City: Doyline, LA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (318) 745-3503 or (888) 677-24

Address: 103 State Park Rd.

Description: It is estimated that Lake Bistineau (pronounced bis-ten-no) was created hundreds of years ago by the Great Rift, a tremendous logjam on the Red River that caused massive flooding in the region. Once Captain Henry Shreve initially removed the logs, making the Red River once again navigable, the waters of Bistineau began to recede. With the building of a permanent dam in 1935, the lake became a destination of mystic beauty, excellent fishing, and great duck hunting. This was the first state park in Louisiana that created an area to accommodate African Americans. In 1956, a state statute declared that parks like Lake Bistineau should be segregated, supposedly not on the grounds of race but in order to maintain the morals and peace of all persons (needless to say, such empty rhetoric found its appropriate day in court). In fact, Areas 1 and 2 of the park represent that historical division, one long since removed and forgotten. Area 1 is located in the main section of the park, with cabins, a group camp, and swimming beach. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular at numerous sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for larger groups. The park’s trail system encompasses nearly 10 miles of woodlands, and an 11-mile canoe trail calls for visitors who want to see the park’s beauty from the water. Area 2 is connected to the main part of the park by the lake so you will either need to boat to it or drive around the lake to reach it. This area includes a group camp, playgrounds, a large picnic area with several pavilions, a swimming pool, a baseball field, and a boat launch. A wide variety of rentable facilities can be found throughout the park, ranging from standard cabins that can sleep up to six persons to two group camps complete with a kitchen and dining hall and several cabins, with the larger of the camps having the ability to accommodate 160 persons. Very popular for family reunions and religious organizations looking for a space for spiritual renewal. Campsites with water and electrical hook-ups also available. Recently the lake has been battling giant salvinia, an aquatic fern that, given the climate of the region, grows rapidly. The plant depletes the oxygen levels of the water and makes boating difficult if not prohibitive. Currently the lake is experiencing a drawdown in an attempt to work toward at least partial eradication of this unwelcomed nuisance. Once the salvinia is under control, the rental of boats, canoes. and kayaks may resume. Small entrance fee to park.