Sam Houston Jones State Park – Louisiana

Sam Houston Jones State Park, off Highway 378 in Moss Bluff, Louisiana, features 1,087 acres of lakes, trees, vistas, rivers and streams, nature trails, biking trails, and campgrounds. The tree-filled lagoons are a unique natural environment for many animals. It’s an excellent spot for bird watching with nearly 20 species brought in by migratory patterns in the spring and fall. And with the numerous waterways, water sports are a high spot at the park. Two boat launches located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River provide access to the Gulf of Mexico only a few miles away.

Also, the three hiking trails through pine and hardwood forests make for some good strolling or serious hiking. On the old stagecoach road, hikers can travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River. This tract of land can be enjoyed for both day-use and overnight visitors. The park is also excellent for bird watching with nearly 200 species visible nearby, so be sure and bring binoculars.

The park has vacation cabins, campsites, and tent sites. The non-peak season runs from October 1 to March 31, when a premium campsite runs $25 to $33 per night. A standard cabin is $85. Reservations must be made one day ahead of arrival and can be made up to 13 months in advance.