This beautiful park offers much more than great fishing
Located at 3628 Evergreen Road, about six miles west of Farmerville, Lake D’Arbonne State Park covers 655 acres of Union Parish on the shoreline of the one the best fishing lakes in northern Louisiana. Lake D’Arbonne spreads across 15,250 acres of Union and Lincoln parishes. Formed by damming Corney Bayou and Bayou D’Arbonne, the lake resembles a crooked leaning “Y.” Stowe, Bear, Hurricane and other small creeks also feed into the system. Some highway bridges span the lake.
“This beautiful lake provides just the right amount of leisure and relaxation for our guests,” said Demetrius Fields, the park manager. “Recreation on Lake D’Arbonne is tremendously popular among locals and visitors. Besides fishing, water skiers and pleasure boaters can cruise the wide-open sections of the lake. Paddlers love exploring the lake and getting close to birds and other wildlife.”
Better known as one of the top crappie lakes in the nation, Lake D’Arbonne regularly delivers largemouth bass in the 5- to 8-pound range with some double-digit fish, including at least one bass exceeding 15 pounds. Eddie Halbrook pulled the state record yellow bass, a 2.67-pounder, from Lake D’Arbonne. The lake also holds good bluegill and catfish populations.
Recreational options
Anglers without boats can fish off five piers. People can rent kayaks from the park for fishing or just touring the lake. Photographers enjoy taking scenic photos of the lake and wildlife, especially wading birds like herons and egrets. In the fall and winter, many species of waterfowl visit the lake.
“The park is a perfect area for birding and nature watching,” Fields said. “The towering pines around the lake provide habitat for a rich diversity of wildlife. Watch for bald eagles diving to catch fish. Park visitors can walk six miles of trails on the park to get up close with wildlife.”
Park visitors might try their skills at horseshoes, volleyball or experience the disc golf course near the group camp. Children will enjoy the playgrounds. During the season, visitors can swim in the pool.
“Designed to keep the focus on nature, the park facilities blend with the natural landscape to enhance the outdoor experience,” Fields said. “Cyclists will enjoy the challenge of the rolling hills of the park as a starting point for biking excursions into the steep inclines and scenic beauty of North Louisiana. Lighted tennis courts add to the activity options available for all visitors.”
Fun events to attend
Throughout the year, the park hosts various seasonal events, such as “Christmas in the Park” with a drive-through light show, food and craft vendors. Sing along with the carolers. Bring the children to take their photos with Santa.
“In one of our events, the Bigfoot Hunt, people try to find Bigfoot on one of the trails,” Fields said. “Hikers could win a prize. Another popular event, Pioneer Day features Dutch oven interpretive cooking demonstrations with music and food. The Battle of D’Arbonne Landing, a historical military demonstration, re-enacts with period accuracy a fictional Civil War battle.”
Overnight visitors can stay in 16 fully-equipped cabins. Larger parties might rent the group camp. People can also stay at the lodge. Campers can stay in seven premium sites or 51 improved sites with water and electrical hookups.
The park does not offer any food services, but visitors can go to Farmerville or other local communities to buy whatever they need. The park remains open all year long.
“This is a very friendly area, offering that small-town southern charm to go along with great experiences,” Fields said. “We are located close to Ruston, Grambling and Monroe.”
For more information, call (888) 677-5200 or (318) 368-2086. Online, see www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-darbonne-state-park.
