Lake Chicot State Park

Natural Area | National or State Park or Forest

The Mississippi Delta's captivating beauty and recreational opportunities come together at Arkansas's largest natural lake, Lake Chicot. Cut off centuries ago from the main channel when the Mississippi River changed course, this 20-mile long oxbow lake is a peaceful setting for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Fishing for crappie, bass, and bream is popular on the lake, especially on the upper end of Lake Chicot during spring and fall. Fishing for catfish can be enjoyed throughout the year. Located in the Mississippi Flyway, this park offers some of the best year-round birding opportunities in Arkansas. The park offers lake tours, levee tours, and other opportunities for you to view a variety of birds and other wildlife. On the high ground and hidden in the swamps of this region are raccoon, mink, bobcat, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and many species of waterfowl.

Official Great River Road Interpretive Center
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The scenic route passes through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. Learn more >

Location

Collapse

Nearby

Latitude: 33.369525 Longitude: -91.196515 Elevation: 121 ft

the best travel advice comes from the people who live here

Monika Rued

Recreational Opportunities

Cabins

Fourteen park cabins [in seven duplex units] are available throughout the year for rent. All are barrier-free. Choose from a one- or two-bedroom design. They are heated and air-conditioned, and include a fireplace for use in fall and winter. Most of these cabins also include a lake view patio and fishing dock. The cabins are fully equipped, including linens, cooking utensils, and tableware. They are near the lakeshore and offer a sweeping view of the cypress-shrouded waters, plus access to bank fishing at its best. A tree-shaded playground is located near the cabins. Cabins can be reserved online at ArkansasStateParks.com or by calling the park during office hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Exception: March 15-July 3, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

Camping

Nestled in a pecan grove, the park offers 122 campsites (28 Class AAA, 16 Class AA, 11 Class A, and 67 Class B including several sites with Class C options), 14 cabins with kitchens (many with fireplace, lake view patio and fishing dock), a swimming pool (open in summer), picnicking, standard pavilions (screened), laundry and playground. The store/marina offers food, gifts, fuel and bait for sale. Here you'll also find boats, motors and personal water craft to rent, fuel, bait and a launch ramp. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits that tell of the area's history and natural resources. Bicycles can be rented here at the center.

Marina/Park Store

Open from early spring to late fall, the park store/marina are stocked with camping, boating, fishing, and picnicking supplies. Snacks, ice, firewood, fishing equipment, and licenses, plus bait ,are available for purchase. Bikes, fishing boats, and kayaks can be rented at the marina. A free boat launch ramp located near the marina is open to those bringing their own rigs. Also, a barrier-free 100-foot fishing pier is available.

Picnicking/Swimming

The park includes a tree-shaded picnic area with tables, grills, and water outlets. For groups, there are two screened pavilions and a climate-controlled meeting hall with kitchen available for rent. Reserve at visitor center before use; deposit required. Located within a short walk of the picnic area is the park’s swimming pool, complete with a separate diving well, outside wading pool, and bathhouse.

Other Facilities

Shopping, restaurants, churches, and hospitals are located in the town of Lake Village just eight miles from the park.

Interpretive Services

The park interpreter provides a variety of programs including guided walks, lake tours by party barge through cypress swamps, nature talks, films, demonstrations, and living history from the pioneer and Civil War periods. Groups may request special programs of specific interest throughout the year (arrangements must be made in advance). The visitor center includes exhibits that interpret the flora and fauna of the Delta, plus the history of the region. Lake Chicot’s Delta environment attracts a wide variety of birds. Annual birding events include eagle and waterfowl watching; a spring migration count; Christmas Bird Count; and guided levee, lake, and trail tours to explore this unique area and enjoy its diverse birdlife.

Seasons Accessible

Visitor Center:
Jan. - Dec. Sun. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
With the following exception:
March 15 - July 6 Thurs. & Fri. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Store/Marina:
Jan. 1 - Feb. 28 Sun. - Sat. Closed
Mar. 1 - Mar. 31 Sun. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
April 1 - July 4 Sun. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
July 5 – Nov. 30 Sun. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Dec. 1 – Dec. 31 Sun. - Sat. Closed

Pool:
May 23 – July 31 Sun. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

August 1 - Sept. 7 Open weekends only
Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Laundry:
March - Oct. Sun. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.