LAKE BISTINEAU STATE PARK
Situated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, this park offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat launches, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, two swimming pools, a lakefront beach, camping, cabins, lodges, and excellent fishing!
Beginning in January with the "yo- yo" season and lasting through the spring, summer, and early fall, the dedicated fisherman can draw such freshwater catches as black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish from the lake's clear waters.
Lake Bistineau dates back over 200 years. It began in 1800 when several thousand acres of land were flooded due to a gigantic log jam in the Red River. Gradually, however, as the area was dredged, the lake began to drain. Then in 1935, a permanent dam was built across Loggy Bayou,creating the present-day Lake Bistineau. The dam has since been enlarged, giving the reservoir a surface area of 26.9 square miles, with an average depth of seven feet and maximum depth of 25 feet.
Area 1 is located in the main section of the park, with cabins, a group camp and swimming beach. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular at numerous sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for larger groups. The park's trail system encompasses nearly 10 miles of woodland trails and an 11-mile canoe trail, for visitors who want to see the park's beauty from the water.
Layout Map of Lake Bistineau State Park
Although Area 2 is connected to the main part of the park by the lake, to reach Area 2 by car you will return to the highway by going east off LA 163, along Webster Parish Road 177, to the entrance.
Area 2 includes a group camp, playgrounds, a large picnic area with several pavilions, a swimming pool, a baseball field and a boat launch.
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. All park sites close at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.
Day-UseFishingyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
For the camper, there are 67 improved campsites with water and electricity, nearby restrooms, showers, and a dump station. The park includes a rally campground for groups.
Groups may also enjoy the group camp in Area 1 which provides sleeping quarters for up to 160 people in 20 cabins, a fully equipped kitchen, and a swimming pool. This is a favorite for family reunions and church gatherings.
Area 2 also offers a group camp.
A charming lodge that sleeps 12 is great for large families or a group. The lodge has central air conditioning and heat, making it comfortable year-round. Playgrounds will delight young guests of the park.
Area 1 also has provisions for those who want to spend the night. Fourteen vacation cabins, complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, are extremely popular attractions. The cabins have central air conditioning and heat, making them comfortable year-round.
Standard Cabins 7 available, sleeps up to 6 people with 1 double bed, 2 single beds and 1 queen sofa sleeper
Deluxe Cabins 7 available, 1 is ADA compliant, sleeps up to 8 people with 1 double bed, 2 bunk beds and 1 queen sofa sleeper
Local people tell many stories of the successes enjoyed by fishermen on Lake Bistineau.
Beginning in January with the "yo- yo" season and lasting through the spring, summer, and early fall, the dedicated fisherman can draw such catches as black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, bullheads, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish from the lake's clear waters.
Great time with family, rented pavilion # 3, everyone loved that it was screened in. Came with cleaning supplies but did not need them, they had already clean it for us. which was great. Plenty of room for everyone. Wish there was a stove in there. The one thing everyone complained about was after dark the only lights on the outside was one dim light. It was pitch dark out there. Had to turn on car headlights to load up cars. Will defiantly rent again. Everyone at park was helpful and polite.
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