Sam Houston Jones State Park

We arrived yesterday at Sam Houston Jones State Park near Moss Bluff, LA (just north of I10 & Lake Charles). My nephews and their families were taking "shake-down cruises' with their new campers and Barb and I needed a break. This is a beautiful park! We have three sites in a row. When we got here we discovered that the next site down was occupied by friends, Russell and Bertie. Can you imagine four sites in a row with families from Oberlin, LA? Most sites are very shady and wildlife is plentiful. Squirrels run around on the ground and climb the trees and deer and raccoons visit frequently without fear. The RV sites are located on connected paved loops so the kids enjoy riding their bikes, exploring nature, and playing. It is a very safe setting where you can sit in the comfort of your lawn chair and relax while watching them play. There is a nice playground at the end of one of the loops.

The park is situated along the Calcasieu River. Scenic swampy areas around the park sport cypress trees draped in Spanish Moss. Ducks, geese, and other birds can be found enjoying these areas. The filtered sunlight of sunrise and sunset make a stroll along the walkways and trails especially enjoyable.

The kids found plenty to do and enjoyed their camping trip as much as the adults. They rode their bikes and explored the edges of the woods that bordered the campsite. They found bugs and butterflies as well as the other wildlife that abounds in the park.

There are wonderful trails to take a leisurely walk, including a nature trail with numbered posts to mark plants and trees of interest. There is a nature center that has scheduled programs for visitors to enjoy.

Even the ducks enjoy a good picnic along the river!

Close to dark we went to a place in the park where an older gentleman feeds the raccoons and deer. The kids were excited to see nearly a dozen deer and half a dozen raccoons. The raccoons came close and would take offers of food out of your hands. There was not enough light to get good pictures. We will go back tomorrow evening, but will go early enough to get pictures.