Chemin-A-Haut State Park

Attractions near the campground: Lake D'Arbonne State Park-- (5 miles west of Farmerville on LA 2)--A fisherman's paradise, this 655-acre state park on the shores of Lake D'Arbonne features 65 improved campsites, 50 picnic tables and grills, 3 fishing piers, a boat ramp and a fish cleaning station.

Directions to the campground: Located about 10 miles north of Bastrop. From Monroe, take either US 165 or LA 139 north to Bastrop. From Bastrop, take US 425 north to LA 2229 (State Park Road).

Campground Desciption and details: This 503-acre park near the Louisiana-Arkansas state line is situated on a high bluff overlooking Bayou Bartholomew and is a natural paradise for lovers of unspoiled beauty. Chemin-A-Haut is French for "high road," which describes an old trail used by the Native Americans for their seasonal migrations. It is easy to imagine ancient tribesmen camping in this beautiful setting among towering virgin pines, with soft sounds of water rippling by to lull them into restful sleep. Top-Notch Facilities:: Present-day visitors can camp like the Native Americans, but with many more modern conveniences. They need not, for example, sleep on the ground, or bathe and wash their clothes in Bayou Bartholomew or nearby Bayou Chemin-A-Haut. There are 26 campsites at the park, each including water and electricity. Located nearby is a dump station and a comfort station with showers and restroom facilities. A rally camping area is also available for groups. A Hidden Jewel:: For those less interested in "roughing it", the park has six vacation cabins, complete with bedroom, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, screened porch and a fireplace. The air-conditioned and heated cabins have two double beds and can comfortably sleep four people, with a maximum capacity of six. Eight vacation cabins overlooking Big Slough Lake each have two bedrooms and a rear deck. The lakeside cabins sleep up to eight people. A group camp accommodates up to 38 guests, dormitory style. The group camp and meeting room each have a kitchen/dining area. Bring the Kids::Chemin-A-Haut State Park was designed with children in mind. Two playgrounds in the day-use area are a favorite spot of the younger patrons as is the wading pool in the swimming complex. Also, the park's swimming pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, so campers and picnickers can refresh themselves on hot summer days. The picnic area includes 35 family sites with grills and tables, five group sites (for up to 24 people), and three shelters. A hard-surfaced trail goes through the picnic area and along the high, scenic banks of Bayou Bartholomew. Rental boats afford visitors an even closer view. Big Slough Lake, located near the edge of the park, offers an opportunity to fish from the shore. Several varieties of freshwater species can be found there. Take advantage of the beautiful seclusion of this ideal park site. This 503-acre site takes its name from the French word meaning "high road," which was the route used by Native Americans many years ago in their seasonal migrations. Facilities include cabins, campsites, a group camp, an amphitheater, a swimming pool, a nature trail and a conference room. To reserve a cabin, campsite, group camp, meeting room or picnic pavilion.