Top 5 Disc Golf Courses in Louisiana
Louisiana State Parks disc golf courses offer a variety of terrain and difficulty levels.
Disc golf is a fun outdoor sport, no matter what your level of activity. Yes, it’s throwing a disc, but it is very different from throwing a Frisbee. Just like in golf, there are various weights of discs to use; depending on whether it’s a long throw (a “driver”), a medium throw (an “iron”) or a short toss into the basket (a “putter”). It gets pretty competitive, but there are always a lot of laughs — when someone’s disc inevitably gets caught in a tree or lands in a muddy ditch!
Louisiana State Parks have developed several 18-hole courses across six parks. And given the varied terrain of our state, you can pick a course that suits you — all hills, mostly flat or a combination of the two. The courses are open daily from park opening until park closing, at no additional charge above the $3 per person park entrance fee. Maps and scorecards are available on the Louisiana State Parks site and at the park entrance. Some parks have loaner discs on hand, but we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
Louisiana State Parks with Disc Golf Courses
Bogue Chitto State Park
Bogue Chitto State Park’s course was designed by professional player — and Louisiana local — Michael Kernan. The course is a great mix of long drives and technical lines, spread throughout the rolling hills and hardwood forest.
Feeling extra adventurous? Explore 14 miles of meticulously maintained mountain biking trails, or wander through the sandstone spires of Frick’s Cave. L&E Blueberry Farm in Franklinton is home to more than 3,000 blueberry trees and offers pick-your-own berries seasonally.
Lake Bistineau State Park
Lake Bistineau State Park offers a unique 18-basket course spread throughout the park. Set among huge cypress trees covered in hanging Spanish moss, it is mostly wooded with a variety of elevations and several challenging holes.
The park also has 10 miles of hiking trails and a 6-mile equestrian trail, plus deluxe cabins for rent. In nearby Shreveport, stop by the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.
Lake Claiborne State Park
Lake Claiborne State Park features two 18-basket courses, the White Tail and the Dogwood. The White Tail is the more difficult, winding through camping and cabin areas with beautiful views of Lake Claiborne towards the end. The Dogwood is slightly shorter, starting in the south side of the park and ending back at the fee station.
Lake Claiborne State Park is known for exceptional freshwater fishing, home to largemouth and striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish and more. The park also hosts six hiking and biking trails of various lengths and difficulty levels. Drive less than 30 minutes to Mitcham Farms in Ruston, famous for their peach creations, like homemade peach-flavored ice cream.
Lake D’Arbonne State Park
Located near the group camp, the course at Lake D’Arbonne State Park offers players a mix of short and long shots and a great area for bombing the disc down — a power line right-of-way. The front nine plays a bit long, while the back nine is shorter, a welcome break for those who are pretty tuckered by the 11th or 12th hole.
Lake D’Arbonne State Park also features tennis courts, swimming pools and five fishing piers. Stay the night at a deluxe cabin, then head to the historic Union Museum of History and Art, just 6 miles away.
North Toledo Bend State Park
North Toledo Bend State Park has two 18-hole championship disc golf courses, Hillside and Lakeside. Both were designed by disc golf expert Mike Brown with inspiration from golf course designer Tom Weiskopf. Lakeside follows Toledo Bend Lake and invites players to carefully consider their strategy before making each shot, while Hillside weaves through the park’s peaks and valleys, with options for both beginner and seasoned players.
Besides legendary bass fishing, North Toledo Bend offers hiking and biking trails, canoeing and kayaking, and several deluxe cabins for overnight visitors. Visit the nearby Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum to see a Super Bowl XLIV commemorative football signed by all 53 New Orleans Saints.
So, get out to one of the State Parks with your family and ring that basket!
