Natural swimming hole
Lake Bruin State Park
Lake · Louisiana
About this swimming hole
Lake Bruin State Park sits on a 3,000-acre horseshoe oxbow of the Mississippi River in Tensas Parish, with a sandy swimming beach and bathhouse plus a splash pad. The cypress-lined lake averages 20-30 feet deep with holes past 55 feet; the park also has fishing piers, boat rentals, and lakeside cabins.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | sandy swim beach; lake 20-30 ft avg, holes over 55 ft |
| Best season | April-September |
| Fees | Day-use fee |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 6AM-9PM; 10PM Fri/Sat |
| Parking | Park lot |
| Amenities | restrooms, campground, picnic tables, splash pad, fishing piers, boat rentals |
| County | Tensas Parish |
| Nearest town | St. Joseph |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard; recent alligator and black bear sightings reported near the park; deep water and boat traffic - swim only in the designated beach area |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Lake Bruin State Park?
Yes — Lake Bruin State Park is listed as a natural swimming spot in Louisiana. Heads-up: No lifeguard; recent alligator and black bear sightings reported near the park; deep water and boat traffic - swim only in the designated beach area. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Lake Bruin State Park require reservations?
No reservations are required at Lake Bruin State Park based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Lake Bruin State Park?
Reported fee info: Day-use fee. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Lake Bruin State Park?
The best season is typically April-September.