Chicot State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Chicot State Park RV & Campground Guide
Chicot State Park covers over 6,400 acres of hills and water in South Central Louisiana. Lake Chicot is home to largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and other fish that make it popular with anglers. There are hiking and backpacking trails through the hardwood forest and along the lake. And the park is also home to the Louisiana State Arboretum, which features a mature beech-magnolia forest, an outdoor classroom, and miles of nature trails with labels sharing information on plant life that’s native to the area.
The park gets about a week of rain each month. The weather doesn’t get too hot, topping out in the low 90’s, and it doesn’t quite dip down below freezing. However, it can get very humid in Louisiana and it can feel hotter than it actually is!
Spring 45-83 F
Summer 70-92 F
Fall 43-87 F
Winter 34-58 F
Ville Platte, LA
RV Resorts & Campsites in Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park has 198 campsites with water and electrical hookups. If you do choose to camp and rent an RV for your adventures, consider renting with RVshare. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team to make sure you get the perfect vehicle for your travel plans.
There are other campgrounds nearby you can try as well:
Lafayette KOA Holiday
Stay in this KOA in the heart of Cajun country! The ten-acre lake at the campground has fishing, with no license required, or you can swim or simply relax in the shade. The campground is also close to the Acadian Village, local botanical gardens, and swamps you can tour.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, laundry, pool, fishing, mini golf
Poche’s RV Park
This 85-acre campground and nature park has fishing ponds and more. Located in the Crawfish Capital of the world, the park prides itself on its Cajun hospitality.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: n/a
Other amenities: fishing, laundry, BBQ pits, pool
What to Do at
Chicot State Park
Inside Chicot State Park
There’s lots to do at Chicot State Park! There are hiking trails, and birding is plentiful. Here are some activities you can do at the park:
Hiking: There is a 20-mile hiking trail that encircles the entire park. Try a bit of it and then turn back, or grab your backpack and take a few days to complete the entire trail.
Boating: Pop your canoe in and meander the 8-mile canoe trail within the park as well. You can rent canoes and flat bottom boats at the park.
Water playground: Let the kids cool off at the water playground from April through the end of October. The playground is closed Mondays for maintenance.
Birding: There are many species of birds throughout the park, from water-loving fowl to migratory birds that stop off on their way through town. Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for them. You an also pick up A Birder’s Guide to Louisiana, with directions to more than 100 areas for birding throughout the state, and which has checklists of birds and other wildlife and where you can expect to find them.
Fishing: Fish for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish. There is fishing from the dock, or get out on the lake in a boat to fish.
Outside Chicot State Park
Whether you want to familiarize yourself with the history of Ville Platte, learn more about the nature that lives there, or just want to relax and spend a day shopping and visiting quaint restaurants, there’s something for everyone to do!
Restaurants
Cafe de la Salle
The authentic Cajun food at this restaurant comes highly recommended by locals and tourists alike. Try the Seafood Muflatta, or start with fried alligator bites.
Type: Cajun
Location: Ville Platte, LA
El Charro
El Charro is the best place nearby for Mexican food! Order up a shrimp quesadilla, and wash it down with a house margarita. The salsa comes highly recommended as well.
Type: Mexican
Location: Ville Platte, LA
Main Street Pub & Grill
The Main Street Pub & Grill is known for their pizza, although their shrimp kabobs are also a favorite. Grab a pizza after a busy day exploring, and try one of their cocktails as well.
Type: Pizza, Pub
Location: Ville Platte, LA
Shopping
Cottage Couture
The Cottage Couture specializes in antiques, gifts, souvenirs, and clothing. There is also an on-site cafe that’s open for lunch. Browse, have a bit to eat, and head home with a unique souvenir from your trip!
Location: Ville Platte, LA
Sightseeing
Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum
Just like its cousins zydeco and Cajun music, swamp pop was born in south Louisiana. It even went mainstream in the ‘50s and ‘60s with songs like “Sea of Love,” and “Sweet Dreams.” Producer Floyd Soileau recorded some swamp pop hits at his studio in Ville Platte, and you can now tour the museum in the Swamp Pop Capital of the World.
Location: Ville Platte, LA
Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area
The arboretum is more than 600 acres of natural growth with plants that are native to the state. Botanists, horticulturists, and people who just appreciate trees and flowers will find beautiful vistas and things to appreciate at the arboretum, and whether you visit as a scientist or a tourist, the arboretum will be a memorable visit!
Location: Ville Platte, LA
How to Get to
Chicot State Park
From New Orleans: Take I-10W, then take exit 151. Get on I-49 N/US-167 N. Follow to LA-744 N/US-167 N. Take exit 23 from I-49 N/US-167 N. Continue on US-167 N. Drive to LA-3042/Chicot Park Rd. and follow that into the park. The park is located at 3469 Chicot Park Road, Ville Platte, LA 70586.
Entering Chicot State Park
Like most state parks there is a fee to enter Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park Per Person : $3.0
An RV road trip is a wonderful way to make memories and spend time with those you love. Renting an RV with RVshare makes the trip simple and stress-free. Whether you choose to rent an RV near your home and make the trek, or fly closer to your destination and rent an RV for camping, you’re sure to have an adventure you won’t soon forget! We would love to see pictures of your travels - be sure to send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicot State Park
The Chicot State Park Campground contains a whopping 198 designated RV campsites. These campsites feature water and electric hookups, drinking water, flushable toilets, and hot showers.
The climate of Chicot State Park is warm, with summertime temperatures sometimes reaching the low 90s. During winter, the temperature usually stays above 30 degrees. The area typically sees about a week of rain each month.
The best time to visit Chicot State Park is the early summer or early autumn. These times of year are warm but not overly hot, offering a comfortable setting for outdoor activities.
Some of the species you may see while exploring the park include white-tailed deer, coyotes, raccoons, and bobcats. The park is also known as an excellent destination for bird-watching.
Pets are permitted at Chicot State Park, but they must be on leashes of no more than 6 feet. Additionally, pets are not allowed in any of the buildings, including cabins and lodges.