Day 4, Part II: Tickfaw State Park

There are many reasons I chose to camp instead of staying in a hotel on my travels. First and foremost, camping is FAR cheaper than any hotel room. Campsites may be a bargain way to travel, but they also offer much more in experiences than any hotel room could ever offer. Not only is each campsite unique, but every night at a campsite is unique since everything revolves around nature. One night you may see all of the stars and a bright moon, and the net night may be cloudy but you were able to take a long leisurely walk on a boardwalk through the swamp, seeing little spotted rabbits, bright yellow birds, dueling lizards and more. Camping is more finding a place to sleep-it’s another facet to your journey. Some camps are better than others, just as some hotels are dirtier than others (but at least with camping you get to sleep in your own bag- you KNOW that’s sanitary). Tickfaw State Park turned out to be a hidden jewel in the camping world, and I am more than happy to share what I have found.

The Swamp along a trail at Tickfaw State Park

Tickfaw State Park lies on the northern end of Maurepaus lake in Louisianna, a 30 minute drive to the French Quarter if you are planning on visiting the area. They have cabins, group camping sites, RV sites and “unimproved” tent sites. I obviously chose the later and took the unimproved tent site, which charges $12/night plus a $6 processing fee. The camping sites are each nestled in a private alcoved of trees, at least giving you the illusion that you are camping alone.

The suspension bridge over the Tickfaw river on one of the many trails at Tickfaw S.P. May 12, 2011

This alone would have made me a “happy camper” ( Where DOES that phrase originate and why do we use it for everything?) but it turns out the camp has a lot more. It has miles of hiking trails, both along perfectly maintained boardwalks and (if you venture deeper) along wild trails through the wilderness. It has an informative nature center, a water park for the kids (or the kid inside you), a regular park, numerous picnick pavilions, a view of it’s namesake river, the Tickfaw river, from a walking suspension bridge, clean showers and bathrooms, and more!

Tickfaw State Park May 12, 2011. One of the trails.

I found many things that aren’t even listed on the park’s map, such as the “Mother tree” nestled only a few yards off the road alond a dirt path. I saw lots of wildlife like brightly colored birds, multiple types of rabbits, some type of lizards, colorful grasshoppers, lots of blue and green dragonflies, and more. I even caught these two reptiles doing….well…I’m not sure what they are doing, you look at the series and tell me!

Two reptiles at Tickfaw. I don't know the species and genus, if you do please comment and let me know! May 12, 2011
One of them changed colors. Reptiles at Tickfaw S.P. May 12, 2011
Close up of the two fighting. May 12, 2011

I felt like I was in my own personal haven for most of the night, not seeing many other campers at all. Perhaps the flood waters had scared them all away? Or maybe I really had found a wonderful oasis that is hidden from everyone. Either way, it was just the way I like camping to be. If you ever plan on visiting this area of Louisiana I recommend this place as your campsite of choice. You won’t regret it.

Tomorrow I will be heading further east, after enjoyig a beautiful morning in the French Quarter, and I will be staying at another campsite. Will the next one match up to Tickfaw State Park? Until then…

-Nicole

The trailhead of Hurricane Cut Thru at Tickfaw S.P. May 12, 2011
The waterpark at Tickfaw S.P. May 12, 2011
A closeup of the dumping buckets at the waterpark of Tickfaw S.P. May 12, 2011
Apparently these guys are just all over Louisiana this time of year. Tickfaw State Park, May 12, 2011
One of the many small gems you can find throughout Tickfaw state park, not even listed on the map. May 12, 2011
The blackberries are already ripening down in Louisiana. May 12, 2011 Tickfaw State Park.

4 Replies to “Day 4, Part II: Tickfaw State Park”

  1. I believe the lizards you photographed are Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis) a native lizard that can change color from green to brown when cold or stressed. Judging by the ridges on their heads, they are both mature males fighting over territory or a nearby female.

    1. Thank you, James! I know I can always rely on Lexi and yourself to identify my unknown creatures and plants! I can guarantee I’ll have more in the future, stay tuned!

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