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State Park · LA

Jimmie Davis State Park

Jimmie Davis State Park offers a scenic retreat on the shores of Caney Lake in northern Louisiana, popular for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking in a peaceful natural setting.

State Park3234+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

323

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Jimmie Davis State Park

Jimmie Davis State Park offers a scenic retreat on the shores of Caney Lake in northern Louisiana, popular for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking in a peaceful natural setting.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Jimmie Davis State Park is located in Jackson Parish in northern Louisiana, encompassing approximately 323 acres along the western shore of Caney Lake. The park features a combination of pine and hardwood forest, providing a habitat for diverse plant and animal species typical of the region's mixed forest ecosystem. Established to provide outdoor recreation and conserve natural resources, the park is named after Jimmie Davis, a former Louisiana governor and country music singer. Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of activities including fishing on Caney Lake, which is stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish, as well as boating with access to a public boat launch. Hiking trails wind through the woods offering glimpses of local wildlife and peaceful forest scenery. The campground provides developed sites with amenities, making it a popular location for family camping. The park also hosts picnic areas and a playground, enhancing its appeal for day use. Its proximity to the Caney Lake golf course and the town of Chatham adds complementary recreational options. With a quiet, natural environment and ample water-based activities, Jimmie Davis State Park draws visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation in a classic Louisiana outdoor setting.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Jimmie Davis State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Sunset Serenity in Saline★ 6.5⌖ 18 miSunset Viewing
Saline

Sunset Serenity in Saline

Explore serene Saline in northern Louisiana, perfect for sunset viewing and light hiking. Enjoy birdwatching at Lake Saline and strolls through pine forests. Ideal for relaxing getaways, it remains quiet throughout the year. Drive-in access from nearby Ruston.

Sunset ViewingView Details→
Scenic Forest Views at Longleaf Vista Nature Trail★ 7.2⌖ 61 miHiking
Longleaf Vista Nature Trail

Scenic Forest Views at Longleaf Vista Nature Trail

Longleaf Vista Nature Trail near Natchitoches, LA, offers a peaceful hiking experience through rare longleaf pine forests. Best visited in spring and fall, it’s ideal for birdwatching and photography with gentle terrain and scenic views of pine woods under open skies.

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge★ 8.2⌖ 65 miBirdwatching
Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling area in Jonesville, LA. Known for birdwatching and seasonal migrations, the refuge also offers hiking and fishing. Ideal for photographers seeking quiet retreats, especially during spring and fall.

BirdwatchingView Details→
Mystical Waters of Caddo Lake★ 8.0⌖ 80 miCanoeing
Caddo lake

Mystical Waters of Caddo Lake

Explore the mystical beauty of Caddo Lake straddling Texas and Louisiana. Enjoy canoeing and wildlife viewing in a quiet setting. Best visited in spring and fall, it’s a serene site for paddling and birdwatching. Fishing requires a license.

Natural Wonder Awaits in Kisatchie National Forest★ 7.0⌖ 92 miHiking
Kisatchie National Forest

Natural Wonder Awaits in Kisatchie National Forest

Explore over 600,000 acres at Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. With diverse landscapes and trails, enjoy hiking, mountain biking on Wild Azalea Trail, and canoeing on Kisatchie Bayou. Suitable for adventure seekers looking for tranquility.

Nature's Boardwalk at Tunica-Biloxi★ 6.5⌖ 93 miHiking
Tunica-Biloxi Nature Trailhead

Nature's Boardwalk at Tunica-Biloxi

Visit the Tunica-Biloxi Nature Trailhead in Marksville, LA. This easy, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk is perfect for families and birdwatchers. Enjoy a 7-rated photography experience and learn about the area's flora and fauna during a peaceful spring walk.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Caney Lake shoreline with excellent bass fishing and boating opportunities✦ Four miles of shaded, forested hiking trails through pine and hardwood habitat✦ Developed campground with full amenities situated close to the lake✦ Picnic pavilions and playground areas ideal for family outings
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Jimmie Davis State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Jimmie Davis State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use and camping fees apply; boat launch fees are included with park entry. No special permits required for hiking or picnicking.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Jimmie Davis State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Jimmie Davis State Park Campground

Lakefront campground with 68 sites including full hookups, picnic tables, grills, and modern restrooms; close proximity to boat launches and trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Jimmie Davis State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Jonesboro
⌖ 6.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jonesboro, Louisiana

A quiet small-town gateway to natural Louisiana landscapes offering low-key outdoor activities with a focus on water sports and wildlife viewing.

Fall and SpringExplore Town
Ruston
⌖ 14.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ruston, Louisiana

A quiet college town with easy access to gently rolling landscapes, offering a mix of paddling, biking, and hiking opportunities suited for all skill levels.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Chatham
⌖ 16.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chatham, Louisiana

A quiet riverside town offering serene paddling opportunities and close access to bayou and wildlife-rich areas for nature lovers.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Arcadia
⌖ 19.01 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Arcadia, Louisiana

A quiet rural town offering access to scenic waterways and forested landscapes typical of northern Louisiana’s outdoor charm.

Fall and SpringExplore Town
Calhoun
⌖ 24.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Calhoun, Louisiana

A quiet delta gateway where bayous and farmland converge, offering intimate paddling, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities in the heart of Louisiana’s wetlands.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Lisbon
⌖ 33.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lisbon, Louisiana

A quiet small-town setting with rich natural surroundings offering accessible water-based and outdoor recreation opportunities in the heart of rural Louisiana.

Fall through early SpringExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Jimmie Davis State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.