Take your pick: swimming, fishing, birding, boating of all kinds, waterskiing, camping, hiking or just plain relaxing and enjoying unsurpassed natural beauty. It's all here . . . at Lake Claiborne State Park. For fishermen, the freshwater lake was lavishly stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, channel catfish, black crappie, striped bass, chain pickerel, bream, and white perch. The lake itself, at full reservoir level, has a surface area of 6,400 acres.

Two-bedroom cabins are nestled among the pine trees, and many offer a view of the lake. The RV campground rests among the slopes of the north Louisiana foothills, offering shaded spots to get closer to nature. Whatever your preference for an overnight stay, you'll be sure to rest peacefully.

One of the most popular activities for visitors of all ages is swimming at the park's sandy beach. The beach is situated on an inlet of the lake, and is protected from boats and waterskiers. So work up an appetite for that fresh fish supper by taking a brisk swim in Lake Claiborne's famous clear water. Ecologists and sportsmen alike hail the lake's excellent water quality, and you will too, once you've made the trip to Lake Claiborne. Once on site, you will see the area come to life as a park naturalist will be available to present nature-based programs and give guided hikes.

The woods of Lake Claiborne are also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Lovely nature trails and a scenic overlook will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the area at your own pace. Or you may be interested in a variety of nature tours, offered on a regular basis.

Hiking

Trails at Lake Claiborne State Park
White Tail Hiking Trail -- 6 miles
Dogwood Nature Trail -- 0.14 mile
Muscadine Hiking Trail -- 1/2 mile
King of the Mountain Nature Trail -- .45 mile
Scenic Overlook Path -- 1/2 mile
Whispering Pines Bike Trail -- 5 miles

On-Site Activities:

Birding
A Birder's Guide to Louisiana gives directions to over 100 areas for birding throughout the state, includes maps, Louisiana specialties, and contains beautiful photography and checklists of Louisiana birds and other wildlife. The Guide was produced through a partnership between the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the American Birding Association.