As with many of Louisiana’s state parks, Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is centered around water. This particular body of water is a 2,700-acre man-made reservoir. Named after a nearby archaeological site dating back to 700 B.C., Poverty Point Reservoir State Park offers camping, comfy cabin rentals, fishing, boating, hiking, and birding. You will have an easy time spotting one of the many bird species that frequent the reservoir because the lake is located along some species migration routes. You couldn’t go wrong renting one of the dozen cabins and lodges the state park has to offer. The cabins are propped up over the reservoir itself and provide easy access to the water. Each cabin has its own dock and porch. The deluxe lodges across the street from the cabins are genuinely inviting and have that true cabin feel to them. Several of the lodges are connected via elevated paths that wind through the forest between the lodges. If you’re a tent camper, we recommend camping in campsites 43 through 50, which back right up to the woods and offer some nice privacy while being close to the bathhouse. The bathhouse is notably clean and inviting, and be sure to appreciate the tilework! Take a hike along one of the two trails that work their way through the forest near the campground. Hiking along the half-mile Hard Bottom Trail will take you down near the wetlands of Bayou Macon, where wildlife can occasionally be spotted. Speaking of wildlife, be sure to secure your food properly while camping at Poverty Point! The area contains attractive bear habitat. If fishing is more your thing, head over to the marina where they offer flat bottom boat and canoe rentals. The reservoir is home to largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill and channel catfish.

The 2,700-acre, man-made lake that is the center piece for Poverty Point Reservoir State Park offers visitors an outlet for a variety of watersport activities and a scenic backdrop for waterfowl migration each spring and fall.The fish and wildlife species inhabiting or migrating through the reservoir are numerous. Anglers can fish the lake year round for largemouth bass, black crappie, blue gill and channel catfish. The region falls within the Mississippi Flyway for Many winged species. Depending on the season, visitors will see cormorants, ducks, geese and pelicans.Overnight guests can choose from two-bedroom waterfront cabins, spacious lodges with loft bedrooms, or RV camping. A water playground in the campground area provides a place for our younger visitors to beat the heat. A nature trail winds along a off-shoot of Bayou Macon. Special attention should be given to any Louisiana black bear sightings on or near the reservoir. The eastern edge of the park, along Bayou Macon, contains attractive bear habitat and visitors are cautioned to keep all exterior cabin areas and day-use areas cleared of accessible food products and refuse. Bear-proof containers are provided for waste disposal throughout the park. Site is open daily. Gates open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.April-September,entrance station is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; October-March, entrance station is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.and Entrance Fees: $1 per person; Free for Seniors and children age 3 and under.