Chicot State Park spans 6,400 acres around Chicot Lake, located 30 minutes north of Ville Platte, Louisiana. The park features two distinct camping areas—North and South campgrounds—with each offering unique access points to the lake and trails. Tent camping spots cost approximately $20-25 per night while RV sites with full hookups range from $28-33 depending on the season.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: The park contains an extensive trail system including a 10-mile looping path perfect for mountain biking. "Great place to go. Very natural and wooded. Lots of sights to see. Wonderful trails, lots of hiking. Good place for bike rides. Lots of wildlife," notes a visitor at North Campground — Chicot State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing piers and boat launches provide access to the lake known for bass and crappie. "The park has a nice free day use boat launch as well as a floating dock with a fish cleaning station. The park is very clean and does not smell fishy," reports a camper from Colfax RV Park.
Canoe and kayak rentals: Watercraft rentals are available directly at the park office for exploring the designated paddle trails. "Did canoe loop which was pretty easy to follow. Saw some big gators especially by the boat ramp," shares a visitor who stayed at South Campground.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Most sites offer adequate separation and include basic amenities. "Large sites with grill, fire pit, and picnic table," according to a Colfax Recreation Area camper who rated their experience 5 stars.
Clean facilities: Both campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities and shower houses. "Very clean well maintained camp sites and cabins. Fishing, canoeing and hiking trails are available as well as splash pad for the kids," mentions a visitor at South Campground — Chicot State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The bayou setting provides ample opportunities to spot native species. "Our stays at Chicot have always been awesome. There is a ton to see as far as wildlife goes....armadillos, alligators, tons of birds, snakes, etc," shares an experienced camper.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Alligators inhabit the lake and surrounding waterways. "No swimming allowed here. There are some alligators in the water. Lake is popular for fishing," warns a camper.
Insect preparation: The humid environment supports significant insect populations. "Negatives are the wasps, ticks, and chiggers," notes a reviewer who regularly visits the park.
Seasonal considerations: Summer humidity can be intense, while winter offers milder temperatures. A visitor at Kisatchie Bayou Complex described extreme conditions during winter camping: "It reached 23 degrees at night which was one of the coldest temperatures recorded in the state this year."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and splash pads. "There is a nice playground for the kids as well as a nice shower house. The park has lots of picnic areas (34) set up under shade trees," shares a Colfax RV Park visitor.
Security measures: Gated entrances provide added security for family camping. "Large sites, few trees, manicured landscaping and clean bathhouses. Really quite with friendly park rangers," notes a camper.
Accessibility options: Several paths and facilities accommodate strollers and younger visitors. "We hiked, biked, and relaxed in the low waters of the bayou," explains a family that visited Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Complex.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many sites offer water, electric, and sewer connections. "Campground has bath house with individual showers. 30 amp hookups," reports an RV camper who stayed at North Campground.
Site selection strategies: Some areas provide more space between sites than others. "We called and they put us in a spot that was very spacious. There were almost no other campers there so it helps to go in the middle of the week," advises an RVer who stopped for one night.
Road conditions: Interior park roads are paved and accommodate larger rigs in designated areas. "I biked most of the paved roads in the state park and was able to go 13 miles without doubling anywhere."
