Discover The 7 Cleanest Lakes in Louisiana

While Louisiana has stunning natural scenery and abundant recreational activities, this southern state ranks as one of the worst in the country for polluted water. Over 11 million pounds of toxic chemicals find their way into Louisiana bodies of water, with the Mississippi River and Lake Maurepas being some of the most dangerous in the state. Because exposure to dirty water can increase your likelihood of cancer and reproductive damage, finding a clean lake to fish, swim, and boat is essential. Check out these picks for the top seven cleanest lakes in Louisiana and how you can enjoy them.

1. Lake Claiborne

This lake and state park is a popular area for recreation in Louisiana. Lake Claiborne is a reservoir in a rural area near Homer and is one of the clearest and cleanest lakes in Louisiana. Northwest Louisiana offers rolling hills and open sky, a perfect backdrop for Lake Claiborne’s 6,400 acres of pristine freshwater. Fishing and swimming are some of the most sought-after activities. It features a sandy beach for relaxation and playing, and the lake is regularly stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and bream.

2. Lake Bruin

Located in Northeastern Louisiana, Lake Bruin is an oxbow lake near the Mississippi River. It is over 3,000 acres of crystal-clear water and features cypress growth along the shore. People from all over visit Lake Bruin State Park for camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. You can enjoy this clean freshwater source year-round, but the water and surrounding area are most popular from April to October. Lake Bruin is one of the best areas to cool off during the summer. And it features a boat launch, fishing piers, a bathhouse, campgrounds, swimming areas, and a water playground.

3. Toledo Bend Reservoir

The Toledo Bend Reservoir is along the Sabine River, straddling the Texas and Louisiana border. This reservoir is one of the largest artificial bodies of water in the country, featuring 185,000 acres, a max length of 65 miles, and a max width of 10 miles. Toledo Bend has clean, fresh water surrounded by forests, vacation homes, and quaint communities. It is a major recreational area for both Louisiana and Texas, where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, camping, and general sightseeing.

4. Vernon Lake

This 4,200-acre reservoir was created by impounding the Anacoco Creek. You can find Vernon Lake in West central Louisiana in Vernon Parish. It is a clean and clear lake used for water supply and recreation. And because of its varying water levels, you can enjoy many different activities, whether bass fishing in the shallow upper end or taking a boat into deep channels and open water by the dam. People visit Vernon Lake for casual walking, sightseeing, picnicking, camping, swimming, boating, and fishing.  

5. Lake Chicot

Cool and clear, Lake Chicot is a paradise featuring 6,400 acres along rolling hills and bottomland hardwood forests. Lake Chicot is a reservoir in Southcentral Louisiana near Ville Platte and Turkey Creek. Its clean waters are perfect for boating and fishing. And the area surrounding the lake provides opportunities for hiking, backpacking, nature viewing, cycling, mountain biking, and camping. You can also check out the Louisiana State Arboretum, which features nature trails, labeled plants, and a stunning beech-magnolia forest.

6. Catahoula Lake

Catahoula Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Louisiana. It covers an impressive 26,000 acres in La Salle and Rapides Parish in the central region of the state. This lake was formed by seismic activity that created a depression, which the Little River eventually filled. Catahoula Lake is a haven for many kinds of wildlife, especially waterfowl, songbirds, and deer. Due to its clean water, this lake is a hotspot for recreation, including swimming, fishing, birding, hunting, and hiking. Catahoula Lake is also an important wintering site for migratory waterfowl. 

7. Valentine Lake

At 46 acres, Valentine Lake is considerably smaller than many picks on this list. However, it is considered a hidden gem in Louisiana for recreation and peaceful oneness with nature. This serene beauty is surrounded by hardwoods and pinewoods and features sparkling clean water. Valentine Lake is a quiet camping spot during the summer. Many also enjoy fishing, hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. 

Summary of The 7 Cleanest Lakes in Louisiana