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Louisiana State Parks Honors National Parks Service Senior Pass Program
Visitors who hold an America the Beautiful Senior or Access Pass, and whose home State Park system honor the America the Beautiful passes for camping discounts, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks.

Lake Bruin State Park - Louisiana Office of State Parks

Lake Bruin State Park
PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism - Office of State Parks BACK TO PARK LIST
Fishing pier Walking along the lake Boat launch and slips RV camping Playground Large picnic pavilion
click any picture above to view park slideshow

Lake Bruin State Park is a Land & Water Conservation Fund site 201 State Park Road, St. Joseph, LA 71366
318-766-3530 or 888-677-2784 toll-free
For reservations, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA (877-226-7652) toll free.
Email: lakebruin@crt.la.gov

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Directions: From I-20, take US 65 south. From US 65, take LA 128 east to LA 605 north, then to LA 604. Coordinates: 31.961784,-91.200042.

Hours of Operation: 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.

Entrance Fees: $1 per person; Free for Seniors (62 and older) and children age 3 and under

Complete listing of available facilities and activities


View Larger Map (via GOOGLE© MAPS)


Click Map for Printable Version (PDF file)
Layout of Lake Bruin State Park

There are over 3,000 acres of water surface on Lake Bruin, and the visitors to Lake Bruin State Park have access to every acre for incomparable freshwater fishing, superb water sports and fine outdoor living. The 53-acre site was originally established in 1928 as a fish hatchery.

Three large fishing piers, a year-round boat launch, and a boat shed for docking make things convenient for the casual or serious fisherman. Rental boats are available. Largemouth bass fishing is popular all year round, but the best months are April, May, June, September and October. Crappie (white perch) are taken around the piers and mats in the early spring. Bluegill fishing is best in the shallower waters at both ends of the lake.

Water sports, pleasure boating and swimming are also popular activities at Lake Bruin. A special area along the lake with a sandy beach is set aside for swimming. A bathhouse is located nearby. Lake Bruin's day use area offers picnic tables and barbeque grills situated near the lake and adjacent to two of the fishing piers, restrooms and playground areas. A covered pavilion allows park visitors to enjoy their meals whatever the weather. Most facilities are wheelchair accessible.


Reservable Facilities

Camping: (map of campsites 1-25) (map of campsites 26-48)
36 Improved Campsites (water and electrical hookup)$16/night, Oct-Mar; $20/night, Apr-Sept
12 Premium Campsites (12 prime location campsites, 3 of which are pull-through campsites, all with water and electrical hookup)$18/night, Oct-Mar; $26/night, Apr-Sept
America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes (formerly Golden Age & Golden Access Passports) (Available through the National Park Service. Click here for more information)
Holders of the Passes, whose state of residence also honors the America the Beautiful pass, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).

Additional Information About Overnight Facilities

Water Playground - Louisiana State Parks' water playgrounds operate 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, from April 1 through September 30. Please contact the park directly, to confirm that the playground is open or for additional information.

Rental Boats (State Park operated rentals)
Boats$15 per dayincludes 2 paddles and 3 life jackets
  • Additional life jackets can be rented for $1 each where available
  • Price varies with concessionaire rentals - please contact site to check availability and rates


Nearby Attractions:

Winter Quarters State Historic Site (3 miles southeast of Newellton on LA Hwy. 608) - This plantation is one of the rare survivors of the ravages of the Civil War, and was the charming home of Dr. Haller Nutt. It was saved by his wife, Julia Nutt, who fed and housed Union soldiers in exchange for the house to be spared from destruction by fire. Located on the shores of scenic Lake St. Joseph, the site features a museum, guided tours and special events.

Tensas National Wildlife Refuge (Off I-20 via US 65, Tallulah Exit; or off I-20 via LA 577, Waverly Exit) - This 57,000-acre refuge of bottomland forest offers hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife-viewing, canoeing, interpreted trails, a boardwalk and educational programs. A Visitor Center contains brochures, exhibits, species lists and regulations.

Buckhorn Wildlife Management Area (Access by road off LA 4 and 128 in Tensas parish, 14 miles northwest of St. Joseph) - With over 8,955 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, this wildlife area provides numerous outdoor opportunities including hunting, fishing and wildlife-viewing.

Town of St. Joseph (off US 65 south of I-20 at Tallulah) - Located in the heart of cotton country in an area rich in Civil War history, the town is surrounded by wildlife management areas, historic sites, antique stores and other cultural attractions.

Poverty Point Reservoir State Park (3 miles north of Delhi/I-20 on LA 17) – A marina and beach area, along with a fully-stocked man-made lake, makes this an ideal spot for a variety of watersport activities. The site also offers 4 lodges for overnight visitors.

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.

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