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Submission
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.
From I-20 at Minden take LA 371 south to Sibley, LA 164 west to Doyline, and LA 163 south to the park.
We LOVED this state park. During this time of the year is the absolute best time to come. We had a deck site which was AMAZING.
There are a couple of pull through sites but mostly back in. Restrooms and laundry rooms were clean and well kept. We used both.
Beautiful park, we love it here!! Shady and nice. Went for Halloween weekend and the kids had a blast.
Lake was drained at the time I was there, and the roads needed some work. I try to look past the little things because the park and camp ground where beautiful. The campground was laid out nicely and had really cool decks on some of the sites. The staff was great.
Beautiful park that is quintessential north Louisiana. Spanish moss hangs from the numerous trees. Campsites are well equipped and spacious. Trails are fun. We camped during drawdown, so no water view, but the dock at our site (CI0046) was still nice to sit at. The park is on the smaller side, which can be a good thing. We live fairly close to the area, so there wasn't much for us to explore, but visitors can enjoy the Shreveport/Bossier area which is only about a 35-40 minute drive away.
Couple of cons. Roads are very rough in some spots. Not enough trash dumpsters/cans. Only one set of dumpsters way at the beginning of the loop. No ice on site. Had one very old soda machine. Overall, Louisiana needs to do better with having gift shops, ice machines at their parks. They're missing out on a great opportunity. We always love to get t-shirts and stickers, etc.
And.. this is an important one for tent campers. Despite the fact that sites are labeled as having tent pads, none of them do (this incorrect info is the main reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5). Not even the tent only sites. We were able to find a spot to put the tent, but there was a bit of an incline, which made for some comedic events. Especially when trying to get up and forgetting, while half asleep, that you're not quite on level ground. We would have put the tent on the lovely deck at our site, but I could not find a way to properly stake the tent.
Overall, it was an absolutely lovely stay. Thanks for the memories!
Beautiful, peaceful park. Well maintained. Decks on most sites. Clean restrooms and the campground restroom has heat.
The lake is in drawdown starting in early fall to control invasive plants, but it is still beautiful and fun to walk or bike ride through the lake, and it makes for great photos!
The trails were well marked and beautiful for our bike rides.
We will always go back. Love this park.
