Jimmie Davis State Park
at Caney Lake

Welcome all fishermen! Long known as one of the premier trophy bass-fishing lakes, Caney Lake can boast that nine of the state's top ten bass were caught in these waters. So cast your line and reel them in--enjoy a great day on the fish-filled waters of Caney Lake.

Located on a peninsula in this grand lake, Jimmie Davis State Park offers two boat launches and a fishing pier that cater to all types of sportsmen. Waterskiing is another way to enjoy the clear waters of the lake, which was created by damming Caney Creek in 1986. Don't forget to look back at the lakeshore to appreciate the beautiful mixed pine and hardwood forest surrounding the lake and the birds and animals that make the forest their home.

Once you've recounted the tale of how you landed the big one (again), treat your family to your bounty by cooking out at one of the park's 80 picnic sites. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are provided in the picnic area. The park's three picnic pavilions will accommodate larger gatherings and are perfect for family reunions, youth groups or any bunch of outdoor enthusiasts who would appreciate an afternoon in the woods.

If you bring your camper or a tent, take advantage of the park's 73 camping sites. Each site is equipped with a table, tent pad, and a fire ring for roasting marshmallows.

Help your kids identify constellations in the sky and the sounds of wildlife in the forest. Two comfort stations and laundry facilities in the camping area will provide the basics of civilization to create an ideal combination of natural living and modern convenience.

New overnight accommodations include 17 two-bedroom cabins, two four-bedroom lodges and a group camp that can house 120 guests (click here for facility layouts). For a weekend family getaway, family reunion or planned group activity, Caney Creek Lake SP provides choices for whatever you need.

There's More
Ready to take a dip in the lake? A sandy beach on the lakeshore is perfect for sunning, swimming, building sandcastles, or just relaxing on a raft. Restrooms and a bathhouse provide the necessities, while the lively beach scene provides the summer fun.

To ensure that there's never a dull moment, the park also has a playground for the kids after a day on the lake. Cyclists will enjoy the park as a starting point for biking treks through the hills of North Louisiana, and nature lovers are invited to discover the beauty of the wooded land and lakefront. Bring your binoculars to get a closer look at the wide variety of birds that live in or pass through the area.

Park History
Opened in the fall of 1996, Jimmie Davis State Park was originally named Caney Creek Lake State Park. The 2003 Louisiana State Legislature approved renaming the park in honor of two-term Governor Jimmie H. Davis, who served from 1944 to 1948 and again from 1960 to 1964.

Born in 1899 near Beech Springs, La., Davis attended Louisiana College and Louisiana State University, served on the Public Service Commission and performed as a country/western and gospel singer for many years, including appearances in motion pictures. His music career honors included induction into the Song Writers Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He was widely known for the popular tune "You Are My Sunshine", which later became one of Louisiana's state songs.

Nearby Attractions:
Poverty Point State Historic Site-- (East of Monroe and north of I-20 on LA 577 northeast of Epps)-- The site is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in the country. It has a complex of Native American ceremonial mounds built between 1700 and 700 B.C. A museum and guided tours interpret a culture that once flourished on the site.

Lake D'Arbonne State Park-- (5 miles west of Farmerville on LA 2)--A fisherman's paradise, this 655-acre state park on the shores of Lake D'Arbonne features 65 improved campsites, 16 cabins, 2 lodges, a group camp, visitors center, swimming pool, picnic tables and grills, 5 fishing piers, a boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station.

Historic Town of Chatham-- (10 miles north of park at intersection of LA 146 and LA4)--The town features the historic Wilder House and bed & breakfasts in historic Victorian and turn-of-the-century homes and an antique shop and local restaurant.

Lake Claiborne State Park-- (7 miles southeast of Homer on LA 146)--Located on the banks of a 6,400-acre lake. With steep ravines and rolling hills, the park features excellent picnicking, pavilions, 10 vacation cabins, 87 improved campsites, a swimming beach, boat launch, fishing pier, and nature trails.

Jackson Bienville Wildlife Management Area-- (12 miles southwest of Ruston on LA 147)--Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing on 33,460 acres of upland pine woods and stream bottoms.

Christmas Wonderland in the Pines-- (15 miles south of park, on LA 4, Jonesboro, LA)--Jackson Parish's lighting display and celebration begins annually the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. Festivities include a parade on Saturday with the official lighting of millions of tiny lights on businesses and residences. Displays remain on through January 1.

Jimmie Davis Tabernacle-- (15 miles west of park, located on Hwy. 542, between Jonesboro and Quitman, LA) --Was built in 1964 by friends of Jimmie Davis, who served two terms as Governor of Louisiana. It is built on the old Davis home place and annually hosts the Jimmie Davis Homecoming the first Sunday in October.

Bonnie and Clyde Trade Days-- (35 miles west of park. Take exit 69 off I-20. Go south for 3.5 miles. Arcadia, LA) --Louisiana's largest flea market. Open monthly on the weekend before the third Monday of the month.

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo-- (30 miles north of park. Sandifer Rd. off US 165, Monroe, LA) -- See magnificent animals, beautiful gardens. Seasonal tours by boat, one-of-a-kind miniature steam engine or stroll through the gardens.

Antique Alley-- (30 miles north of park, Trenton and Cotton Street, West Monroe) -- Atop attraction in North Louisiana for over 10 years. Visit and shop the many antique stores, a working pottery studio and gallery and check out the fly fishing gear.

Jimmie Davis State Park Contact and Directions

From Jonesboro, take LA 4 east 12.8 miles to Lakeshore Drive, which leads to State Road 1209, approximately 20 minutes away.

Park visitors can also access the site from LA 34 at the south end of Lakeshore Drive. Situated on a premier trophy bass-fishing lake, Jimmie Davis State Park offers cabins, lodges, a group camp, campsites, picnicking, boating, fishing, and an ideal spot to launch biking expeditions.

To reserve a cabin, lodge, the group camp, a campsite or picnic pavilion, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).

Email: jimmiedavis@crt.state.la.us

Next Park > Chemin-A-Haut State Park