Lake Bistineau State Park

Wide-trunked cypress trees lure photographers, boaters and nature lovers of all stripes to Lake Bistineau State Park, located a short half-hour drive from Shreveport and Bossier City. If you want to see north Louisiana’s storied wetlands at their wildest, this is the place to be. 

This is a park awash in history. In 1800, thousands of acres of what would become Lake Bistineau were flooded after a massive logjam. Once freed, the rising waters were tamed with the construction of an actual dam, which carved out inlets that today make for some prime freshwater fishing. Big bass fishing is abundant at Lake Bistineau!

You can explore these waters even if you don’t bring your own boat. Rent flat-bottom boats, canoes and kayaks, and paddle out to Sandy Island, Snake Island or any of the other half-dozen islands. Keep an eye out for the plentiful wildlife along the shorelines.

On the mainland, you’ll find 10 miles of hiking trails and a waterfront disc golf course, plus a 6-mile equestrian trail. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the disc golf course, near the group camp. The diverse bird populations who frequent the area make it perfect for birding.

Guests have their choice of accommodations. Seven deluxe cabins are on-site, and one deluxe lodge is available for rent. A large group camp can accommodate up to 160 people. RV campers can choose from 61 sites, many within view of Lake Bistineau.

Take time to see some of the sites outside the park. In Shreveport, visit the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and its botanical gardens, or stop by the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. In nearby Minden, explore the local history and heritage at the Germantown Colony Museum.

Entrance fee: $3 per person; free for seniors age 62 and older, and children age 3 and younger.