Dec 3, 2021

State parks are fantastic to visit year-round, whether you’re planning a family camping trip, a full day of hiking in the woods, or fishing on the lake. On your next drive through the region, you’ll find unique and beautiful scenery to explore in and around Lafayette, LA.

a forest area bathed in sunlight

1. Chicot State Park

This state park features over 20 miles of fantastic hiking trails, which winds around wooded areas, lots of wildlife, and the lake. It’s the ideal outdoor space for avid cyclists, with some fun challenges for mountain biking. You’ll find some great educational resources in the area, including the Louisiana State Arboretum and an RV park that features fishing, boating, and swimming. It’s the ideal place to plan your next family vacation.

2. Bayou Segnette State Park

Bayou Segnette State Park is a beautiful destination to consider if you’re looking for canoeing, fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. You’ll enjoy the wide range of landscapes and ecosystems, including saltwater and freshwater, marshlands, swamps, and a wave pool with a playground. It’s a fun place to rent an RV for a week of camping or enjoying a picnic for a day trip. There are boat launches and fantastic lake views to capture on your camera.

3. Palmetto Island State Park

Palmetto Island State Park is located along the Vermillion River, offering excellent camping space and recreation. This state park offers boat launching, boat rental services, kayaking and canoeing, and fantastic hiking spots. You’ll discover fantastic wildlife and habitats in and around the park, making this outdoor space the perfect spot for birdwatching and nature photography. 

4. Tickfaw State Park

This outdoor space is located in southeastern Louisiana, with gorgeous boardwalks, hiking trails, and swamps to explore various habitats on your canoe or kayak. Tickfaw State Park offers some unique sights, including pine and hardwood trees, a cypress-tupelo swamp, and four different types of ecosystems. It’s the ideal destination to discover inspiring nature with the family, whether you spend a day, the weekend, or set up a campsite nearby.

5. Sam Houston Jones State Park

Sam Houston Jones State Park is the perfect place for a busy weekend in the woods, lake, or trails. You’ll find everything you need for a unique outdoor adventure, including camping, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating, and hiking. This park is also a popular spot for geocaching and exploring natural beauty, including migrating birds, wildlife, and panoramic views.

6. Fontainebleau State Park

Fontainebleau State Park is a favorite spot to visit for its white sandy beach during the summer, a wooden pier, beautiful sunset views, and fishing. It’s a beautiful park to hike along various exciting sites, including a decommissioned railway track, the remaining structure of a sugar mill from 1829, and a visitor’s center to find out more about the region’s exciting history, including antiques and tools from this era. 
You’ll find many great outdoor spaces and parks to explore in and around Lafayette. Visit us at Service Cadillac and inquire about our impressive inventory on your next drive to town.