This Jackson Parish park gives access to Louisiana trophy bass lake
Named for a former Louisiana governor, Jimmie Davis State Park covers 294 acres on a peninsula jutting into Caney Creek Reservoir in Jackson Parish near Chatham.
The 5,000-acre reservoir opened in 1986. The park opened 10 years later, first as Caney Creek Lake State Park. In 2003, the Louisiana State Legislature renamed the park to honor a Jackson Parish native. Born in 1899, Davis grew up in nearby Quitman. He served two non-consecutive terms from 1944 to 1948 and from 1960 to 1964.
“Dubbed a hidden gem and Louisiana’s most beautiful state park, Jimmie Davis State Park is surrounded by pine and hardwood forests,” said Fouad Harb, Louisiana Office of State Parks District 3 manager. “The park has spectacular vantage points for sunrises and sunsets.”
Record book fishing
Many people visit the park to launch their boats at either of the two launches to fish Caney Creek Lake for bass, bluegill, crappie and other species. People can also fish off a pier on the park grounds.
With some of the clearest waters in the state, Caney Creek Reservoir has produced two current state records and a total of 23 fish in the record book. In February 1994, Greg Wiggins landed the state record largemouth bass at 15.97 pounds. The lake produced five of the 10 biggest bass ever caught in Louisiana.
In August 1998, Jerry Smelly set the redear sunfish record at 2.87 pounds. The lake produced eight of the top 10 redears, also called chinquapins or shellcrackers, and added record book yellow bass, bluegill and black crappie.
People also waterski on the clear waters or go kayaking. In the surrounding forests, bird watchers and hikers can see many different species. Swimmers like the park beach. There is also a splash pad for kids and a disc golf course. Water playgrounds operate Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“To ensure that there’s never a dull moment, the park also has playgrounds for the kids after a day on the lake,” Harb said. “Cyclists use the park as a starting point for treks through the hills of northern Louisiana. Nature lovers enjoy the beauty of the wooded land and lakefront.”
Lodging options
Many people who want to fish the lake love the convenience of staying right on the park grounds. Visitors find many lodging options, including 73 camping sites with full hook-ups and great views of the lake.
“After a day of fishing and exploring the park, stay the night in a cabin, or bring the extended family and sleepover in a lodge,” Harb said. “We have 17 cabins for rent, all on the lakefront. Each cabin sleeps up to eight people. People can also stay at two lodges on the lake that sleep up to 16 people. The group camp sleeps up to 124 people in a secluded area of the park. It includes five buildings, four dormitories and a conference center. People can rent the conference center for private events.”
The park does not offer food service, but people can find several restaurants in Chatham, just six miles away. People can drive 17 miles to Jonesboro and find everything they need.
“Jimmie Davis State Park has tons of repeat visitors,” Harb said. “Many comment how clean and beautiful the park is and how helpful and friendly the staff is. We have great camp hosts! Our location allows people to really connect with nature, but still be close to city amenities.”
The park sits at 1209 State Park Road in Chatham and remains open daily all year long. For more information, call 318-249-2595 or 1-888-677-2263. Online, see www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/jimmie-davis-state-park.
