At over 6,400 acres, Chicot State Park is Louisiana’s largest state park. It features hardwood slope forest, bottomland hardwood forest, cypress-tupelo swamp, open water habitats, and mixed-pine hardwood hills surrounding the swamp-like 2,000-acre Lake Chicot. Most areas are easily accessible.
In all, 176 bird species have been recorded from this sprawling site. Lake Chicot's remote, swampy, eastern coves were among the first Louisiana sites to host wintering Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks. Lake Chicot is so big that ducks can be difficult to locate. The park’s North Landing—with observable open water and submerged aquatic vegetation—represents the best bet for adding ducks to your winter list here.
The wading bird population is extensive and diverse. Thirteen species of herons, egrets, and allies—plus Wood Storks during the summer months—are recorded every year. Likewise, the forest songbird population is dynamic, featuring a plethora of year-round species, neotropical migrants and nesting species, and nearctic winter species. This is a great inland site to view some of the sneakier songbird migrants such as Black-billed Cuckoo and Golden-winged and Cerulean Warblers.
Fishing is legendary here, with some of Louisiana’s biggest large-mouth bass on record. Besides fishing, additional outdoor recreational activities include paddling, hiking, biking, and nature photography.
This massive site offers camping options from primitive to glamping, cabins, and group camps. Also included are numerous paved parking areas, a visitors center, equipment rentals, and restrooms. The site is partially handicapped-accessible.
