Alexander State Forest

Explore Alexander State Forest

Alexander State Forest, located in central Louisiana, was established in 1923 when the state purchased 2,068 acres from Mrs. Eloise Polk Burrows. Though originally intended to be the first of several state owned demonstration forests, today it is the only one. The forest was named in honor of M. L. Alexander, Louisiana's first commissioner of conservation.

Nine additional purchases of adjacent properties over the next 15 years expanded Alexander State Forest to its present size of approximately 8,000 acres. The multiple-use forest contains 700 acres of bottomland hardwood, 5,000 acres of southern yellow pine and the 2,250 acre Indian Creek Lake and Recreation Area.

The land was mostly barren when purchased. However, today it is an excellent example of reforestation and forest management containing about 35 million board feet of timber. Extensive tree planting was undertaken when a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was located on the forest during 1933 - 1940. 

During CCC days, the enrollees, mostly World War I veterans, built the log administrative building, which is now listed on the Louisiana -National Register of Historic Places. The 175-foot Woodworth Fire Tower at the headquarters compound is believed to be the tallest fire tower in the world.

Alexander State Forest is managed under the multiple-use concept, providing a variety of benefits, including timber production, improved wildlife habitat, hunting, recreational opportunity, water and soil conservation, forest management research, and habitat for several endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker. Approximately 75 percent of the state forest acreage is managed for hunting and other recreational activities.

If you would like more information about visiting the Alexander State Forest or the Indian Creek Lake and Recreation Area, please visit the headquarters or contact any of our staff.

Indian Creek Lake & Recreation Area

The Indian Creek Lake and Recreation Area encompasses a 2,250 acre lake, 100 acres of developed recreation facilities and a 250 acre primitive camping area all within the Alexander State Forest. 

The lake, located in central Louisiana, was constructed as a joint venture of the Louisiana Forestry Commission, the Rapides Parish Police Jury, and the Lower West Red River Soil and Water Conservation District as a reservoir for agricultural irrigation in times of need and for recreation purposes.

The recreation area camping area contains 109 campsites with conventional full utility hookups, 3 beaches for swimming, bath houses, a boat launch, and 75 picnic sites. A covered pavilion within the developed area provides for groups up to 100 people. The recreation area is open year round and operates on user fees.

The primitive camping area is designated primarily for tent camping. Only parking and camping spaces are provided; there are no other facilities.

Facilities are available on a first-come basis only, except for the pavilion. It is recommended that pavilion reservations be made well in advance of intended use.

The Indian Creek Hiking Trail is a two-and-a-half mile long path through a mixed pine-hardwood forest. The trail traverses uplands and minor stream bottoms, providing access to a variety of habitats supporting numerous plant and animal species.

Indian Creek Lake offers excellent fishing for freshwater species over flooded timberland. Fishing is permitted year round and in accordance with state fishing regulations.

If you would like more information about visiting Alexander State Forest or the Indian Creek Lake and Recreation Area, please visit the headquarters or contact any of our staff at 318-487-5058.