Situated between thick pine forests and clear lake water in the foothills of northwestern Louisiana, Lake Claiborne State Park is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to park the campervan for a night or two. Lake Claiborne itself, at 6,400 acres, is the pride and joy of this park, as it is not only easy on the eyes, but it also offers visitors and locals alike a chance to play in its crystal clear waters. For anglers, the freshwater lake is lavishly stocked with a wide variety of fish, and swimmers and boaters will enjoy the cool, clean water for the plethora of recreational activity it offers. Guests can also enjoy bird watching, hiking along six miles of trails, playing a round of disc golf, or simply relaxing amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of the area.
Guests can visit the park at any time of year, and mild temperatures will greet them during all four seasons. Average highs range from the lower 60s all the way up to the 90s, and lows never dip further than the mid-30s. Guests will also find accommodation at the park pleasant, with 87 RV- and trailer-friendly sites available. So, if you're in the area, or if you just require some time in the great outdoors, point your camper towards Lake Claiborne State Park and stay awhile.
Located halfway between Monroe and Shreveport in northern Louisiana, Lake Claiborne State Park offers visitors the chance to reconnect with nature without having to go too far off the grid. Homer is the nearest town to the park, where travelers can gas up the RV, stock up on supplies, and grab a bite to eat here before heading out on their next adventure.
The park entrance is located off of LA-146, a smooth, flat road with wide lanes. LA-146 is just a stone's throw from the well-traveled I-20 and should give drivers no trouble in terms of sharp turns or steep inclines. Once inside the park, roads remain wide and paved, but drivers may encounter small inclines and curves at some points along the route. Deer often wander onto the park roads and create roadblocks, so always drive slowly and be aware of your surroundings.
Additional parking can be found near the boat launch, camping cabins, and the fishing pier. Although these lots are large enough to accommodate big rigs, they fill up quickly during the peak season. If you plan on camping overnight, you may want to bring your bikes along to navigate through the park rather than fighting for a parking spot in one of the lots.
Guests can rest easy at Lake Claiborne State Park with 87 RV- and trailer-friendly sites available. Sites vary in size and location, so be sure your site is long enough to accommodate your rig before booking. Even the largest RVs can be accommodated since some sites can hold rigs up to 120 feet long. Of the 87 sites, 20 are considered premium due to location, while the rest are considered improved sites.
All sites are pet-friendly. No matter which site you choose, you will find water and electric hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Dump stations and restrooms with showers are also located in the vicinity. Laundry facilities are also available. Campers can find the boat launch, additional parking, and fishing piers close to the campground. The campground is open year-round, and reservations can be made from two days to up to 13 months in advance.
If you're looking to get out of the campervan for a night or two, Lake Claiborne State Park offers ten camping cabins. These two-bedroom cabins sit on the northern side of the park and offer guests sweeping views of the lake. A maximum of six people are allowed to stay in the cabins, and two of the cabins are ADA-accessible. Basic kitchen essentials, bed linen, and pillows are provided, but guests should bring their own towels and toiletries along with them. Guests will also find a television, fireplace, and dishwasher in each cabin. If you'd like to stay in one of these cozy cottages, you can do so all year long -- reservations are available from two days to up to 13 months in advance.
A camping trip to Lake Claiborne State Park wouldn't be complete without some time spent on its crystal clear waters. Boats of all kinds are allowed on the lake, so if you enjoy waterskiing, tubing, or jet skiing, you are in luck. If you didn't tow your own boat along behind the Sprinter, the park offers rentals of canoes, kayaks, and flat bottom boats. For an especially memorable paddle, stay on the water until early evening to experience one of the park's famous sunsets.
If you're a disc golf fanatic, or if you're looking to try this unique sport for the first time, you've come to the right place. Lake Claiborne State Park offers the top two ranked disc golf courses in the state of Louisiana, and both 18-basket courses offer tees for both beginners and more experienced players. The Dogwood course is shorter and better for novices, while the White Tail course is perfect for those looking for a challenge. If you don't have any of your own discs lying around the motorhome, head to the fee station to rent out equipment and pick up a scorecard.
Visitors of all ages flock to Lake Claiborne's sandy shores in the summer months to get some relief from the soaring temperatures. The crisp, clean waters will have you cooled down in no time, and once you've had your fair share of splashing around for the day, enjoy a picnic on the sandy shores or at one of the nearby picnic tables. Restrooms can also be found near the beach area, along with the marina and additional parking. You won't have to worry about sharing your swimming area -- boats are not allowed in the marked off area.
If you want to get a bit more up close and personal with nature, without all the luxury of modern amenities, you can try one of the primitive camping options at Lake Claiborne State Park. Two unimproved campsites are available. These sites are best suited for tent camping as no hookups are provided. If you are camping with a large group, you could stay at the group primitive camping area, which offers room for up to 20 people.
Lake Claiborne is renowned for having some of the cleanest water around, and the fish seemed to have noticed too. Good water quality has resulted in a wide variety of fish species living in the lake, so don't forget to pack the bait and tackle along in the Airstream. Common catches from Lake Claiborne include bluegill sunfish, bream, black crappie, and chain pickerel. Bass fishing is also popular on Lake Claiborne, with the two most common types being largemouth and striped bass. You can cast out from one of the three fishing piers or via boat. If you didn't haul your own boat along for this camping trip, the park offers rentals.
With six trails carving their way through the park, you'll have plenty of space to stretch your legs after a long ride in the Class A. Four of the trails are less than a mile long, making them great for scenic nature strolls. If you are looking for a challenge, you'll want to try the six-mile White Tail Hiking Trail. Guided hikes are also available throughout the year, so check with a park ranger to see what programs are available during your stay. If you brought your bike in your motorhome, you won't want to miss cycling on the five-mile Whispering Pines Bike Trail.
Northern Louisiana is home to some fascinating critters, and Lake Claiborne State Park is no exception. Deer are perhaps the most "friendly" at the park and often wander along the roadways, campgrounds, and near the beach. If you're hiking the trails, you may catch sight of armadillos or some of the area's local birds. During the spring, hoards of butterflies can be spotted hovering around the dogwood trees near the park entrance. Wherever you wander, keep your eyes peeled for your chance to spot some of the park's full-time residents.
