Lake Chicot State Park

Situated in a grove of majestic wild pecans and ringed with cypress trees standing literally "up to their knees" in water along the nation's largest natural oxbow remnant, a cutoff of the mighty Mississippi, is Lake Chicot State Park. The park also has the state champion Nutall's oak tree. True Delta country can be found in this corner of southeastern Arkansas, complete with all the romance inherent in the lands that sweep down to Old Man River.

Lake Chicot, once the main channel of the Mississippi River, is now a protected sporting area for the outdoor enthusiast. Famous nationwide for its fantastic catches of bream, crappie, bass and catfish, fishermen from all over the country come to try their luck among the quiet coves of this bayou-like haven. Lurking along 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.

Lake Chicot State Park offers access to a variety of south Arkansas attractions. Historic in nature is the Great River Road, marked by the pilot wheel of a steamboat. Stretching from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, the Great River Road seeks to link together and preserve the history of the Mississippi River Valley and its people. It enters the state near Lake Chicot and passes the entrance to the park on its way north. Stretched as far as the eye can see are farmlands widely known for their high yields in diversified farm products. A tour of the area will reflect farming from the plantation era of the early 1800s to the mass production methods of modern technology.

Facilities

Cabins - Available year-round, 14 housekeeping cabins (7 duplex units) are fully equipped with comfort in mind, including linens, cooking utensils and tableware. These heated and air-conditioned units stand 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 by calling (during office hours, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily) or writing the park. NO PETS ALLOWED IN THE CABINS, PLEASE!

Camping - Each of the 127 individual campsites are complete with all the modern conveniences of paved camping pad, dual electrical outlet, water hookup, and a table and grill. Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site. All sites are assigned; limited reservations available. A sanitary dump station is handily located near the Visitor Center. To accommodate larger camping rigs, 16 of the campsites have individual sewer hookups. A coin laundry plus modern bathhouses are located in the campground area. Open year-round, the campgrounds also offer enjoyment to those who prefer the less crowded comfort, excellent fishing, and beauty of nature during the winter months.

Marina/Park Store - Open from early spring to late fall, the park general store and marina are well stocked with camping, boating, fishing and picnicking supplies. Snacks, ice, fishing equipment, and licenses plus bait are available at the store. Fishing boats and gas powered motors (fuel available) can be rented at the marina for reasonable rates. A free launching ramp, located near the marina, is open to those bringing their own rigs.

Picnicking/Swimming - A tree-shaded picnic area with tables, grills and water outlets plus two covered group pavilions (reserve at Visitor Center before use; deposit required) provide ample space for family gatherings. Located within a short walk of the picnic area is the park's 25-meter swimming pool complete with a separate diving well, bathhouse and outside wading pool.

Other Facilities - Complete 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, barge tours through cypress swamps, nature talks, films, demonstrations, and living history from the pioneer and Civil War periods. Organized groups may request special programs of specific interest year-round (arrangements must be made in advance). Located in the Visitor Center are exhibits that interpret the natural 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, a Christmas Bird Count, guided levee, lake, and trail tours to emphasize this unique area and its diverse birdlife.

Location
Take Hwy. 144 from US 65 at Lake Village and drive eight miles northeast to the park; or, take Hwy. 257 from US 65 southeast four miles to Hwy. 144, follow it northeast five miles to the park.

For further information on park hours, fees or services, contact:

Lake Chicot State Park
2542 Hwy 257
Lake Village, AR 71653
Telephone: (870) 265-5480
For cabin reservations ONLY call 800-264-2430

For information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.