Bogue Chitto State Park (pronunciation) is located about an hour and a half drive (across the Causeway) outside of New Orleans in Franklinton, Louisiana. It opened in 2010, but we had never been there to check it out. The drive itself it a straight shot across the causeway, continue straight on LA-25 until you turn right to enter the park. I made my reservations via Reserve America. Weekends can book up quickly, so you generally need a week or two in advance. Like many parks, there are more RVs than tent campers, and there are a few primitive camping spots tucked away near the river. The park is divided into two camping areas, Upland and Bottomland.
We arrived at sunset, on a full moon at our reserved spot in the Upland RV Area, spot CI002. Every single spot in the park includes a 12 x 12 pad to set a tent on. Our spot also had a back grassy area that we placed our tent on (with a tarp, the ground can be wet y’all). Many of the spots in the Upland RV Area have grassy areas where you can place your tent, in addition to the tent pad (2 tents allowed per site). Each spot also includes a grill, a picnic table, and fire pit with a grill cover. One word of caution, there are fire ant mounds everywhere, so choose carefully when setting up your tent. Our spot had two fire ant mounds nestled against our fire pit, so we set up our chairs in a manner not to disturb the mounds.
The first night, due to our arrival at night was spent, setting up our tent, cooking dinner and having a bonfire under the full moon. There is more than one comfort station in the Upland RV area, although the map doesn’t show them. (The maps are not the greatest for this park and someone should make a new one.) We had one within short walking distance. Each comfort station is a private bathroom with a shower. The comfort stations also have little free libraries where you can drop off or grab a book to read. Also of note, we had no cell service out there and were in roaming, which can be perfect for camping. If you’re one of those people that can’t unplug easily, it’s something to keep in mind. Also, don’t forget a lantern or flashlight to find your way to the comfort station at night.
The next morning we decided to explore all of the amenities the park has to offer and there are many, listed here in no particular order:
- There is a 7-mile hiking trail called the Gorge Run that runs throughout the park. It has multiple entries and exit points throughout the park. There is an entry point in the Upland RV area. We did not have a chance to hike the entire thing but saw various parts of the trail throughout our exploration of the park. The hike is through sometimes sandy terrain in a forest setting, so don’t forget to bring your bug spray. It is considered a moderate level hike.
- Rocky Bottom Tubing operates out of the park. They offer tube rental, canoes, and kayaks. They are located off of S Canoe Road which is marked by two canoes. While we didn’t get to do this, we will definitely be back to try out all of their offerings.
- Horseback Riding is also available in the park. There is equine parking located on Bogue Chitto Drive.
- Frisbee (disc) Golf. They have a 9 hole disc golf course. It is located on the road marked Group Camp, at the very end of the road. Note, there are no signs marking disc golf follow the signs to Group Camp. This is located in an area with tall trees, and don’t forget the bug spray.
- Day Use Area. The day use area is located near the water. There is a splash pad area for kids, restrooms, and picnic areas.
- The Beach. You can access the beach area. There are picnic tables on the beach area, remember that it is sand and you will have to hike in a bit to reach it. Also, there is no shade, bring an umbrella and the bug spray. You can dip in the water here, but the water is moving quite fast, so it’s not really possible to lounge in it.
- River Overlook. There is an area where you can hike out a bit to get a river view from above. At the end, there is a wooden bench area where you can rest before returning. At the entrance to this area is a pond that you can fish in or set up chairs to look over the water.
- Cabins. There are cabins in the park and they are tucked away in a remote area of the park.
- Primitive camping. There are a few primitive camping spots. They are located in an area near the splash pad. The road in that area becomes dirt after you leave the day use area, so be aware if you’re driving in. The facilities to use the bathroom would be a long walk.
- Boat Launch. There is a boat launch area to launch your own kayak or canoe. It has a parking area but is also located on a dirt road and the closest comfort stations are in the day use area, a long hike past primitive camping. If you go down the river, plan how you will get back to retrieve your vehicle.
Tips
- Do not enter the areas that say no vehicles allowed. When we arrived someone had driven off the designated areas and had got stuck in the sand. Many tow trucks will not come out there, as they do not want to get stuck in the sand. If it says do not enter, do not enter.
- A vehicle is probably necessary to see the entire park. It is huge and spread out with many activities and things to see. You can bike, but if you don’t own a bike that can shift gears you may find the hills and the distance a challenge. I’m talking about you, New Orleans beach cruiser bicyclists.
- Drive slow. There are many people walking, hiking, biking throughout the park on the main road. You want to take the curves slow to allow for pedestrians and bicycles. There are also ditches directly next to parts of the road and we also saw someone who had driven off the road into a ditch.
- Check the weather before you go. In spring it can be warm in the daytime and chilly at night, so pack accordingly.
- They sell firewood and ice at the park office. It is $6.00 for firewood and $3.00 for ice.
- 6 miles down the road is the city of Franklinton and there is a Windixie, dollar stores, and Sav A Lot. Next door to the Sav a Lot they sell firewood.
- Dogs. Many people have their dogs there and you can take them on the hiking trail, but they must be on a leach at all times.
- Bottomland. Bottomland RV area has fewer trees but more water views. However, keep in mind there are alligators in those waters.
- Bring an umbrella for those shade needed times
- While it was early spring, and we were fortunate not to have mosquitoes, don’t forget the bug spray!
Link:
https://www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/parks/bogue-chitto-state-park/
