Chicot State Park - Camp, Hike & Paddle

For those attending and those on the fence about attending, here is a tentative first draft of Chicot State Park Camp agenda.  Remember you can attend none, any or all of the things listed and you'll find there is plenty to choose from.  I'm not going to arrange any pot luck or dinner plans, because we will be in South Louisiana and you certainly don't want to pass up the local cuisine.

I'm not arranging for any caravans or shuttles but if you want to know my schedule at any point in time, feel free to ask.

We are camping in site 43 (or C1043 on the reservation site) in the SOUTH campground of Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, Louisiana (not to be confused with Lake Chicot State Park in Arkansas). The campground reservation phone number is 833-609-0686.

For those arriving early - 

Thursday - I think we'll get to the state park around 2-3pm.  Set up camp and have dinner at 6pm at Cafe Evangeline in Ville Platte.   The restaurant is 8 miles from the state park.

Friday morning - visit the State Arboretum visitor center and hike about three miles of trails in that area (no dogs on Arboretum trails).

Friday afternoon - Hit the paddle trail or for those that want to bike there are two trails - 8 miles and 17 miles - to explore.

Friday evening - Dinner at the Crawfish Barn in Vidrine (they serve more than crawfish!).  The restaurant is 14 miles from the state park.

Saturday morning - Hike 3 mile trail to primitive campsite 4 (dogs allowed)

Saturday afternoon - Revisit the paddle or biking trails or even walk the campground area (lots of elevation changes).

Saturday evening - Barn Dance with Geno Delafose and the French Rockin Boogie at Lakeview Park and Beach ($10 entry fee required).  Lakeview is 25 miles and maybe one stop light from the state park.

Sunday morning - to Eunice for the World Championship Crawfish Etoufee festival - free admission.  Music line up includes Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Jason Frey and Lagniappe plus others.   There will be 30+ booths selling etoufee plus other vendors with crafts and food.  Buy a t-shirt, get a full belly and listen to some authentic cajun music.  The festival grounds are about 30 miles from the state park.  The festival wraps up by 4pm.

Sunday evening - walk the campground, do some fishing, build a campfire, tell tales.  

Again, do any of the above or do your own research for other things to do in the area.  

I can't be responsible for transportation so folks can group up to shuttle to events as they wish.  I will identify meeting places, directions and such to provide some basic orientation.  Where we need reservations, I'll make those so if you're coming to something, make sure that I know you're coming to something.  I'm not babysitting anyone (except my husband) so no whining allowed...lol.

So we have an overall immersive cultural South Louisiana experience available in this one little weekend.  

Make sure I have your name and camp location if you're coming or RSVP at bayouchapter.com.  Hope to see you next weekend. 

Event leader:  Tammy Jernigan - tjerni88@hotmail.com