Coming from up north and going to New Hampshire annually for family camping, that dump didn't phase anything. The only good things were the pier out in the back near the cabins which can amuse you for only about ten minutes (unique trees and the view is nice), a really small water pad for little kids (not really made for adults), allows dogs, and the fact that you can go canoeing (which cost $20 and boating which somehow costs less at $18). On the other hand, you can not swim in the lake (so adults either have to stay hot out all day or give in and go into the sprinklers with the kiddies), the swimming pool is no longer available, small camping area for you can use, crocodiles in the lake, and etc. Honestly, I couldn't believe that we spent $2 per person to just see some trees and water. If anything, I highly recommend you to go to Indian Creek. Comparing that place to Indian Creek would be like comparing apples to oranges. Save your $2 unless you have never seen trees, a sprinkler, and dirt before. Thank you for your time, and by the way, the drive there was so curvy and narrow that we almost got into a car crash on our way out. I really don't understand that they have all that land and choose to make it that way. Well, I guess that's just the Louisiana concept because it only makes sense. This state has so much potential but they choose not to take advantage of it. I can't wait until we move out of this state...can't stand the people and their way of life!
My family camped at Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, LA in April of 2014. The weather was great and the park is beautiful! We can't wait to go again!
We drove around Chicot State Park in August 2014 to check it out as a future camping option. It is an older park with a definite rustic feel. The office attendant was very friendly, helpful, & humorous. The park has several hiking trails to enjoy although we did not hike that day (super hot, saw a couple of snakes on the road, these woods don't play-it's the real deal!). The pool is no longer open but they have a nice splash pad for children with new bathroom facilities. Our boys (11 & 9) enjoyed the small camp playground as well. The South Campground has a deep woods camping "feel." A few sites have a deck. Sites seemed fairly well spaced. The bathroom facilities are older but clean. The North & South Campgrounds are a long drive away from one another. The North Campground doesn't have the dense amount of trees, but the bathroom facilities are noteworthy (funny how this takes such priority.) There is an older, kind of creepy bathouse that seemed to be functioning, but right next to it are newer ones. This is where it gets good. ; ) I saw three separate women's bathrooms. Each had a toilet and shower to itself. So when you walk in, it's all about you. No sharing, worrying who will come in, etc. We also checked out the long wooden fishing pier. The cypress trees were gorgeous & we saw some kayakers enjoying the canoe trail. I want to go back and do that for sure. Although we didn't spot any, I know friends who have seen alligators.
Lots of wildlife. Bass fishing is excellent. Camper spots leave a lot to be desired. Cabins are outdated. Protect against ticks and other insects, as this place is infested with them. Beautiful scenery, but accommodations are poor. Staff will not go out of there way to assist you.
Chicot gives you a chance to be in the woods and explore wildlife while still being in a protected area. The park gives unique entertainment: nature sounds, smells, and sights. We have visited a few times and enjoy getting away from it all. My family chooses tent camping at an improved site so that we have electrictiy for minimal needs (keeping the phone charged for emergencies; using an electric griddle). Some campsites are better suited for tents. Some sites are spaced farther apart. We've figured this out by visiting the site rather than viewing the reservation information online. A great park for being in the woods.
Infested with ticks that bite you and get imbedded in skin. Me and my fiancé went there and will NEVER go back. Camp ground people came by and saw a tick on my fiancé's back. We have pulled ticks off each other 2 days after getting home. They advertise of a swimming pool but they don't have one. It's terrible !!!!!!!!!!!!
The park and lake is nice, but please don't rent a standard cabin. They had trash outside the unit, the toilet ran all night, cabin was filthy, old, and run down. The only thing I liked was the flat screen dish network tv. I wouldn't rent this place to my dog. Never ever again!!
This place is a nice quite ride. With plenty of deer, alligator, birds, and wildlife to observe. Deer will practically come to you. Good place to take the kids but no swimming in this water.
I have stayed here many times and enjoyed each time even more. My one complaint is that the tent boxes are too small for a family tent and most camping spots have no place for a large tent. Over the years I have staked out the good spots on my map so I know where to reserve my spots. I read the bad reviews on Chicot State park and these folks either are yuppies or are hard to please. For goodness sake you are going to a state park not a resort. If you are looking for a fancy place to park your $50,000 or more mobile home on wheels with all the fancy amenaties of a RV trailer park then Chicot is not for you. If getting back to nature and enjoying nature iswhat you are after then this is your place. As for bug and ticks and such... hello you are in nature duh.
Made the mistake of going there in late August. We walked along the trails by the arboretum, but the area was full of huge banana spiders hanging from the trees. It completely ruined my experience. I found myself looking up and from side to side rather than enjoying the nature surrounding me. If we ever go again, it will be in the winter. Maybe the bugs aren't so bad then.