Sam Houston Jones State Park

     Sam Houston Jones State Park, was just a one night stay over, but after going there, I wish we would have stayed longer. The park is beautiful with swamps and a river, cabins, RV, and tent camping. The campground is wooded with mostly paved sites. Most are a bit tight for bigger rigs, but we managed to fit. Walking around the park we saw that the swamp directly across from the campground had been drained. (to restore some of the forest)  As we followed the road we found a large picnic area with plenty of tables along the river bank. There is a boat ramp and we saw someone out in a kayak paddling up and down the river. There is a boat ramp with a warning sign not to swim and a possibility of alligators. Further along the road was several very nice cabins to rent. There was a second swamp, this one not drained with a large wooden bridge crossing it. In the middle of the bridge was an amphitheater. From the bridge looking down into the swamp, we saw dozens of turtles swimming about. (I took pictures, but you need to zoom in to see their heads poking out of the water and their bodies under the surface) As we passed the cabins along our walk around the park we discovered a full 18-hole disc golf course. Had we more time, we would have grabbed our discs and tried it out. Alongside the road, we could see that water had recently receded from there and discovered what we later found to be mounds of mud with holes in them made by crawfish digging into the ground as the water evaporated. Being from the Northwest, this was new. Later we searched You-tube and watched a video of someone pushing his arm (up to his shoulder) in a hole and pulling out a crawfish. A second video showed him using a trap in a creek using dry dog food as bait and catching them by the dozen.

     Overall, we really liked the park, we met some great people there and would recommend two nights if you’re using it as a stopover on your way down the road. It was $39 and some change per night.

      Originally named for the Texas folk hero who traveled extensively in the western reaches of Louisiana, Sam Houston Jones was given its current name in honor of the state's 46th governor, who was instrumental in setting aside this tract of land for the public to enjoy for both day-use and overnight visitors.

     Because the caretakers of this 1,087-acre park have worked to keep the land in its natural state, abundant wildlife inhabits the area. Tree-filled lagoons and a mixed pine and hardwood forest combine to create a unique natural environment. The park is located just north of the most productive birding region of Louisiana. The bird watching is always excellent, but at certain times of the year, nearly 200 species of birds can be seen at or within 30 miles of the site.

     The numerous waterways in this area make water sports a natural highlight at the park. Two boat launches are conveniently located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, providing access to Calcasieu Lake, about 20 miles away. But it's not necessary to fish to enjoy the water. Rental boats are available those who simply wish to take in the serene beauty of the park's ponds. (No-Wake Zone Advisory)

     The three hiking trails winding through this beautiful park make strolling or serious hiking, pleasurable. Particularly interesting is the old stagecoach road, which hikers may travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River.

Abita Springs RV Resort, Abita Springs, Louisiana 

      We picked Abita Springs RV Resort for it's proximity to New Orleans.  I'm glad that we did.  Although it was a little over an hour to drive into the city (and a $5 fee one way over the 24-mile causeway), it was well worth it.  The campground is nice, and it's obvious that it is well taken care of.  The entrance has been just been repaved, the camping area has compacted river rock roads and sites.  The sites are spacious and we didn't feel like we were on top of each other, but could have been a little larger.  There are two ponds and a lake with ducks, and geese.  I guess, with any pond or lake in Louisiana, there is a chance for snakes and alligators.  The pool is nice, but not heated.  There is a clubhouse and horseshoe pits, but not too much going on.  The campground management was very friendly as were the hosts.  We noticed the hosts going through each site right after a guest left to ensure it was ready for the next guest.  Overall, I nothing bad to say about the campground other than don't pull in while they are paving the entry.  

      The town of Abita Springs is a nice small town with not much happening.  They do have a natural spring in the center of the town where we filled our water bottles up a couple of times.  Outside of town, there's a brewery, which in the past had quite the appreciation room, but I don't think that's the case anymore.  The next town over is Covington which is about the same but has some historical buildings.  While we were here we did take a day to explore the French Quarter of New Orleans.  Unfortunately, we only gave ourselves a day to do it and it wasn't enough time.  We'll have to go back.  Also, while we were there we took a swamp tour at Honey Island.  It was well worth the thirty-minute drive and the $23 for a ninety-minute tour.  However, you need to reserve a seat ahead of time with a credit card and pay with cash when you get there.  

Type: Classic

Good Sam Rating: 9/9/9.5

Address: 
24150 Highway 435
Abita Springs, LA 70420

Phone: (985) 590-3926

Reservations Phone: (855) 872-1469

Resort Information: This resort is located 40 miles from the French Quarter of New Orleans just across Lake Ponchatrain. It sits on its own well-stocked crappie and bass lake. The resort has a large clubhouse with scheduled activities and beautiful pool complex. The town of Abita Springs is an antebellum wonder and home of the famous Abita Springs Brewery with daily tours.

Web Site: oceancanyon.com

EMail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Full Sites: 80

Partial Sites: 20

Check-In/Check-Out Times: 2:00 p.m./ 11:00 a.m.

Rental Unit Check-In/
Check-Out Times: 4:00 p.m. /11:00 a.m.

RV Site Minimum Stay: 1 night

Rental Unit Minimum Stay: 1 night

Open: Jan 1 to Dec 31

Maximum Electrical Service: 50 amps

WiFi Available: Yes

Maximum RV Length: 45 feet

Elevation: 0

Amenities: Recreation hall, outdoor pool, kid's pool, fishing available, horseshoes, hiking trails, paddle boats, basketball, playground, dump station, laundry, picnic tables, handicap access, shuffleboard, ping pong, hot showers, pool table, ice available, full time group activities, children's rec center, tourist attractions nearby, gambling casino nearby, fishing nearby, boating nearby, golf nearby, shopping nearby. Nearby: New Orleans, Lake Pontchatrain.

RV Notes: Additional charges: Wi-Fi $3/night, 50 amps $5/night.

Rental Notes: Rental units available. Trip Points not accepted. Contact the resort directly.

Restrictions: No pets and no smoking in rental units.

Accepts Pets: Yes

Visitor Mail Accepted: Yes

Visitor Mail Restrictions: Must contact resort ahead of arrival