Top 18 Lakes in Louisiana
Lakes in Louisiana are diverse, encompassing vast man-made reservoirs, ancient natural formations, and oxbow lakes. The state's geography features extensive wetlands and bayous, providing unique aquatic environments. These bodies of water offer opportunities for various outdoor activities, including popular paddling routes, and wildlife viewing in Louisiana wetlands. Many lakes are integral to the region's natural landscape and recreational appeal.
Best lakes in Louisiana
- The most popular lakes is Big Lake City Park, a lake that is surrounded by art sculptures and provides a natural habitat for many birds. A small bike path extends over the water on a pier, offering unique views.
- Another must-see spot is University Lake, a lake that is one of six on the LSU campus. It is a popular location for recreation activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling.
- Visitors also love Bayou Metairie, a river that was created when the Mississippi River shifted 2,600 years ago. This bayou is now the centerpiece of a city park, with trails in and around the wetlands suitable for jogging.
- Louisiana is known for its man-made reservoirs, natural lakes, and oxbow lakes. These bodies of water offer a variety of landscapes and experiences to explore.
- The lakes in Louisiana are appreciated by the komoot community, with 17 upvotes and 3 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Big Lake City Park
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Bayou Metairie
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City-Brooks Community Park Lake
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Sam Houston Jones State Park Cypress Swamp
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University Lake
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Lake Pontchartrain Lakefront Bicycle Path
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Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
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Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
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Lake Martin
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Fontainebleau Pier
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Tips from the Community
University Lake is one of six lakes on the LSU campus. It is a popular spot for various recreation activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling.
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This is a big, important park with lots to do for everyone. One of its main features is a large lake. The park also has a 9-hole golf course that's quite old, built in 1926, and is known for its pretty scenery and rolling hills.
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The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, west of Baton Rouge, lies in the heart of North America's largest wetland. White-tailed deer, herons, river otters, and even alligators live among mighty cypress trees, flooded depressions, and quiet bayous, warming themselves on sunny banks or gliding silently through the water. Over 200 species of birds can be observed here. The natural dynamics of the water—flooding in spring, retreating in summer—make the area a biodiverse habitat and a popular destination for anglers, hunters, and nature observers. The best way to explore the nature reserve is on an airboat tour.
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Sam Houston Jones State Park spans 1,087 acres at the confluence of the Houston River, the Calcasieu River, and the Indian Bayou. It features lagoons dotted with bald cypress trees, diverse wildlife, and excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, and bird-watching among its longleaf pines—some of the oldest in the south. The park includes three hiking trails, including the historic Old Stagecoach Road, which is ideal for short or extended hikes. There is ample parking, restrooms, and drinking water, with an entry fee of $3 to visit one of Louisiana's most beautiful public parks.
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The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is a habitat for various wildlife species, including ducks, geese, alligators, nesting birds, butterflies, and migrant songbirds. The refuge features two observation trails: one in this location in a freshwater impoundment and another just north on State Highway 27 in a coastal brackish marsh. Here, the Wetland Walkway is a peaceful one-and-a-half-mile boardwalk trail, where you'll see abundant wildlife and have an opportunity to capture some great photos. There is a raised observation tower offering stunning views, especially at sunset. It's a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature in a peaceful environment.
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Bayou Metairie was created when the Mississippi River shifted 2,600 years ago, and now it's the centerpiece of a city park. There are a number of bridges, benches, and lookouts that are meant for viewing the bayou. The trails in and around the wetlands are great for jogging.
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Fontainebleau Pier stretches out into Lake Pontchartrain. The pier is an especially great place to be at sunset and sunrise.
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Lake Martin is home to a diverse ecosystem of different species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The swamp can be enjoyed from a distance via a walking/jogging trail that circles around the entire body of water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular lakes for outdoor activities in Louisiana?
Louisiana's lakes offer a wide range of activities. Big Lake City Park is great for cycling on its pier and bird watching. For more extensive options, Toledo Bend Reservoir is a premier destination for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. Lake Pontchartrain is popular for kayaking, hiking, birding, and fishing, while Lake Claiborne offers swimming, boating, fishing, and disc golf in a serene setting.
Which lakes in Louisiana are best for fishing?
Many lakes in Louisiana are renowned for fishing. Toledo Bend Reservoir is famous for record bass catches. Lake Pontchartrain is a popular spot for speckled trout and blue catfish, especially in winter. Caddo Lake offers over 70 species of fish, including catfish and bass. Other excellent fishing lakes include Lake Claiborne (stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish), Lake D'Arbonne (catfish, crappie, bream), and Cross Lake (bass, white perch, bluegill, catfish).
Are there family-friendly lakes in Louisiana?
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Big Lake City Park and University Lake are both noted as family-friendly spots with opportunities for walking, jogging, and cycling. Lake Claiborne, with its sandy beach and state park facilities, is a favorite for quiet lakeside getaways with family activities like swimming, boating, and hiking.
Where can I experience unique natural features like cypress forests or wetlands?
For unique natural features, Caddo Lake is home to the world's largest cypress forest, offering stunning views of cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. Sam Houston Jones State Park Cypress Swamp also provides an immersive experience in a cypress environment. Lake Martin, part of the Cypress Island Preserve, is a designated wildlife preserve known for its phenomenal swampland ecosystem. Henderson Lake, a gateway to the Atchafalaya Basin, features a picturesque blend of open water and cypress swamps.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Louisiana's lakes?
Louisiana's lakes are rich in wildlife. Catahoula Lake, partly encompassed by the Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge, is a haven for diverse wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl in winter. Lake Martin is known for an abundance of wildlife, including herons, egrets, ibis, bullfrogs, and alligators. Henderson Lake also boasts over 300 varieties of birds and other waterfowl. You can also find various bird species around Big Lake City Park.
Are there opportunities for cycling or running near Louisiana's lakes?
Absolutely. The Lake Pontchartrain Lakefront Bicycle Path offers over 20 miles of paved path perfect for cycling. University Lake and Bayou Metairie are popular spots for jogging and cycling. For more routes, you can explore various cycling guides in Louisiana or running trails in Louisiana, many of which pass by or near lakes.
Which lakes are suitable for kayaking or paddling?
Many of Louisiana's lakes are excellent for paddling. Caddo Lake is ideal for boating and kayaking through its stunning cypress trees. Lake Pontchartrain is popular for kayaking, and Lake D'Arbonne offers a serene environment for canoeing. Lake Martin and Henderson Lake are also great for slow paddling to observe wildlife and enjoy the unique Southern beauty.
Can I go swimming in Louisiana's lakes?
Yes, several lakes offer swimming opportunities. Toledo Bend Reservoir is a premier destination for swimming. Lake Claiborne is considered one of Louisiana's cleanest and clearest lakes, featuring a sandy beach perfect for swimming. Cross Lake also offers opportunities for swimming.
Are there any lakes known for their historical significance or unique cultural aspects?
Cane River Lake, an oxbow lake near Natchitoches, is known for its beautiful scenery, historic plantations along its banks, and its role as a backdrop for the film "Steel Magnolias." It's also famous for its dazzling Christmas light display. False River, another oxbow lake, formed in the 1700s and has a developed shoreline with houses and businesses, making it a popular recreational spot with a local cultural feel.
What are some of the largest lakes in Louisiana?
Louisiana is home to several large lakes. Toledo Bend Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in the Southern USA, spanning 185,000 acres. Lake Pontchartrain is Louisiana's largest inland body of water, covering 630 square miles. Catahoula Lake is the state's largest natural freshwater lake, spanning over 46 square miles.
Are there lakes with good facilities for visitors, like parks or beaches?
Yes, many lakes are complemented by excellent visitor facilities. Toledo Bend Reservoir is flanked by South Toledo Bend State Park and North Toledo Bend State Park. Lake Pontchartrain features Fontainebleau State Park, which includes a man-made sandy beach. Lake Claiborne State Park is located on Lake Claiborne, offering numerous facilities. Lake D'Arbonne State Park sits on the northwest side of Lake D'Arbonne. City-Brooks Community Park Lake is part of a large park with a golf course and other amenities.
When is the best time to visit Louisiana lakes for fishing?
The best time for fishing can vary by species and lake. For speckled trout and blue catfish in Lake Pontchartrain, winter is a particularly popular time. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant weather conditions for most outdoor activities, including fishing, across many of Louisiana's lakes.
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