Lake D'Arbonne

Lake D'Arbonne State Park encompasses 655 acres with access to the 15,250-acre Lake D'Arbonne in Union Parish, north-central Louisiana. Piney forests, rolling hills, five fishing piers, and the beautiful lake draw visitors to this quiet, majestic park. Designed to keep the focus on nature, facilities blend with the natural landscape to enhance the outdoor experience.

Lake D'Arbonne has yielded record freshwater catches of bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. The extensive lake and surrounding forests support diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Bird watching attracts visitors, with species associated with both aquatic and forest habitats present. The varied environments create excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Pine forests dominate the rolling hills characterizing this park. The natural landscape has been preserved with minimal modification. Native vegetation creates the scenic setting that distinguishes Lake D'Arbonne from more developed parks. The forested character provides shade and wildlife habitat.

Lake D'Arbonne occupies a valley dammed to create this 15,250-acre impoundment in the rolling hills of north-central Louisiana. The varied terrain creates the park's scenic character with hills rising above the lake surface. The irregular shoreline creates diverse aquatic habitats supporting excellent fishing.

The park experiences a humid subtropical climate typical of northern Louisiana. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures regularly exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are mild with occasional freezing temperatures. Annual precipitation averages approximately 55 inches, maintaining lake levels and supporting the pine forests.

The Farmerville area in Union Parish has served as a center for the region since the 1800s. Lake D'Arbonne transformed the valley into a major recreational resource. The park preserves public access while maintaining the natural character that visitors treasure.

Lake D'Arbonne State Park was developed with design principles emphasizing natural character. Facilities were designed to blend with the landscape rather than dominate it. This approach has created a park experience focused on nature appreciation and outdoor recreation rather than developed amenities.

Five fishing piers and boat docks provide lake access for anglers. Trails including the four-mile White Trail offer hiking through varied terrain. An 18-hole disc golf course provides competitive recreation in the hills near the group camp. The seasonal swimming pool offers aquatic recreation. Tennis courts and other facilities serve active visitors.

Eighteen vacation cabins and two lodges provide comfortable overnight accommodations. Sixty-five improved campsites serve tent and RV campers. A group camp sleeps 52. Day-use facilities include the fishing piers, swimming pool, and picnic areas. Located at 3628 Evergreen Road in Farmerville, accessible via Louisiana Highway 33.

The park's design philosophy emphasizes natural character over development. Facilities blend with the landscape to minimize visual impact. The large lake and extensive forests provide significant wildlife habitat. Fishery management maintains the productive populations that attract anglers.