Add Poverty Point Reservoir State Park to Your Bucket List

Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, only a few miles from UNESCO's Poverty Point World Heritage Site, is a bucket-list attraction that's an easy addition to a day trip to the World Heritage Site. Or make it an overnight stay!

Recreation by Season

The trees have matured since the reservoir’s creation in 2001, giving the park a lush, green atmosphere in the spring and summer that becomes almost magical at sunset. During these warmer months, the beach area is ideal for watching birds fly over the 2,700-acre lake, while those who prefer to get in the water can enjoy swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. Rental boat slips in the marina complex are available on an annual lease basis. 

In the fall and winter, the state park is a lovely place to beat the crowds and enjoy peaceful contemplation. Fall months are great for catching waterfowl migration. Anglers can fish for bass, bluegill, catfish and more year-round from the pier, while hikers and bikers can explore the scenic nature trail that winds along an offshoot of Bayou Macon. 

Nearby Attractions

Marsden Mounds, located on site, were built in three phases over 1,000 years, beginning about 2,000 years ago. These mounds are believed to be part of a complex Native American culture in place centuries before European settlers arrived. A walk along the park’s half-mile trail takes you close to this historical area.

For an even more fantastic visit to the past, head 20 minutes up the road to Poverty Point World Heritage Site. It’s a complex of Native American ceremonial mounds built between 1700 and 1100 BC, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. The views from Mound A are simply breathtaking; even more incredible is the amount of work that went into building it. It’s estimated to be constructed from about 53 million cubic feet of soil, all of which had to be moved via hand or buckets. 

Native Wildlife

Despite being less than 3 miles from I-20, the state park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Depending on the season, visitors will see ducks, geese and pelicans migrating along the Mississippi Flyway. Louisiana black bears are also sometimes spotted near the reservoir, and more than a few have been seen on the greens at the golf course named after the state mammal. 

Lodging

With spacious lodges, cabins and campsites available, visitors have a variety of overnight accommodations to choose from at Poverty Point Reservoir State Park. 

The over-water cabins are a great place to watch the sunset with your favorite beverage in hand, relaxing after a day of exploring the park, hitting the links at Black Bear Golf Club or guiding your boat out of the park’s marina and catching a mess of white perch for supper.

The RV and tent campsites are for those who like to "rough it" or prefer to be closer to the elements. The campground has a laundry room and shower facilities, so your camping can be as primitive or civilized as you like. For the kids (and kids at heart), the water playground is a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.