Rustic Adventure at Beautiful Bogue Chitto

 Have you thought about taking your family on a vacation somewhere but do not want to make a long drive or just can't afford an expensive trip this year?  If so, consider visiting a state park!   Future posts will share more regarding the state park systems available in Louisiana and other states, but today Frugal Family Travelers will highlight the Bogue Chitto State Park located in Franklinton, LA, just north of Covington.  Bogue Chitto is one of the newest Louisiana state parks.  With great hiking trails leading nature enthusiasts through dense forests, along the banks of a river, by beautiful lakes and through a gorge, it leaves you, at times, feeling as though you are in the mountains!  The park also has furnished cabins (each with a screened in back porch, which overlooks the gorge), primitive/RV camping areas, an amazing splash area (complete with a water slide), a beach area, snowball stand, biking trails, equestrian trails and a playground!   Tubing/canoeing is available through various local outfitters. However, we suggest caution if attempting this with younger travelers due to the swift current of the river and that it is used by other outdoor enthusiasts with motorized boats.  

Recently, our Frugal Family Travelers were feeling a bit cooped up from a bout of rain in our area!  In spite of the rain, we decided to brave the elements for a trip to Bogue Chitto.  Our hiking adventure began during a light sprinkle but as the afternoon progressed, the sun came out!  The rain actually made the trails come alive with wildlife and unique water features not seen during other visits to the park! Our travelers especially enjoyed catching tiny frogs that were littering the trails!  The day concluded with a visit to the splash area for sliding and water play before heading back home! Admission to the park is only $2 per person and includes access to all day use areas.  Children under 3 and seniors over the age of 62 are FREE!  We chose to finally buy an annual pass to the Louisiana State Park and Historic Site system.  We can now be admitted to over 25 Louisiana state parks and historic sites for the next year.  This is a huge savings if you plan to visit several state parks over the next year.

Tips:  

*Pack sunscreen, water, picnic lunch

*Bring a bug box for little travelers

*Wear shoes for hiking

*Pack flip flops or water shoes and bathing suit for splash area

*The gorge trail area is more strenuous with the trails by the river more accessible for all ages

*Consider buying an annual pass to the state park.  It is $80 and allows all traveling in your car/van entrance into all Louisiana state parks and historic sites!

*The water slide/splash area is closed on Mondays for maintenance. You may also want to check availability if traveling between October-April.

Note: 

*The state park system, in my opinion is one of the best kept secrets!  Future posts will share more about the Louisiana state parks and historic sites our Frugal Family Travelers have visited as well as ones in other states!

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Directions: Bogue Chitto State Park 17049 State Park Blvd. Franklinton, LA 70438

(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

The rain can't stop us!

Look at the tiny frogs we found!

Here we go into the gorge!

Examining a geocache we found!

Splasing around!

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.   As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.