Lake Claiborne State Park overlooks the southern shore of a man-made lake. It’s set within a hilly topography of mixed pine-oak forest habitats, including fine hardwood slope forests. Bald cypress trees line the banks of the lake.
Prime birding for neotropical woodland songbirds occurs here during the spring migration months of March through May. Prime waterfowl viewing occurs in November-April. Horned Grebe—a statewide bird of interest—has appeared in February. Western Grebe, probably the rarest bird recorded on Lake Claiborne to date, was seen in April when many migratory waterbirds are moving from coastal Louisiana wintering areas to their northern nesting grounds. At least eight species of ducks have been regularly recorded from the state park pier, along with Franklin’s, Bonaparte’s, and Ring-billed Gulls. The park’s bird list totals a respectable 124, although 155 species have been recorded from the lake's northern shore.
This amenity-packed park also offers swimming, fishing, boating, waterskiing, camping, hiking, or relaxing and enjoying unsurpassed natural beauty. Trails meander through the entire park allowing quiet, easy access to the entire site’s nooks and crannies. A pier extends out into the lake to offer great views of open water.
Lodging options range from primitive camping to glamping to two-bedroom cabins. A sandy beach, pavilion, disc golf course, interpretive nature center, and six different hiking/birding trails are available. Canoes, kayaks, bikes, and other recreational equipment are available to rent. The park is handicap accessible.
