Named after the widely known archaeological site Poverty Point, Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is a very popular RV getaway destination in northeastern Louisiana. The park is located alongside a 2,700-acre artificial reservoir that draws a massive number of visitors to the area. The reservoir is perfect for a range of water sports and fishing is a year-round activity here. Boating is also permitted, and the availability of facilities like a marina, boat launch, and a concession store ensures a rewarding boating experience for all. The lake sits on the back of the park’s migratory routes for waterfowls so it is also an extraordinary bird-watching destination.
Away from the lake, you can find recreation in the park’s trails for leisurely walks or hikes. Three large pavilions for outdoor picnics and a meeting room will meet your needs for group gatherings and family reunions. Camping is offered in an assortment of partial and full hookup sites. For non-RV campers, there is plenty of room in the park’s deluxe cabins and standard lodges. Visit any time of the year for a variety of fun-filled recreational sports, engaging seasonal events, and high-quality, satisfying RV campsites. For the best camping experience, visits to Poverty Point Reservoir State Park are recommended between April and September.
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is located near the town of Delhi in northeastern Louisiana within the Richland Parish and is fairly easy to navigate to. The roads are well-paved and easy to drive on since they are built to accommodate rigs up to 175 feet in length. There is one main entrance and exit to the park that is located off LA-17, but you can also drive around the large reservoir thanks to the Poverty Point Parkway.
Starting your journey from Delhi, you can reach the park in less than 10 minutes in your car, trailer, or rig. If you need to pick up any supplies before your adventure we recommend that you stop into Dehli, Raville, or Monroe, which is the largest city in the area. If you are concerned about the weather conditions before your journey, contact the park office prior to your departure.
You can easily venture out to various points of interest within the park including the campground and the lake by following the signs throughout the park. If you are just visiting for the day there are multiple parking lots to choose from that you are free to use.
If you are looking for a different kind of experience when visiting Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, consider staying at one of the deluxe lodges or cabins.
There are four lodges that are located near the south shore of the lake, all of which feature two bedrooms and can accommodate up to 10 people. The lodges are very well equipped with a full kitchen, deck, porch that is screened in, and bathroom. Basic linen, kitchen dishes, and utensils are also provided, which is not always the case when staying at this type of accommodation. If you are a keen boater the lodges will be great for you as they come with covered boat dock access.
The cabins are suited to smaller groups as they can only sleep up to eight people. Each cabin has a two bunks, one double, and a sofa bed. Please note that pets are not allowed at any of the cabins or lodges, so if you are traveling with a furry friend you will have to stick to the campground. Reservations can be made up to 10 months in advance
Located on the western side of the lake, Poverty Point State Park has one campground that is waiting for you to call home during your visit. Renowned for having level pads that are level and paved, the campground features 54 pet-friendly sites that are designated as either being premium or improved sites. The 45 premium campsites provide the ability to use 30 or 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups, while the other nine improved sites include just water and electric hookups.
The campground has many great amenities, including a picnic table and fire ring at each individual campsite. Other campground-wide amenities include clean bathhouses, laundry facilities, water collection points, and a playground. Many sites are also very large, so rigs up to 175 feet in length will be able to utilize the campground.
Reservations are available year-round and can be made up to 13 months in advance. Camping is comparatively cheaper during the off-season (from October until the end of March), so keep this in mind if you are on a budget.
Visited by over 100,000 people annually, Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is best known for its Poverty Point Reservoir, a 2,700-acre man-made lake is one of the biggest sources of recreation in all of northeastern Louisiana. Boating is one of the many pleasures you can do at the lake. RVers who don’t own any boats but don’t want to miss out on these boating adventures should visit the North Marina Complex, which is one of two marinas at the reservoir. The North Marina Complex, located on the northwestern side of the lake, contains a concession store where you can rent a variety of boats and boat slips. This means that nobody will have to miss out on getting out and enjoying the lake!
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park embraces its historic roots by offering various programs that help educate visitors on what life used to be like in the area. One such event is the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society Poverty Point Cookers events. Held on the second Saturday of May or June, people from the local area gather at the park to share some Dutch oven cooking and their knowledge. The event is free and will give you a chance to meet some locals too!
Along with offering boat rentals, the North Complex Marina also features a swimming beach that is the perfect place to take a dip. The beach will give you many reasons to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen in the RV and is suitable for visitors of all ages. You can get your dose of Vitamin D by spending a sunny day at the beach or take in the coolness of the lake by taking a dip into the waters. For children, a water playground helps to stay cool and also have some fun in the water.
There are many fantastic bird watching opportunities for visitors to Poverty Point Reservoir State Park no matter what time of the year that you visit. Apart from the regular bird-watching season that occurs with the waterfowl migration in spring and fall, there is a wealth of native species you will love to discover. The park is blessed with a diverse blend of species that include pelicans, ducks, geese, and cormorants. With such spectacles awaiting your arrival, pack your binoculars in your camper, pick up a checklist, and prepare to see what's out there.
Anglers can enjoy fishing all year round within the 2,700 acres Poverty Point Reservoir. The waters are a haven for anglers who are interested in catching a variety of species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and black crappie. One benefit of how the park was developed is that the campground is close to the lake so you can leave your camper and walk a small distance to the reservoir. A fish cleaning station and a fishing pier are also nearby for your convenience.
Along with the reservoir, the other main attraction to visitors of the Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is the Marsden Mounds sites. Located at the southern end of the park, this archaeological site dates back to when the Poverty Point people roamed the earth. There are five platform mounds at this site that are open to the public, which is a rarity in comparison to the other sites on the Mounds Trail. The mounds are well worth checking out, especially the larget one that is over 13 feet high.
