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Louisiana
11

Louisiana State Parks

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USA Parks
Louisiana
Cajun Country Region
Sam Houston Jones State Park
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Sam Houston Jones State Park Cypress Trail © Cecil R. Theaux
Cypress Swamp
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Cecil R. Theaux
Sam Houston Jones State Park Gator in pond © Therese B. Haywood
Gator on the pond by cypress trees.
Sam Houston Jones State Park Squirrel © Therese B. Haywood
Squirrel on Cyprus Nee by the pond.
Sam Houston Jones State Park River Walk Trail © Cecil R. Theaux
Sam Houston Jones State Park The Cyprus Bog © Therese B. Haywood
The Cyprus Bog off the trail.
Sam Houston Jones State Park Swamp © Cecil R. Theaux
Swamp Walk Trail
Sam Houston Jones State Park Calcasieu River © Cecil R. Theaux
Picture of the Calcsieu River from the river walk trail.
Sam Houston Jones State Park Pond across from campground © Cecil R. Theaux
Mallard on the pond.
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Cecil R. Theaux
Sam Houston Jones State Park Swamp Walk Trail © Cecil R. Theaux
Reflection on pond
Sam Houston Jones State Park Deer Feeding © Jessie LaFosse
Two deer feedin next to camp
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Joe Todd
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Joe Todd
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Joe Todd
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Joe Todd
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Joe Todd
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Kerry OBanion
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Kerry OBanion
Sam Houston Jones State Park © Joe Todd
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SAM HOUSTON JONES STATE PARK
SAM HOUSTON JONES STATE PARK
107 Sutherland Road
Lake Charles, Louisiana   70611

Phone: 888-677-7264
Toll Free: 888-677-7264
Reservations: 888-677-7264
Email: park email button icon
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.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Cabins
Standard Cabins 6 available, 2 are ADA compliant, sleeps up to 6 people with 1 double bed and 2 bunk beds.

Standard Cabins 6 available, sleeps up to 6 people with 1 double beds, 2 single beds and 1 sofa sleeper.
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.
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
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.


Location
Sam Houston Jones State Park is located near Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake

Picnicking
Sam Houston Jones State Park offers numerous picnic tables, grills and pavilions for picnicking amidst lush greenery and wildlife.
Bicycling
Be aware that the park offers over 8 miles of multi-use trails suitable for biking.

Ensure you have a map as some paths can be confusing.

Remember, helmets are mandatory on all bike routes within this location.

The Longleaf Pine Trail is an intermediate level path ideal for mountain bikers seeking a challenge.

For beginners, consider taking the easy-rated Old Stage Road trail which has less elevation and obstacles.

Watch out when cycling after rainfall; many tracks can become muddy and slippery making them more challenging to navigate.

Please note: Biking at night isn't recommended due to limited visibility in dense forest areas.

Respect wildlife by keeping your distance while enjoying scenic views from your bicycle seat along these beautiful woodland trails.

Always stay hydrated especially during summer months where temperatures may rise significantly throughout the day.

Keep noise levels down so not disturb local fauna or other visitors who might also be exploring nearby hiking paths.


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
Birding
The park offers birding trails, with over 200 species spotted. It's a migratory stop for various birds.
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.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 15 by Seano_D
park review stars; one to five
January 11 Okay for one night by Al
park review stars; one to five Swamps are impressive. Restrooms are awful, no soap and probably not cleaned since days, at least the floor in the showers.
June 20 Beware of Gators! by Beth1
park review stars; one to five We hear alot of them but have not seen one. Suggest camping away from the waters. Unbelieveable views & swamps are beautiful!
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

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.

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Louisiana
11

Louisiana State Parks

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