of the United States|Louisiana state parks]]
[[Category:Louisiana geography-related lists|State parks]]