Jimmie Davis State Park wilderness guide
State Park · LA

Jimmie Davis State Park

Jimmie Davis State Park offers a scenic retreat on the shores of Caney Lake in northern Louisiana, popular for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking in a peaceful natural setting.

State Park3234+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area323
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Jimmie Davis State Park

Jimmie Davis State Park offers a scenic retreat on the shores of Caney Lake in northern Louisiana, popular for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking in a peaceful natural setting.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Jimmie Davis State Park is located in Jackson Parish in northern Louisiana, encompassing approximately 323 acres along the western shore of Caney Lake. The park features a combination of pine and hardwood forest, providing a habitat for diverse plant and animal species typical of the region's mixed forest ecosystem. Established to provide outdoor recreation and conserve natural resources, the park is named after Jimmie Davis, a former Louisiana governor and country music singer. Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of activities including fishing on Caney Lake, which is stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish, as well as boating with access to a public boat launch. Hiking trails wind through the woods offering glimpses of local wildlife and peaceful forest scenery. The campground provides developed sites with amenities, making it a popular location for family camping. The park also hosts picnic areas and a playground, enhancing its appeal for day use. Its proximity to the Caney Lake golf course and the town of Chatham adds complementary recreational options. With a quiet, natural environment and ample water-based activities, Jimmie Davis State Park draws visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation in a classic Louisiana outdoor setting.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Jimmie Davis State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Caney Lake shoreline with excellent bass fishing and boating opportunities✦ Four miles of shaded, forested hiking trails through pine and hardwood habitat✦ Developed campground with full amenities situated close to the lake✦ Picnic pavilions and playground areas ideal for family outings
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Jimmie Davis State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Jimmie Davis State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Jimmie Davis State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use and camping fees apply; boat launch fees are included with park entry. No special permits required for hiking or picnicking.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Jimmie Davis State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Jimmie Davis State Park Campground

Lakefront campground with 68 sites including full hookups, picnic tables, grills, and modern restrooms; close proximity to boat launches and trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Jimmie Davis State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Jonesboro, Louisiana
⌖ 6.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jonesboro, Louisiana

Jonesboro is a peaceful Louisiana town ideal for outdoor lovers seeking paddling, bird watching, and fishing. Discover quiet waterways, wildlife-rich areas, and easy trails for a relaxed nature escape.

Fall and Spring
Explore Town
Ruston, Louisiana
⌖ 14.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ruston, Louisiana

Ruston, LA offers laid-back outdoor activities like hiking, paddling, and fishing amid gentle landscapes and forested parks. Perfect for travelers seeking quiet nature escapes and easy access to water and trails, especially in spring and fall.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Chatham, Louisiana
⌖ 16.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chatham, Louisiana

Chatham offers peaceful paddling along the Boeuf River, great bird watching, and quiet hiking trails amid Louisiana’s bayou landscapes. It’s a small-town gateway to fishing, camping, and wildlife photography.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Arcadia, Louisiana
⌖ 19.01 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Arcadia, Louisiana

Arcadia, Louisiana offers outdoor lovers a quiet, low-key gateway to fishing, kayaking, and hiking in natural forest and waterway settings. With access to Kisatchie National Forest and calm reservoirs, it's ideal for peaceful wildlife watching and camping escapes.

Fall and Spring
Explore Town
Calhoun, Louisiana
⌖ 24.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Calhoun, Louisiana

Calhoun, Louisiana offers peaceful paddling, excellent fishing, and quiet birdwatching in rich bayou and wetland settings. Ideal for travelers seeking low-key outdoor adventures amid the natural beauty of northern Louisiana’s waterways.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Lisbon, Louisiana
⌖ 33.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lisbon, Louisiana

Lisbon, Louisiana offers quiet outdoor adventures centered on paddling, fishing, and bird watching around Catahoula Lake. Its peaceful wetlands and wildlife refuges create a perfect escape for nature lovers seeking untouched scenery.

Fall through early Spring
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Jimmie Davis State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Pedal Only Dragon Boat - Seats 4
ADVEXPEDITION
West Monroe, Louisiana
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Pedal Only Dragon Boat - Seats 4

Pedal a four-seat dragon boat across Lake Latigo for a social, low-impact hour on quiet water. Perfect for families and small groups, this foot-powered rental combines light exercise with wildlife viewing and easy steering—no experience required.

Boat RentalAll Ages • 1 Hour • Fun & Active Way to Enjoy Time on the Water!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Pedal Only Yellow Duck Boat - Seats 4
ADVEXPEDITION
West Monroe, Louisiana
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Pedal Only Yellow Duck Boat - Seats 4

Spend an hour pedaling a giant yellow duck on Lake Latigo — a playful, family-friendly rental in West Monroe, Louisiana. Easy to learn and perfect for photos, this four-seat boat is a short, active way to enjoy calm water and wildlife sightings.

Boat RentalAll Ages • 1 Hour • Fun & Active Way to Enjoy Time on the Water!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Electric Pink Flamingo Boat - Seats 4
ADVEXPEDITION
West Monroe, Louisiana
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Electric Pink Flamingo Boat - Seats 4

Bright, quiet, and impossible to miss: a one-hour electric pink flamingo boat rental on Lake Latigo makes for a playful, family-friendly hour on the water. Silent motors, easy controls, and cypress-framed shoreline make this a top short outing from West Monroe.

Boat RentalAll Ages • 1 Hour • Fun & Eco-friendly Way to Enjoy Time on the Water!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Electric Dragon Boats - Seats 4
ADVEXPEDITION
West Monroe, Louisiana
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Electric Dragon Boats - Seats 4

Quiet, eco-friendly electric dragon boats let small groups cruise Lake Latigo for an easy hour of birding, photos, and snacks. Perfect for families and friends, these four-seat rentals offer a low-effort way to get on the water near West Monroe.

Boat RentalAll Ages • 1 Hour • Fun & Eco-friendly Way to Enjoy Time on the Water!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Admission
ADVEXPEDITION
Natchitoches, Louisiana
City TourADV Bookable

Admission

Discover the historic charm of Natchitoches on a scenic boat cruise with Cane River Queen. Enjoy stories of the region's past while taking in picturesque river views—an experience perfect for history lovers and cultural adventurers.

City TourAll ages! • 1 Hour • Scenic LouisianaCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Hill Section - 50 AMP
ADVEXPEDITION
Colfax, Louisiana
LodgingADV Bookable

Hill Section - 50 AMP

Discover a spacious, utility-rich RV and event spot at River Island RV Park in Colfax, LA. Perfectly suited for extended stays and larger setups, the Hill Section - 50 AMP offers power, water, and optional sewer in a prime riverside setting.

Lodging1-30 Night Stay OptionsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Primitive Camping
ADVEXPEDITION
Colfax, Louisiana
HikingADV Bookable

Primitive Camping

Discover a classic riverside camping experience at River Island RV Park—shaded sites, water access, and endless opportunities for outdoor fun await. Read on for all you need to know to enjoy your stay.

Hiking1-30 Night Stay OptionsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Front Gate Section - 50 AMP
ADVEXPEDITION
Colfax, Louisiana
LodgingADV Bookable

Front Gate Section - 50 AMP

Looking for a versatile outdoor space for your next event? River Island RV Park offers a spacious, utility-equipped area perfect for gatherings amid scenic river views. Read on for details.

Lodging1-30 Night Stay OptionsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip