Poverty Point Reservoir State Park | Louisiana Office of State Parks

2016 Sunset Report

OLG & DCRT Strategic Plan
2016-17 through 2021-22

Quality - Louisiana State Library
85% of the users of the State Library indicated that the State Library's services and resources was a good value for the State.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Louisiana's deep water ports

Did you know that Louisiana's five deep water ports handle more than 457 million tons of U.S. waterborne commerce a year?
Quality - Louisiana State Library
85% of the users of the State Library indicated that the State Library's services and resources was a good value for the State.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Atchafalaya Heritage Area

The Atchafalaya Heritage Area has been designated by Congress as a National Heritage Area.
Impact - DCRT Returns Investment Dollars to Louisiana

For every state tax dollar spent by the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, $5.86 is returned to the State Treasury and citizens of Louisiana.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Louisiana Office of Tourism Tops Returns on Investment

$13.90 is the return on investment for every dollar spent by the Office of Tourism. Over 175,000 people were directly employed by the Louisiana travel and tourism industry in 2004. In terms of production, $5.9 billion (3.8%) of Louisiana's Gross State Product was directly attributable to expenditures by visitors to Louisiana
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Supporting the Louisiana Arts

Every dollar in state support for the Arts leverages $7 in earned and contributed revenue. Louisiana's cultural enterprises provide nearly 144,000 jobs for Louisiana citizens, accounting for 7.6% of total employment. Arts has a total economic impact of $934 million in Louisiana.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Visitors Generate State Revenue

In terms of tax revenues, visitor spending accounted for $677 million of 2004 Louisiana revenues, or 8.3% of the total 2004 State Budget.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Quality - Louisiana State Museums

95% of State Museum's visitors strongly agreed or agreed that the State Museum was an educational experience and has expanded their awareness of Louisiana's cultural history.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Quality - Historic Preservation and the Arts

78-80% of Louisiana residents believe that historic preservation and arts are important and should be high priorities.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Louisiana Serve Program

The Louisiana Serve Program in the Office of Lieutenant Governor returns 2.8 million in non-state revenue to Louisiana.
Impact - Louisiana State Museum

The Office of State Museum returns $6.99 for every tax dollar spent.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Louisiana State Parks

Visitor spending at Louisiana State Parks returns $3.23 in state taxes for every dollar spend on operating and maintaining all our beautiful parks. Out-of-state visitors to Louisiana State Parks spent almost $12 million in Louisiana and produced an economic impact of over $24 million. Louisiana residents spent another $29.2 million while visiting the parks.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Scenic Byways Program

The Scenic Byways program leverages $1.56 for every dollar spent by the program.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Louisiana State Parks and the National Register

Thirteen Louisiana State Parks sites are on the National Register of Historic Places. They include:
• Audubon State Historic Site
• Centenary State Historic Site
• Fort Pike State Historic Site
• Fort Jesup State Historic Site
• Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
• Mansfield State Historic Site
• Marksville State Historic Site
• Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site
• Port Hudson State Historic Site
• Poverty Point State Historic Site
• Otis House at Fairview-Riverside State Park
• Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site
• Winter Quarters State Historic Site
Louisiana State Parks Visitation

Nearly two million people visited a Louisiana State Park last year.
Louisiana State Parks Grow and Renew

The Louisiana Office of State Parks has spent nearly $80 million in major construction projects since 2004, providing two brand-new parks and a new historic site, adding cabins and campsites to existing parks and building visitor center at one park, the preservation area and three historic sites.
Louisiana State Parks Wireless Internet

The Louisiana Office of State Parks provides free wireless internet access at all 20 recreational parks. Extensive coverage areas include most cabins, RV slips and campsites.
Louisiana State Parks Online Reservations

You can now make online reservations for cabins, campsites, lodges and group camps – at www.ReserveLaStateParks.com
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. Certain restrictions apply, see State Parks' fees & facilities page for more information.
Louisiana State Parks Draw Media Attention

Louisiana State Parks sites have been featured in movie and television releases including "True Detective," CBS’ "Zoo," and "NCIS: New Orleans," "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," "Selfless," "Devil’s Due," and commercials for Popeyes and Toyota.
Capitol Park Welcome Center

The main meeting room in the Capitol Park Welcome Center is named after Margaret Taylor, wife of U.S. President Zachary Taylor. The couple resided in a small house near the present day location of Capitol Park until Taylor was elected to the Presidency.

Hours of Operation:
Site is open daily.

Gate Opening Times:

Sunday through Thursday	open at 6 a.m. close at 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.	open at 6 a.m. close at 10 p.m.

Entrance Station Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and days preceding a holiday.

Facilities And Activities:
View complete listing of available facilities & activities
View facility pictures and floor plans

Map:
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park Map

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

Reservable Facilities, Rentals, And Other Fees:
See below for detailed information

Online Reservations:

Overview

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 water sports 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.

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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.

North Marina Complex

The North Marina Complex, off La. 17 on the northwest corner of the lake, features a swimming beach area, boat launch, marina with 48 covered boat slips, concession area, fishing pier and fish cleaning station. The marina complex is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).

The rental boat slips in the marina complex are available on an annual lease basis. Lease rental fee information can be obtained by contacting the Reservation Center at 1-877-226-7652. Each boat slip provides connections for electricity and water.

Lake & Marina Rules
Marina Slip Rental Agreement

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Reservable Facilities
A $6 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.

Cabins/Lodges: Basic cookware, cooking utensils, dinnerware, silverware, towels and linens are provided. Bring your own food and personal supplies. (click here for facility pictures and layouts) (map)

Deluxe Cabins	$150/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs $175/night plus tax, Fri-Sat	8 available, 1 is ADA compliant; sleeps up to 8 people with 1 double bed, 2 bunk beds and 1 sofa sleeper
Standard Lodge	$155/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs $210/night plus tax, Fri-Sat	4 available, 1 is ADA compliant; sleeps up to 10 people with 2 double beds, 2 bunk beds and 1 sofa sleeper

Camping: (map of campsites)

45 Premium Campsites (water, electrical and sewerage hookup)	$33/night plus tax, Fri-Sat $30/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept $25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar
9 Improved Campsites (water and electrical hookup)	$28/night plus tax, Fri-Sat $25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept $20/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar
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).

Pavilions	$50/day	3 available; Maximum Occupancy of 40 people, each. *Units are equipped with grills/ fire rings.
Meeting Room	$100/day plus tax	Capacity is 50 people for both Conference and Theatre set-ups CLICK FOR RENTAL INFORMATION

Additional Information About Overnight Facilities

Golf Carts - $10/cart per day; $100 annual permit available

Rental Boats (State Park operated rentals)

Flat Bottom Boats	$20 per day	includes 2 paddles and 3 life jackets
Canoes	$7 per hour or $25 per day	includes paddles, life jackets
Additional life jackets can be rented for $2 each where available Price varies with concessionaire rentals - please contact site to check availability and rates

Trails at Poverty Point Reservoir State Park:

1/2-mile Walking Trail

Birding
A Birder's Guide to Louisiana gives directions to over 100 areas for birding throughout the state, includes maps, Louisiana specialties, and contains beautiful photography and checklists of Louisiana birds and other wildlife. The Guide was produced through a partnership between the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the American Birding Association.

Nearby Attractions

Black Bear Golf Course (253 Black Bear Drive, Delhi) - A “must play” on Louisiana’s Audubon Golf Trail, this course is located near Bayou Macon and offers various levels of challenge to golfers. After the 18th hole, enjoy a meal and refreshing beverage at the Waterfront Grill.

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.

Chemin-A-Haut State Park (East of US 425, 10 miles north of Bastrop) – French for "high road," Chemin-A-Haut is a 503-acre state park situated on a high bluff overlooking scenic Bayou Bartholomew. The park offers 26 improved campsites, 14 vacation cabins, a day use area with a swimming pool, picnic area and 7 playgrounds. Two barrier-free nature trails and a conference room make this a popular area year-round.

Lake D'Arbonne State Park (5 miles west of Farmerville on LA 2) – A fisherman's paradise, this 655-acre state park is nestled in a pine forest and rolling hills along the shores of Lake D'Arbonne. The park features 18 cabins, 65 improved campsites, a visitors center, a swimming pool, 4 tennis courts, picnic tables and grills, 3 fishing piers, a boat ramp and a fish-cleaning station.

Jimmie Davis State Park at Caney Lake (Off LA 4 southwest of Chatham, on Lakeshore Drive/State Road 1209) – Situated on an outstanding bass-fishing lake, the parks offers 73 improved camping sites, picnicking, 19 cabins, a group camp with a capacity of 120, 2 boat ramps, a fishing pier, swimming beach and is an ideal spot to launch biking expeditions.

Wild Country Safari Park (8 Hobby Newton Road, Epps) - The Wild Country Safari Park facility is home to over 100 unique animals, a petting zoo, the Gift Shop, Kalahari Café and the Kudu Outdoor Event Lodge.

The Cotton Museum (Hwy. 65 north, Lake Providence) – Visitors can get a first-hand look at the day-to-day operations of a plantation where cotton was the major cash crop.

Panola Pepper Company (1414 Holland Delta Drive, Lake Providence) – Established in the mid-1980s, this company offers over 30 sauces, seasonings and condiments. Open for tours 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Tensas National Wildlife Refuge (Off I-20 via US 65 [Tallulah Exit] or off I-20 via LA 577 [Waverly Exit]) – This refuge encompasses 57,000-acres of bottomland forest. Hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing, interpreted trails, a boardwalk and educational programs abound.

Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge (6 miles north of Bastrop on Cooper Lake Road) – Wildlife viewing is made easy with an observation tower. The site is open daylight hours only.

Bayou Macon, Russell Sage and Georgia Pacific Wildlife Management Areas – Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a variety of activities including waterfowl and game hunting, day-hiking, birding, fishing and camping at these nearby areas.