South Toledo Bend State Park

Aerial views

Click on any image for an enlargement

The southeastern shore of Toledo Bend Lake is home to beautiful South toledo Bend State Park.

The original land acquisition was in 1979 and amounted to just over 1,000 acres. Just under 400 acres of that land lies on the west side of highway 191 and has been developed into the state park. This section is known as “Phase 1” and there are plans to develop the remaining area at some time in the future, though both time frame and type of development seems to be undetermined at this time.

A very large part of the park fronts directly onto the lake. The varied terrain makes for some spectacular views – both within the land area and onto the lake.

While this park is a delight to all, it is particularly nice for many handicapped visitors. There is about 1.2 miles of cement paved hiking trail that should be easily accessible to those confined to a wheelchair – and is great for anyone just wanting a pleasant and easy hike, too. More such trails are planned for the indefinite future.

For the boaters and fishermen, there is an excellent boat launch with two ramps. There is also a fishing pier – located in the log cabins area.

Excellent accommodations are provided for visitors with 19 vacation cabins, 55 RV sites, and 5 tent sites. There is one unit that seems a bit oddly placed as it is “over the hill” from its parking spot and a visitor might just end up at the wrong cabin when first trying to get to it. One of the park employees called it the “honeymoon cabin” as it is a bit more remote than the rest of the cabins.

The visitors center is well worth a visit, especially with children, whether one is staying at the park or not. It sits above the lake and has a grand observation deck with a lovely view of the lake through a somewhat wooded area between it and the shore. The “museum” area of the center opened July 21, 2005 and features interactive displays, dioramas, and wonderful imagery of the area’s flora and fauna. CLICK HERE for views of Visitors Center “Museum”

Other amenities at the park include a sandy swimming beach, a comfort station with shower facilities and a laundry, and a dump station for RV campers.

Click on any image for an enlargement

	Enter the park through the gate house (left) The visitors center (below) offers rest rooms and a nice “museum”. CLICK HERE for views of Visitors Center “Museum”



Numerous picnic tables and grill facilities are located through the park (above left) as well as small pavilions where you can just sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The boat launch has two ramps and a large parking area adjoining it (above right). Next to the launch / parking area is a rest room facility. The comfort station (right) offers shower and laundry facilities.


	A fishing pier / observation deck (left) is great for fishing or just hanging out and enjoying the scenery.

The cabins (above) are set in small groupings and nicely wooded. Parking is paved and generally very convenient – right in front of the cabins. And boat docking facilities allow you to keep your boat near your cabin.
		Two playground areas provide a place for some great exercise for the kids!


A sandy beach area provides excellent opportunity for swimming.

The camping areas (below) are nicely wooded and have hookups for electric and water for the RV campers and a dump station is also available. One of the tent camping areas is shown below right. Some RV camp sites have a deck beside them.


	Beautiful scenery abounds in the park… a great place to relax and enjoy nature… and a great place for the kids (or the “kid within”) to explore. A note of caution, though: there are snakes in this area (the whole area surrounding Toledo Bend Lake) so a bit of caution and vigilance should be used when wandering through any of the woods and near the water.

For aerial views of park – CLICK HERE

MAPS – DIRECTIONS

CONTACT: 120 Bald Eagle, Anacoco, LA 71403, (337) 286-9075

GPS: 31.12.928 North – 93.34.515 West (at gatehouse)

ADMISSIONS: Check with the park for current admission charges

For more information: https://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/

DIRECTIONS:

Take Louisiana Highway 191 (running North/South along the length of the lake) to Mile Marker 2.8 (21/10 mile South of the 3 Mile Marker – Markers are ONLY on the Northbound side of the highway). Turn West onto Basshavenresort Drive and proceed 0.2 (2/10) mile to entrance to park.

From the Junction of Hwy 6 / Hwy 191: Go South 28.5 miles on Highway 191.
From the Junction of Highway 392 / Hwy 191: Go North 0.2 (2/10) mile on Highway 191

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