POVERTY POINT RESERVOIR STATE PARK
The 2,700-acre, man-made lake that is the center piece for Poverty Point Reservoir State Park offers visitors an outlet for a variety of watersport activities and a scenic backdrop for waterfowl migration each spring and fall.
The reservoir, just three miles north of Delhi in Richland Parish, was created in 2001 as a water resource for the area and outdoor recreation outlet.
The site name is derived from a nearby Native American site consisting of complex earthworks and artifacts. Dubbed the Poverty Point culture, its people settled on the banks of Bayou Macon, near what is now the community of Epps, between 1,400 and 700 B.C. Park guests are only 20 minutes away from Poverty Point State Historic Site for day trips to what has become a focal point for archaeological research since the mid 20th century.
The fish and wildlife species inhabiting or migrating through the reservoir are numerous. Anglers can fish the lake year round for largemouth bass, black crappie, blue gill and channel catfish. The region falls within the Mississippi Flyway for many winged species. Depending on the season, visitors will see cormorants, ducks, geese and pelicans.
Special attention should be given to any Louisiana black bear sightings on or near the reservoir. The eastern edge of the park, along Bayou Macon, contains attractive bear habitat and visitors are cautioned to keep all exterior cabin areas and day-use areas cleared of accessible food products and refuse. Bear-proof containers are provided for waste disposal throughout the park.
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
Full Hookup Sitesyes
North Marina Complex:
The North Marina Complex, off La. 17 on the northwest corner of the lake, features a swimming beach area, boat launch, marina with 48 covered boat slips, concession area, fishing pier and fish cleaning station. The marina complex will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closing at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).
The rental boat slips in the marina complex will be available on an annual lease basis and distributed to the general public through a lottery selection procedure conducted by State Parks. Lease rental fees range from $75 (per month) for those choosing to use the slip for storage only to $150 (per month) for watercraft with overnight accommodations that will be used for overnight stays. Each boat slip provides connections for electricity and water.
Four two-bedroom lodges will each sleep 10 people and rent for $140 to $175 per night and cabins are $120 to $150 per night. Lodges provide full kitchen, bathroom, screened porches and open deck. Bed linens, basic kitchen utensils and dishware are provided with each unit. Visitors must bring their own towels. A covered boat dock is provided for lodge guests on the southwest shoreline across from the lodge area.
Deluxe Cabins 8 available, 1 is ADA compliant, sleeps up to 8 people with 1 double bed, 2 bunk beds and 1 sofa sleeper. Lodges 4 available.
9 Improved Campsites (water and electrical hookup).45 Premium Campsites (water, electrical and sewerage hookup).
Water Playground offers refreshing fun.
The two, four-lane boat launches, one at the North Marina Complex and one at the South Landing, provide access to the water. Both gated launch areas will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., including weekends and holidays. A fish cleaning station is provided at each launch area for visitor use.
Boats includes 2 paddles and 3 life jackets.Canoes includes paddles, life jackets.
The park offers a variety of fishing options in its 2,700-acre man-made reservoir. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, black crappie and channel catfish among others. There are boat launches available for those who prefer offshore fishing. Fishing gear is also available to rent on-site.
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills. Some spots overlook the lake for scenic dining.
# 1/2-mile Walking Trail
The park offers birding opportunities with over 200 species spotted, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birdwatchers can enjoy the diverse habitats such as wetlands, forests and open waters. The reservoir attracts a variety of migratory birds during different seasons.
The North Marina Complex, off La. 17 on the northwest corner of the lake, features a swimming beach area, boat launch, marina with 48 covered boat slips, concession area, fishing pier and fish cleaning station. The marina complex is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).
The rental boat slips in the marina complex are available on an annual lease basis. Lease rental fee information can be obtained by contacting the Reservation Center at 1-877-226-7652. Each boat slip provides connections for electricity and water.
Black Bear Golf Course (253 Black Bear Drive, Delhi) - A ?must play? on Louisiana?s Audubon Golf Trail, this course is located near Bayou Macon and offers various levels of challenge to golfers. After the 18th hole, enjoy a meal and refreshing beverage at the Waterfront Grill.
Poverty Point State Historic Site (East of Monroe and north of I-20 on LA 577 northeast of Epps) - The site is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in the country. It has a complex of Native American ceremonial mounds built between 1700 and 700 B.C. A museum and guided tours interpret a culture that once flourished on the site.
Chemin-A-Haut State Park (East of US 425, 10 miles north of Bastrop) ? French for "high road," Chemin-A-Haut is a 503-acre state park situated on a high bluff overlooking scenic Bayou Bartholomew. The park offers 26 improved campsites, 14 vacation cabins, a day use area with a swimming pool, picnic area and 7 playgrounds. Two barrier-free nature trails and a conference room make this a popular area year-round.
Lake D'Arbonne State Park (5 miles west of Farmerville on LA 2) ? A fisherman's paradise, this 655-acre state park is nestled in a pine forest and rolling hills along the shores of Lake D'Arbonne. The park features 18 cabins, 65 improved campsites, a visitors center, a swimming pool, 4 tennis courts, picnic tables and grills, 3 fishing piers, a boat ramp and a fish-cleaning station.
Jimmie Davis State Park at Caney Lake (Off LA 4 southwest of Chatham, on Lakeshore Drive/State Road 1209) ? Situated on an outstanding bass-fishing lake, the parks offers 73 improved camping sites, picnicking, 19 cabins, a group camp with a capacity of 120, 2 boat ramps, a fishing pier, swimming beach and is an ideal spot to launch biking expeditions.
The Cotton Museum (Hwy. 65 north, Lake Providence) ? Visitors can get a first-hand look at the day-to-day operations of a plantation where cotton was the major cash crop.
Panola Pepper Company (1414 Holland Delta Drive, Lake Providence) ? Established in the mid-1980s, this company offers over 30 sauces, seasonings and condiments. Open for tours 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Tensas National Wildlife Refuge (Off I-20 via US 65 [Tallulah Exit] or off I-20 via LA 577 [Waverly Exit]) ? This refuge encompasses 57,000-acres of bottomland forest. Hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing, interpreted trails, a boardwalk and educational programs abound.
Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge (6 miles north of Bastrop on Cooper Lake Road) ? Wildlife viewing is made easy with an observation tower. The site is open daylight hours only.
Bayou Macon, Russell Sage and Georgia Pacific Wildlife Management Areas ? Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a variety of activities including waterfowl and game hunting, day-hiking, birding, fishing and camping at these nearby areas.
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park ? (1500 Poverty Point Parkway, Delhi, LA 71232; 1-800-474-0392 or 318-878-7536). The site is three miles north of Delhi with separate South Landing and North Marina Complex entrances off La. 17. Travelers heading east or west on I-20 take the Delhi exit and go north. Lodge reservations can be made by calling 1-877-CAMP-N-LA (877-226-7652).
We really enjoyed getting together with family all in one place. The only concern we had was the amount of towels left for us for a two-night stay in a cabin for 10 people. We had to purchase some.
We stayed at the park after my neices wedding. Everyone was very impressed at the find my sister and brother in law found in your park, and were very pleased with everything. The cabins were beautiful. 
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