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USA Louisiana Sam Houston State Park


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 Sam Houston State Park


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State Park Contact Information:
Sam Houston State Park
107 Sutherland Road
Lake Charles, Louisiana   70611
Phone: 337-855-2665
Toll Free: 888-677-7264
Reservations: 877-226-7652
Email: samhouston@crt.state.la.us
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State Park Overview:
Originally named for the Texas folk hero who traveled extensively in the western reaches of Louisiana, Sam Houston Jones was given its current name in honor of the state's 37th governor, who was instrumental in setting aside this tract of land for the public to enjoy.

Because the caretakers of this 1,087-acre park have worked to keep the land in its natural state, abundant wildlife inhabits the area. Tree-filled lagoons and a mixed pine and hardwood forest combine to create a unique natural environment. The park is located just north of the most productive birding region of Louisiana. The bird watching is always excellent, but at certain times of year, nearly 200 species of birds can be seen at or within 30 miles of the site.

The numerous waterways in this area make water sports a natural highlight at the park. Two boat launches are conveniently located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico, only a few miles away. But it's not necessary to fish to enjoy the water. Rental boats are available those who simply wish to take in the serene beauty of the park's ponds.

The three hiking trails winding through this beautiful park make strolling or serious hiking, pleasurable. Particularly interesting is the old stagecoach road, which hikers may travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River.

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.
Nature of the Area:
Because the caretakers of this 1,087-acre park have worked to keep the land in its natural state, abundant wildlife inhabits the area. Quiet visitors may catch a glimpse of a deer, squirrel, bobcat, rabbit, gator, otter, nutria, raccoon, fox, or some of the diverse birdlife of the region. In fact, one can always observe a herd of deer kept in a special area of the park, while ducks and geese are usually found swimming in the ponds.
Reviews By Park Visitors:
visitor rating: (5 votes)   |Post Your Own Review

Watch for Children

A very calm, quiet place to relax and enjoy creation. One of the great parks in the Louisiana system. Drive thru hookups are a real plus.

Written by Beth Shalom  17-Apr-2008

Beautiful, Quite & Kid freindly

This is one of the nicest parks I have been at. I am from Texas and I met my Louisiana family here for Thanksgiving. The playground is perfect and the trails are great. Watch out for the wildlife!! The kids & I just LOVED it!!!

Written by denisewfo  13-Jun-2008

Beautiful, Quiet, Great facilities

Sam Houston Park is only 2 1/2 miles from our home. We have been to many Parks in La. and are lucky to have one so nice and so close.We go often and love it. The scenery and wildlife are truly a treasue.

Written by Richard & Karen Guillory  26-Jun-2008

Thank yall

THIS IS REALLY A NICE PARK TO GO TO AND THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE AROUND THE PARK WILL MAKE YOU FEEL AT HOME MY FAMILY WENT THERE FOR HURRICANE KATRINA. MY DAUGHTER REALLY ENJOYED HERSELF SHE WAS GETTING SPOILED BY TWO VERY NICE FAMILIES. SEE YALL AGAIN DANA&HARRY

Written by DANA&HARRY  9-Oct-2008

Mother Nature at her Best

We have ejoyed Sam Houston Park during Nov., Dec. 08, Jan., and Feb. 09. The Park Rangers and staff are always friendly and willing to help. Walking trails are excellent and great to walk our pet Lacie. The bathrooms are heated or ac. and could not be any cleaner! Great playgrounds and each campsite has its own firepit to enjoy on a cold night. The security is very comforting. Great for familys!

Written by Jacqueline Daigle  11-Feb-2009

Camping:
For those who wish to stay overnight, the park offers 12 vacation cabins (click here for cabin layout), 62 campsites and 19 tentsites. The cabins include either one or two bedrooms, a living/dining area, a bathroom, and a fully outfitted kitchen, complete with cooking and eating utensils. Bed linens are also provided, and each cabin has central air conditioning and heat.

Two campgrounds located alongside the lagoon feature improved sites with water and electricity.The two campgrounds, located alongside the lagoons, feature improved sites with water and electricity. Dump stations, restrooms, and showers are located nearby.
Trails:
The three hiking trails winding through this beautiful park make strolling or serious hiking, pleasurable. Particularly interesting is the old stagecoach road, which hikers may travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River. A park naturalist will be on hand to offer exciting nature programs and hikes to bring the site to life for visitors.

Riverwalk Trail -- 1.6 miles

Cypress Tupelo Trail -- 1/2 mile

Swamp Walk Trail -- 1.1 miles

Longleaf Pine Trail -- 3-1/2 miles

Longleaf Pine Extension -- 1.3 miles
Boating:
The numerous waterways in this area make water sports a natural highlight at the park. Two boat launches are conveniently located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico, only a few miles away.
Fishing and Hunting:
Fishing from the banks of the river or the lagoons is a rewarding way to spend a morning or afternoon at the park. Fishermen have often recorded fine catches of white perch, bream, and bass.

Many birds and animals make their home at Sam Houston Jones State Park.It's not necessary to fish to enjoy the water. Rental boats are available at the park for those who simply wish to take in the serene beauty of the river. A boat dock, in addition to the launch, is provided for visitors who bring their own boats or canoes.
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Related Links:
Sam Houston State Park Trail - Home Page Sam Houston State Park Trail Click here for more info Sam Houston State Park Trail Location: Louisiana Nearest Town: Lake Charles Directions to Trailhead: I-10 to Lake Charles,then north ...
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OutLaw Trax - Trail Riders Park - ... campers and RV's and have Electric, water hook-ups, and a dump station to make your stay pleasant as possible. Just North of Houston, TX and East of Conroe, bordering the Sam Houston State Park.
Lake Charles Louisiana Wall Map - free maps, globes, geo, atlases, world, world, USA, Unit - The Map Store of Minnesota where great maps,globes and other map related products are sold and free ... feet) North: 1 mile north of Sam Houston State Park South: Lake Charles Regional Airport ...
http://www.cppj.net/dept/parks/holbrookp.asp - ... Moss Bluff, Louisiana Go to the spur of Highway 378 and follow signs towards Sam Houston State Park. At AT@ intersection, turn right onto Sutherland Road. (Turning left will take you to the State ...
Spring 2001 Bicycle Trip: Austin to Baton Rouge - ... 0 131 (19) Day 8: April 12 (Thu) Navasota 23 154 (19) Day 9: April 13 (Fri) Sam Houston State Park 38 192 (21) Day 10: April 14 (Sat) Coldspring 36 228 (23) Day 11: April 15 (Sun) (Rest at ...
Area Attractions:
South Toledo Bend State Park (16 miles west of Anacoco, off LA Hwy. 191) - Set on the scenic bluffs of the southern end of the Toledo Bend Reservoir, the park offers cabins, campsites, a visitor center with meeting room facilities and a paved nature trail. A boat launch provides a route to some of the best fishing in the nation.

Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway - A 105- mile driving and walking tour touching four state and national wildlife refuges and a bird sanctuary. Along the way you can take a chance at fishing, crabbing, shelling, just strolling the beaches, or observing the birds in the largest birding area in the South. You can expect to see beautiful marsh flowers in season, alligators, and marsh animals along the way.

Sabine National Wildlife Refuge (Hwy 27 south, Hackberry) - This 125,000-acre wildlife refuge preserves a large block of coastal marsh. A Visitors Center displays a diorama and exhibits. A one-mile paved nature trail is open to the public.

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge (10 miles south of Holmwood, 1428 Hwy 27, Bell City near Lake Charles) - The refuge offers a Visitor Center with wildlife dioramas, a Cajun Robot, wetlands scenery, and many species of birds. A wildlife drive is included.

Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge (Lake Arthur) - Featuring more than 30,000 acres of freshwater marsh, the area offers fantastic views of wading birds and thousands of wintering ducks and geese. Fishing and hunting are permitted.

Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge (On LA 82 south of Lake Charles) - The 84,000 acres of coastal marshland offer a refuge for ducks and geese and a resting place for transient birds on their way to Central and South America. It is an excellent bird watching location.
Area Campgrounds
Hidden Ponds RV Park
1201 Ravia Road
Sulphur, LA


Directions:
Directions: From I-10 westbound at Lake Charles, take LA 171 north toward Deridder. Turn west onto LA 378, then north (right) onto Sam Houston Jones Parkway. From I-10 eastbound, take LA 378 east then north (left) onto Sam Houston Jones Parkway.
USA Louisiana Sam Houston State Park
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