Poverty Point Reservoir State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, May 2013
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park Location in Louisiana
Location	Richland Parish, Louisiana, United States of America
Area	2,700 acres (11 km2; 4.2 sq mi)
Established	2005
Governing body	Louisiana Office of State Parks

A view of the lake near the state park

Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is a fantastic spot in northeastern Louisiana. It's a special state park located in Richland Parish. The park is built around a huge man-made lake, which is about 2,700 acres (that's like 2,000 football fields!). It's a great place for camping, watersports, swimming, hiking, and fishing.

The lake and park are named after a very old place nearby called Poverty Point. This was an important site where Native Americans lived a long, long time ago, between 1,400 and 700 BC. They built amazing earthworks and left behind many interesting artifacts.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Poverty Point Reservoir State Park offers lots of ways to have an adventure! Whether you love being on the water or exploring on land, there's something for everyone.

Stay Awhile: Cabins and Camping

If you want to spend a night or more, the park has comfy places to stay.

• There are eight fancy cabins, called "deluxe cabins."
• You can also find four regular cabins.
• For those who love sleeping under the stars, there are fifty-four campsites ready for your tent or RV.

Watersports and Swimming

The big reservoir is perfect for all kinds of water fun. You can enjoy watersports like boating or jet skiing. On a hot day, you can cool off with a swim in the lake. It's a great way to make a splash!

Explore Nature: Hiking and Birdwatching

If you enjoy walking and seeing wildlife, this park is for you.

Hiking Trails

There's a cool walking trail that's about half a mile long (0.5 mi or 0.8 km). It's located near Bayou Macon. It's a nice easy walk to enjoy the outdoors. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings, as black bears sometimes live in the area.

Amazing Birds

Poverty Point is a fantastic place for birdwatching! Many different kinds of birds fly through this area because it's part of the Mississippi Flyway. This is like a superhighway in the sky for birds migrating (traveling) between their summer and winter homes. Depending on the time of year, you might spot:

• Cormorants
• Majestic bald eagles
• Different kinds of ducks
• Graceful geese
• Big pelicans

Fishing Adventures

If you love to fish, Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is a dream come true! The park makes it easy for anglers (people who fish) to enjoy their hobby.

• There's a large marina with 48 slips where you can dock your boat.
• A boat launch makes it simple to get your boat into the water.
• After a successful day, you can use the fish cleaning station.
• There's also a concession area where you can grab snacks or supplies.

What Fish Can You Catch?

The reservoir is home to many popular fish species. You might catch:

• Largemouth bass
• Tasty black crappie
• Colorful blue gill
• And strong channel catfish

So, grab your fishing rod and get ready for a great day on the water!