Bogue Chitto State Park RV & Campground Guide
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In southeastern Louisiana, where the Bogue Chitto River winds through tranquil swamplands and upland forests, you’ll find Bogue Chitto State Park. Opened in 2010, this 1,786-acre park derives its name from the river that runs through it, which the Choctaw called ‘bok chito’ or ‘big creek.’ Bogue Chitto State Park is home to diverse habitats and ecosystems, from cypress swamps and hardwood forests to hilly terrain and small streams. One of the park’s famous landmarks is Fricke’s Cave with its delicate sandstone spires jutting up from the ground, carved over centuries from the river’s slow, strong waters.
Visitors come to Bogue Chitto State Park for its plentiful opportunities to spend time in nature. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy views of the delicate spires of Fricke’s Cave and explore miles of multi-use trails on foot, bike, or horseback. The Bogue Chitto River is ideal for water sports, whether floating down the river in an inner tube, paddling in a kayak, or swimming in its cool waters. Anglers will enjoy fishing in the small lakes that dot the park’s landscape, while kids will have a blast on the water slides and waterfalls at the aquatic playground.
Whether for a day or a weekend, come visit Bogue Chitto State Park and experience the captivating beauty of southeastern Louisiana — complete with moss-drenched oak trees and verdant swamplands teeming with unique plants and wildlife. Read further for what to do in and around Bogue Chitto State Park.
Spring 54-79 F
Summer 69-92 F
Fall 54-79 F
Winter 39-62 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Bogue Chitto State Park
If you want an authentic experience in Bogue Chitto State Park but aren’t keen on ‘roughing it’ in a flimsy tent or rustic cabin, then consider an RV. Whether traveling solo or with family and friends, RVing is the best way to enjoy state parks without giving up amenities like a comfy bed and A/C or the freedom to travel at your own pace.
If you don’t own an RV, that’s not a problem. RVshare makes it simple to rent an RV near your home or travel destination. Close to the park, you can find RVs in Hammond or Baton Rouge and stay in campgrounds nearby including:
Bogue Chitto State Park Campground
Stay in any of the park’s 80 RV campsites for serene views of tall oak trees and close proximity to the glistening lakefront, plus full hookups. Relax by the lake, fish from the shoreline, or gaze at millions of stars sparkling in the night sky. Rates are $25-33 per night (plus $6 fee).
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: No
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, disc golf, playground, tubing, swimming, kayaking, nature programs, equipment rentals, dumping station
Land-O-Pines Family Campground
On the Simalusa River 20 minutes from the park, this full-service campground has 42 RV sites with full hookups and amenities galore. Kids will have fun playing mini golf and swimming in the pool, while adults will enjoy a round of horseshoes and unwinding by the river. Rates are $46-55 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Bathhouse, laundromat, free cable, swimming pools, mini golf, yard games, sports courts, equipment rentals, country store, dumping station
What to Do at
Bogue Chitto State Park
Inside Bogue Chitto State Park
At Bogue Chitto State Park, visitors will find plenty of activities to keep them busy all year, whether floating down the river in an inner tube or strolling around the sandstone formations of Fricke’s Cave. Bird lovers will enjoy watching the many birds throughout the park including the brazen prothonotary warbler and majestic swallow-tailed kite. During the summer, the park hosts many educational and nature programming, including astronomy night and ranger-led hikes. There’s also a 9-hole disc golf course if anyone is up for a challenge!
Here are more details on the park’s most popular activities:
Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding - Lace up your boots or grab your bike and explore the miles of trails that weave through the park, including the popular 4.8-mile Gorge Run Trail where you might even glimpse turkeys, rabbits and other wildlife. There are also 14 miles equestrian trails for riders with their own horses.
Water Sports - Enjoy the Bogue Chitto River by tubing down the river or launching a canoe or kayak into its waters. If you don’t have equipment, there are rentals on-site. Kids and adults alike will have endless fun at the park’s water playground, which has a 200-ft long water slide and six waterfalls. The park’s 11 lakes are well-stocked with fish like catfish, bass, and perch, making them perfect for an afternoon of fishing from the pier or by the shore.
Outside Bogue Chitto State Park
Once you’ve had your fill of fun tubing down the river or hiking through the hardwood forests, head into Franklinton, Covington and other charming small towns nearby to try Southern delicacies at local eateries, explore the area’s diverse culture and history, and soak up the beautiful Louisiana scenery.
Restaurants
Café Bouchée
This charming café restaurant serves delicious Louisiana cuisine for lunch and dinner. Choose from flavorful dishes like crab bisque, shrimp po’boys, and blackened mahi for a meal you won’t soon forget!
Type: Cajun
Location: Franklinton, LA
Pizza Pete’s
This local joint specializes in homemade pizza with fresh ingredients but also serves pasta, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Stop by for lunch or dinner and see for yourself why locals say Pizza Pete’s has the best pizza in town!
Type: Italian, pizza
Location: Franklinton, LA
Don’s Seafood
This beloved Louisiana chain has served authentic Cajun cuisine for almost a century. Try traditional recipes or new creations like stuffed crab, fried shrimp, Cajun ravioli, and shrimp étouffée. Don’t forget to try any of their local craft beers on tap!
Type: Cajun
Location: Covington, LA
Mattina Bella Restaurant
This restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch that serves an array of Southern and Italian dishes like jumbo lump crab omelette, blue crab benedict, and eggplant parmigiana in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Type: American, Italian
Location: Covington, LA
Sightseeing
Abita Mystery House
This one-of-a-kind museum is also a roadside attraction with unusual exhibits and collections — plus a half-alligator, half-dog! Enjoy perusing the quirky items on display, play old arcade machines, and push buttons to engage with the ‘art’. Admission is $3 per person.
Location: Abita Springs, LA
Honey Island Swamp Tour
Head down south to experience the beauty of Louisiana swamplands. The pristine waters of Honey Island Swamp are home to towering cypress trees and diverse wildlife like alligators, turtles, and birds. Explore the river swamp on a guided boat tour starting at $25 per adult.
Location: Slidell, LA
Global Wildlife Center
This wildlife preserve is home to over 4,000 animals from all over the world including giraffes, llamas, bison, and camels. Go on a safari wagon tour, feed the zebras and other animals, and interact with these amazing creatures face to face. Admission is $13 for kids, $19 for adults.
Location: Folsom, LA
H. J. Smith and Sons General Store and Museum
This part general store, part-museum gives visitors a glimpse of life in Covington from 1876 — when the store opened — to today. Shop for hardware, home goods, and other oddities or check out items from a bygone era including a stagecoach, alligator skins, bicycles, and more.
Location: Covington, LA
How to Get to
Bogue Chitto State Park
Bogue Chitto State Park is south of Franklinton off Louisiana State Highway 25.
From Interstate 12, take US 190 north to Highway 25. Travel 20 miles, then turn right onto State Park Boulevard and travel one mile before reaching the park’s entrance on the left.
Address : 7049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438
Entering Bogue Chitto State Park
Admission is $3 per person. The park is open Sunday to Thursday from 8am until 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 8am to 10pm.
Have some fun down on the bayou at Bogue Chitto State Park! Take us along on your adventures by tagging us on social media or sending your photos to [email protected]. We might just feature you on our blog or social media. Happy (RV) camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bogue Chitto State Park
Bogue Chitto State Park has a relatively warm climate and also sees a considerable amount of rainfall. The summer temperatures often reach the mid-80s, while the temperatures during winter are usually in the 40s or 50s.
For anyone looking to hike, bike, or horseback ride in mild temperatures, April, May, and October are great times to visit Bogue Chitto State Park. Alternatively, the summer is perfect for cooling down with water-based recreation.
Bogue Chitto State Park is pet-friendly and features a long nature trail that's perfect for dog walking. However, owners must keep their pets on leashes of under 6 feet and clean up after them.
The on-site campground at Bogue Chitto State Park boasts 80 designated RV campsites, each of which comes equipped with full hook-ups. The rates for the campsites are $25 to $33 per night in addition to a $6 fee.
Bogue Chitto State Park features a variety of habitats and ecosystems. While exploring the unique area, you may be lucky enough to spot animals like turtles, alligators, brazen prothonotary warblers, and swallow-tailed kites.