On a recent trip driving the Great River Road through southeast Arkansas we decided to spend some time at Lake Chicot State Park in the Mississippi River Delta of Arkansas.
A Day at Lake Chicot State Park
This state park has a beautiful setting on Lake Chicot near the town of Lake Village.
Address of Lake Chicot State Park
For me, the drive to Lake Chicot State Park is part of the fun of the visit.
I happen to love the land of the Mississippi River Delta. Fields stretch out for miles under a huge sky, crop-dusters swoop down across the land.
The two line highway cuts through the farmland passing old weathered barns and houses with clusters of pecan trees in the front yard.
All of it carries such a sense of history tied to both the river and the land.
I know that the mountains of Arkansas get all the hype, but, to me, the Delta is quietly beautiful with so much culture and charm.
Address and Phone Number for Lake Chicot State Park:
- 2542 State Hwy 257, Lake Village, AR 71653
- (870) 265-5480
About Lake Chicot
Lake Chicot is the largest natural lake in the state and it is also the largest oxbow Lake in North America!
So, what is an oxbow lake? An oxbow lake is a U-shaped lake that is formed when a curve or meander of a river is cut off creating a free standing body of water.
Lake Chicot is a C-shaped lake that is nearly 22 miles long and about a mile wide.
Lake Chicot State Park is located on the northern end of the Lake Chicot and the setting is SO pretty. This State Park is set in the midst of a grove of gorgeous pecan trees and the lake in this section is ringed with cypress trees standing in the water.
You can go here to read more about the other beautiful lakes in Arkansas!
Visitor Center at Lake Chicot State Park
The Visitor Center is located right when you enter this state park. It has nice bathrooms as well as some interpretive exhibits about the lake and the Delta region in general.
This is where you will register if you are planning to camp. We found the staff to be helpful as we stopped here to pick up a map and ask about kayaking.
Check out some more of the gorgeous state parks in Arkansas!
Camping and Cabins at Lake Chicot State Park
We were just spending the day on our visit to this state park, but we did take a look at the campgrounds and they were great.
The sites aren’t too close together and a lot of them were nice and shaded under the pecan trees.
There are 78 campsites with paved camping pads, dual electrical outlet, water hookups, a picnic table, and a grill.
All sites are must be reserved and you will need to check the park for availability.
There is a dump station near the visitor center, but 41 of the campsites also have individual sewer hookups.
There are modern bathhouses in the campground area as well.
This campground is open year round. I think that the quiet of the winter would be a perfect time to visit.
In addition to the campground Lake Chicot also has fourteen cabins with views of the cypress studded waters. You can also walk right out of the door of your cabin and do some bank fishing.
6 of the cabins have two bedrooms and all are fully equipped with kitchens, linens, utensils and everything you need for a nice stay. Best of all, all the cabins have fireplaces which would be great for a fall or winter visit to Lake Chicot State Park.
The Park Store and Bait Shop
The park store operates as both a general store and a marina. It is located right on the lake in the back of the park from the visitor center.
Here you will find things like snacks, ice, and other boating, picnicking, and fishing supplies. You can also rent kayaks and motor boats at the marina. Do be aware that rentals are by reservation only!
We rented a kayak and paddled across the lake under the cypress trees.
Other Amenities
Here are some of the other amenities at Lake Chicot State Park.
- Kids playground near the campsite.
- Free launching ramp for those who bring their own boats.
- 100 foot fishing pier
- Tree shaded picnic area
- Two outdoor group pavilions and 1 indoor pavilion. All of which must be reserved in advance.
- Swimming pool and bathhouse: The pool is open seasonally.
Fishing at Lake Chicot State Park
Fishing is really the star of the show at Lake Chicot.
This lake is known for its bream, crappie, catfish, and bass fishing. It has both open waters and quiet tree lined shores for fishing.
Here are some more areas to fish around the lake.
Kayaking
This was the highlight of the visit for us!
We rented a kayak at the and paddled across the lake to a stunning area where you can glide along underneath all the cypress trees.
Weaving between the trunks of those trees with the breeze blowing and the birds calling was pretty magical.
Bird Watching and Wildlife
This state park is perfect for bird watchers!
It is situated directly within the Mississippi Flyway which makes this a hotspot for spotting both year round and migratory birds.
Some that you might see are Bald Eagles, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Wood Thrush, Warblers, and Orioles. I also read on a bird watching website that painted buntings have been seen during the fall migration.
Lake Chicot is also an important wintering location for various types of geese and ducks.
In addition to birds you might see wildlife such as raccoon, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and even mink or bobcat!
By the way, it is the Delta, and it is near water, so you can’t be surprised if you spot a snake or two.
Are there alligators in Lake Chicot? The answer is yes. There are said to be alligators in the lake. We did not see one! You can read more about the alligators in Arkansas in this post!
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to fish, kayak, or just spend time outdoors, Lake Chicot State Park is worth the detour. It’s a little off the beaten path, but that’s part of its charm.
The wide Delta sky, the stillness of the lake, and the beauty of the cypress trees make it a place where time seems to slow down.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
