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Louisiana
11

Louisiana State Parks

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USA Parks
Louisiana
Sportsman's Paradise Region
Lake Bistineau State Park
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Lake Bistineau State Park Morning Sun © Elizabeth Foley
The morning Sun reaching through the trees on beautiful Lake Bistineau.
Lake Bistineau State Park Cypress Reflections © Michael McCarthy
Beautiful Cypress reflections on the lake
Lake Bistineau State Park Sunlight Through Cypress © Michael McCarthy
Took this picture of the sun filtering through the cypress trees while the lake is at a drawdown
Lake Bistineau State Park Lake Bistineau Drawdown © Michael McCarthy
Cypress trees during the drawdown of Lake Bistineau
Lake Bistineau State Park Sunlight Cypress © Michael McCarthy
Caught the late evening sun casting a warm glow on the cypress trees in the lake
Lake Bistineau State Park Sunset Cypress © Michael McCarthy
Captured the sun setting through the cypress trees and the Spanish Moss
Lake Bistineau State Park © John Blair - Vision Studio
Lake Bistineau State Park © Evan Griffiths III
Lake Bistineau State Park © Evan Griffiths III
Lake Bistineau State Park © John Blair - Vision Studio
Lake Bistineau State Park © John Blair - Vision Studio
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LAKE BISTINEAU STATE PARK
LAKE BISTINEAU STATE PARK
103 State Park Road
Doyline, Louisiana   71023

Phone: 888-677-2478
Toll Free: 888-677-2478
Reservations: 318-745-3503
Email: park email button icon
Situated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, this park offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat launches, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, camping, cabins and excellent fishing

Beginning in January with the yo- yo season and lasting through the spring, summer, and early fall, the dedicated fisherman can draw such freshwater catches as black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish from the lake's clear waters.

Lake Bistineau dates back over 200 years. It began in 1800 when several thousand acres of land were flooded due to a gigantic log jam in the Red River. Gradually, however, as the area was dredged, the lake began to drain. Then in 1935, a permanent dam was built across Loggy Bayou, creating the present-day Lake Bistineau. The dam has since been enlarged, giving the reservoir a surface area of 26.9 square miles, with an average depth of seven feet and a maximum depth of 25 feet.

Area 1 is located in the main section of the park, with cabins, and a group camp. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular at numerous sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for larger groups. The park's trail system encompasses nearly 10 miles of woodland trails and an 11-mile canoe trail, for visitors who want to see the park's beauty from the water.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
Cabins
Area 1 also has provisions for those who want to spend the night. Fourteen vacation cabins, complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, are extremely popular attractions. The cabins have central air conditioning and heat, making them comfortable year-round.

Standard Cabins 7 available, sleeps up to 6 people with 1 double bed, 2 single beds and 1 queen sofa sleeper

Deluxe Cabins 7 available, 1 is ADA compliant, sleeps up to 8 people with 1 double bed, 2 bunk beds and 1 queen sofa sleeper
Camping
44 Improved Campsites (water and electrical hookup).

17 Premium Campsites (5 pull-through campsites, 12 prime location campsites, all with water and electrical hookup).

Group Camp I

Includes dining hall/kitchen and 20 cabins, sleeping up to 160 people.

Group Camp II

Includes dining hall/kitchen and 6 cabins, sleeping up to 48 people.
Lodge
Standard Lodge Sleeps up to 12 people with 2 double beds, 2 bunk beds and 4 single beds.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two boat launches available, providing easy access to the water. Canoe rentals are also offered for those who prefer paddling around and exploring at their own pace. For fishing enthusiasts, there's plenty of opportunity as well with several species like bass and crappie inhabiting the lake waters.
Fishing
Local people tell many stories of the successes enjoyed by fishermen on Lake Bistineau.

Beginning in January with the "yo- yo" season and lasting through the spring, summer, and early fall, the dedicated fisherman can draw such catches as black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, bullheads, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish from the lake's clear waters.


Location
Lake Bistineau State Park is located near Bossier City, Haughton and Shreveport

Picnicking
Area 1, or the main section of the park, is accessed from LA 163. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular at numerous sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for larger groups. A park naturalist is on hand to take you along one of the park's nature trails or offer a variety of programs which are guaranteed to bring the natural beauty and wildlife of the park to life.
Trails
10-mile Hiking/Biking Trail

1/2-mile Nature Trail

6-mile Equestrian Trail
Bicycling
Bicycling enthusiasts can explore a 7-mile multi-use trail. Be aware, the terrain is mixed with some challenging sections.

The park's trails are shared by hikers and horse riders too; cyclists should proceed carefully to avoid accidents.

While cycling through dense forests, keep an eye out for wildlife crossing paths unexpectedly - safety first!

Remember that helmets are mandatory while biking in this area as per state regulations.

During wet seasons or after heavy rains, parts of the path may be muddy making it difficult to cycle safely.

Night-time bicycling isn't recommended due to limited visibility within forested areas and lack of lighting on trails.

Ensure your bike has proper gear before embarking on these rides since there aren't any repair facilities nearby.

It's advisable not only carry water but also snacks because food outlets might not always be accessible during long routes.

Always respect nature: don't litter along the way and stick strictly to marked pathways so as not disturb local flora/fauna habitats.


Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy a variety of species in the park's diverse habitats, including waterfowl and songbirds. The park features several birding trails for exploration. Birding tours are also available upon request.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 10 Gem by Brandon_S
park review stars; one to five This is a nice wooded park. The state needs to do some work on the roads and pads. The park is all but forgotten about by the State park system . Not much around it but it is a quite place to camp. I have been here many times because it is close to my house.
May 16 Great Family Outing by Linda
park review stars; one to five Great time with family, rented pavilion # 3, everyone loved that it was screened in. Came with cleaning supplies but did not need them, they had already clean it for us. which was great. Plenty of room for everyone. Wish there was a stove in there. The one thing everyone complained about was after dark the only lights on the outside was one dim light. It was pitch dark out there. Had to turn on car headlights to load up cars. Will defiantly rent again. Everyone at park was helpful and polite.
July 1
park review stars; one to five This a very nice park. The restrooms were clean and cool, thanks to the A/C. Not very busy so it was really quite. The wooden decks at most of the sites really make it nice. The staff were very friendly and helpful. $1 bag of ice was sure nice too
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Directions
Lake Bistineau State Park--(103 State Park Road, Doyline, LA 71023; 318-745-3503 or 1-888-677-2478) is located southeast of Shreveport just off LA 163 south of Doyline. From I-20 at Minden take LA 7 south to Sibley, LA 164 west to Doyline, and LA 163 south to the park. Enjoy a multitude of recreational opportunities in the midst of a beautiful woodland on the edge of a 200-year-old lake. To reserve a cabin, campsite, group camp, picnic pavilion or the lodge, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).

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Louisiana
11

Louisiana State Parks

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