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Jimmie Davis State Park facts for kids

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Jimmie Davis State Park
Jimmie Davis State Park.jpg
Fishing on Caney Lake Reservoir in Jimmie Davis State Park.
Jimmie Davis State Park is located in Louisiana
Jimmie Davis State Park
Jimmie Davis State Park
Location in Louisiana
Location Jackson Parish, Louisiana, USA
Area 294 acres (119 ha)
Established 1996 (1996)
Governing body Louisiana Office of State Parks

Jimmie Davis State Park is a super fun place to visit in Louisiana, USA! It's one of 22 state parks in this sunny state. You can find it near a town called Chatham in Jackson Parish.

The park sits right on the northern shore of Caney Creek Lake. This lake is huge, covering about 5,000 acres (that's like 3,787 football fields!). It's a great spot for outdoor adventures.

Discovering Jimmie Davis State Park

This park wasn't always called Jimmie Davis State Park. When it first opened in 1996, it was known as Caney Creek Lake State Park.

Who Was Jimmie Davis?

In 2003, the park was renamed to honor a special person: Jimmie Davis. He was a famous singer and movie star back in the 1940s and 1950s. He was also the Governor of Louisiana two times! He served from 1944 to 1948 and again from 1960 to 1964. Jimmie Davis grew up nearby in a town called Quitman.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Jimmie Davis State Park is a beautiful area with lots of pine and hardwood trees. It's perfect for enjoying nature and the lake!

Boating and Fishing Adventures

The park makes it easy to get out on the water. There are two boat launches where you can put your boat in the lake. There's also a fishing pier, which is a great spot to cast a line.

Caney Lake Reservoir is famous for its fishing. Many of the biggest bass fish ever caught in Louisiana have come from this very lake! In fact, as of 2010, the largest bass caught in Louisiana weighed an amazing 16 pounds, and it was caught right here at Caney Lake.

Where to Stay

If you want to stay overnight, the park has lots of options:

  • 17 deluxe cabins: These are super comfy and great for families.
  • 2 deluxe lodges: Perfect for larger groups of friends or family.
  • 73 campsites: You can set up your tent or park your RV here.

The cabins and some of the best campsites are located right near the waterfront, so you get amazing views!

Cabin Comforts

The cabins and lodges are equipped with everything you need for a cozy stay. They have satellite television, a fireplace, cookware for making meals, and even linens (like sheets and towels). Each cabin also has its own boat dock with power connections, which is super handy if you bring a boat.

Exploring by Bike and Seeing Wildlife

Cycling is a popular activity around the park. There are several miles of country roads and lanes both inside and outside the park. This makes it easy to explore the area on two wheels.

The park is also home to lots of amazing wildlife! Keep an eye out for animals like:

  • White-tailed deer
  • Raccoons
  • Opossums
  • Squirrels
  • Rabbits
  • Different kinds of waterfowl (birds that live near water)
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