Add Poverty Point Reservoir State Park to Your Bucket List

Poverty Point Reservoir State Park—only a few miles from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Poverty Point World Heritage Site—should be added as a bucket list day trip or overnight stay. 

Recreation by Season

The trees have matured since the reservoir’s creation in 2001—giving a lush, green atmosphere in the spring and summer that becomes almost magical at sunset. During these warmer months, the beach area is ideal for watching birds fly over the 2,700-acre lake, while those who prefer to get in the water can enjoy swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. Rental boat slips in the marina complex are also available on an annual lease basis. 

In the fall and winter, the state park is a lovely place for beating the crowds and enjoying peaceful contemplation. Fall months are great for catching waterfowl migration. Anglers can go fishing for bass, bluegill, catfish and more all year-round from the pier, while hikers and bikers can explore the scenic nature trail that winds along an off-shoot of Bayou Macon. 

Nearby Attractions

Marsden Mounds, located on-site, were built in three separate phases over a period of 1,000 years, beginning about 2,000 years ago. These mounds are believed to be a part of a complex Native American culture in place centuries before European settlers arrived. A walk along the park’s half-mile trail takes you close to this historical area.

And for an even more fantastic visit to the past, head 20 minutes up the road to Poverty Point World Heritage Site. It’s a historic complex of Native American ceremonial mounds built between 1700 and 1100 B.C., making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. The views from Mound A are simply breathtaking; even more incredible is the amount of work that went into building this mound. It’s estimated to be constructed from about 53 million cubic feet of soil—all of which had to be moved via hand or buckets. 

Native Wildlife

Despite being less than three miles from I-20, the State Park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Depending on the season, visitors will see ducks, geese and pelicans migrating along the Mississippi Flyway. Louisiana black bears are also often sighted near the reservoir, and more than a few have been spotted on the greens at the golf course named after the official state mammal. 

Gentle reminder that hikers and campers should secure their trash bins and not leave food outside unattended. 

Lodging

With spacious lodges available, plus cabins and camping, visitors have a wide variety of overnight accommodations at Poverty Point State Park. 

Waterfront cabins (although they’re really built over the water) are a great place to enjoy the sunset with your favorite beverage. They are perfect for relaxing after a day of outdoor exploration, hitting the links at Black Bear Golf Club or pulling your boat out of the park’s marina and catching a mess of white perch for supper.

There are also RV and tent campsites for those that like to "rough it" or prefer to be closer to the elements. The campground has a laundry room and shower facilities, so your camping can be as primitive or civilized as you like. For the kids (and kids at heart), the water playground onsite is a treat on a hot summer day!