Lake D'Arbonne State Park and neighboring state parks offer a range of yurt camping options near West Monroe, Louisiana. These parks sit in north-central Louisiana's piney woods region, characterized by rolling hills and cypress-lined waterways. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-95°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop into the 30s. Most campgrounds maintain year-round operations with seasonal adjustments for swimming amenities.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Lake Claiborne State Park features "two of the best frisbee golf courses in Louisiana," according to Sarah B. The courses wind through wooded areas, providing recreational options beyond water activities.
Kayaking ancient trees: At Chemin-A-Haut State Park, visitors can paddle to see thousand-year-old cypress trees. "Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle to them," suggests Nicki M. However, water levels affect accessibility, as Taylor C. notes: "Plan on calling ahead if you're going to do that since the water can also be too low."
Fishing opportunities: Jimmie Davis State Park sits on Caney Lake, known for trophy bass fishing. "A superb park with excellent boat launches and fish cleaning stations," reports West D. The park provides convenient access for anglers with boats. Adam R. confirms it's "the only park on caney lake. Good lake for fishing and water sports, many sites you can park your boat very close."
What campers like
Pier access: Many waterfront sites at Lake Claiborne State Park feature private piers extending over the water. Cat R. describes: "We stayed here at site 14. Had a long pier over the water, and plenty of space between campers." These piers provide direct lake access for fishing or enjoying sunsets.
Wildlife viewing: The parks host abundant native wildlife. Penny A. reports seeing "Whitetail deer, owls, fish/gar, butterflies, dragonflies, fireflies, and much more!" at Lake Claiborne State Park. Multiple reviewers mention frequent deer sightings throughout the park systems.
Resort-style amenities: Lake D'Arbonne State Park offers unexpected amenities for a state park. Cheri H. describes it as having "lots of amenities. Tennis courses, disc golf course, hiking/biking trails, swimming pool, cabins, lodges, several playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions & WiFi." These facilities complement the yurt and glamping accommodations available in the area.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be unreliable across these parks. Brent C. notes at Lake Claiborne that "Wi-Fi did not work anywhere in park (signal broadcasted fine just no connection to internet) AT&T is nonexistent." Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected during your stay.
Seasonal water levels: Water conditions affect activities throughout the year. At Chemin-A-Haut, Pam G. reports: "Water has been high for a few months so it's ugly and not so useable. There's supposed to be a route by canoe to old growth trees but water is too high."
Campsite terrain: Some sites require significant leveling. Gary G. warns about Chemin-A-Haut: "Just have to be careful what site you book, because I almost never got my camper level in sight #21." Cat R. experienced similar issues at Lake Claiborne: "Not level ground, but we managed with enough blocks to get it level."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Multiple parks offer water recreation beyond swimming in the lakes. Jimmie Davis State Park features "a nice splash pad and beach for kids," according to Katina T., who adds there are "also a couple parks and many hammocks."
Nature trails for children: Lake Claiborne offers specially designated trails for younger visitors. Sarah B. recommends "The King of the Mountain Trail is my favorite because of its wooden bridge and tiny waterfall," making it an engaging hike for children.
Playground options: Chemin-A-Haut State Park offers dedicated kids' spaces. Taylor C. notes the park "had two playgrounds and kids trail." The specially designed children's trail provides an accessible outdoor experience for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Not all waterfront sites offer full hookups. Cat R. explains Lake Claiborne has "Water and electric, no sewer, but had a dump station." Katina T. notes at Jimmie Davis: "Only down side, no sewage hookup, only a dump station. Not a big deal for a weekend visit, but may be an inconvenience if it were a longer stay."
Laundry facilities: Some parks provide on-site laundry, a convenience for extended stays. Heath H. reports that at Chemin-A-Haut, "The RV camping area has a nice, new, and clean restroom and shower facility with coin-operated laundry."
Premium waterfront spots: Lake D'Arbonne offers premium lakefront sites with higher rates. Bruce F. notes: "4 lake front premium spots. We were lucky enough to have one. Piers are super nice." These sites typically book quickly during peak seasons.
