Lake D'Arbonne State Park sits in northern Louisiana about 90 miles from Jersey, Arkansas, offering camping options through varying seasonal conditions. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters where nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Campers should prepare for significant rainfall year-round, with particular concentration during spring and early summer months. The area features rolling hills and dense pine forests surrounding cypress-studded waterways.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: At Chemin-A-Haut State Park, visitors can paddle through the ancient cypress trees along Chemin-A-Haut Creek. "Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle to them," notes camper Nicki M., who describes the 1000-year-old cypress trees as the "best feature in the park." Water levels can affect accessibility, so check conditions before planning this activity.
Hiking trails: The hiking network at Cane Creek State Park offers opportunities to view local wildlife. "We were able to watch numerous birds (pileated woodpeckers) and even saw a swamp rat swimming in the lake," reports Lacee G. The trails showcase typical south Arkansas ecology, though campers should "watch out for ticks" during warmer months.
Seasonal Halloween events: October brings special activities to certain campgrounds. Joseph B. mentions that at Cane Creek State Park, "Halloween brings thousands of visitors each fall. The campsites all decorate for the holiday and everyone wants to see it!" This creates a community atmosphere during the autumn season.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower buildings receive consistent praise from visitors across multiple parks. At Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Heath H. notes the "nice, new, and clean restroom and shower facility with coin-operated laundry." Taylor C. adds, "Bathrooms are hands down the best I've ever seen."
Water activities: The lakes provide recreational opportunities beyond fishing. At Lake D'Arbonne State Park, James T. shares, "We had a great time even with bad weather. Rained the entire weekend but we still had a blast on the trials and docks." The fishing piers and boat access points allow visitors to enjoy the water year-round.
Varied accommodation options: From tent sites to cabins, campers appreciate the range of overnight options. Allison N. notes that Chemin-A-Haut offers "tent camping, cabins, and equestrian camping and trails," while Gil C. describes Lake D'Arbonne as "our first experience with camping. I really didn't know what to expect but we really loved it."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites are created equal. Gary G. warns about Chemin-A-Haut State Park: "Just have to be careful what sight you book, because I almost never got my camper level in sight #21." At Lake D'Arbonne, campers should consider whether they want a premium lakefront spot or standard location.
Seasonal insect issues: Bugs can be problematic during certain times. Kathy E. describes a particularly bad experience at Cane Creek: "A hurricane had blown in trillions of 'love bugs'. Our visit was during the bugs' mating season... It was like a plague! The air was black with the bugs." Steve S. confirms that "mosquitoes are terrible" during summer months.
Accessibility considerations: Most parks have varying levels of water access. Lacee G. notes at Cane Creek, "You have to walk through thick brush on a slope to reach the water." Similarly, Ed G. describes the campground as "great if you want to be by a lake but not too close to the water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Allison N. points out that "the park has playgrounds and pavilions." These recreational spaces provide options for younger campers between other activities.
Visitor center activities: Check for scheduled programs that cater to children. Lindsey P. mentions that at Cane Creek, "the visitors center offers fun activities for the kids." These ranger-led programs typically run more frequently during summer and holiday periods.
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping near Jersey, Arkansas provides a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and cabins. Cane Creek State Park offers yurt options that are particularly suitable for families with small children who want structure without fully committing to cabin accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity awareness: Know your power needs before selecting a site. At Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Heath H. mentions "full hookups" but others have had issues. Lacee G. observed that neighbors "had issues with their electricity because they were trying to run an air fryer, and it kept throwing the breaker."
Dump station locations: Not all parks have sewer hookups at individual sites. Chris V. notes that at Cane Creek, sites have "either 30 amp or 50 amp electric hook ups and water" but require using the central dump station for waste disposal. Plan accordingly for longer stays.
Site dimensions: Most RV sites in the area accommodate standard-sized rigs. Ed G. describes Cane Creek's spaces as "flat long, asphalt RV sites" that are "easy to get into." This makes them suitable for most recreational vehicles without special maneuvering requirements.
