C. Bickham Dickson

C BICKHAM DICKSON PARK - 28 Photos - 2283 Bert Kouns, Shreveport ...

C. Bickham Dickson Park, Shreveport: Nature Preserve on Old River Lake

C. Bickham Dickson Park in southeast Shreveport has shifted over the years from a traditional city park into a large, flood-prone nature area focused on wildlife and low-impact recreation. Today it’s best understood as part of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge system and as a spot for people who enjoy quiet trails, birding, paddling and bank fishing more than playgrounds and built attractions.

Because conditions here change frequently—especially with flooding—always verify current access and closures before you go. As of late 2025, at least one main loop trail is listed as “closed indefinitely” due to conditions.

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Quick facts

• Location: 2283–2253 E Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, southeast Shreveport, Louisiana Louisiana
• Size: About 585 acres, over three times larger than any other Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation (SPAR) park or facility Louisiana
• Setting: On Old River Lake, an oxbow waterbody linked to the Red River system
• Current management: Operated as part of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge under U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, via a lease from the City of Shreveport Times
• Known amenities historically: Boat launch, equestrian trail, fishing access, basic picnic areas; disc golf has been present but not always accessible due to flooding and management changes
• Recent visitor ratings: Around 3–4 out of 5 on major review platforms, with mixed feedback on access and facilities but strong praise for scenery and kayaking.

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A park in transition: from city playground to wildlife refuge

When C. Bickham Dickson opened in the early 1980s, it was promoted as a 585-acre escape for boating, fishing, picnics and family days out. Over time, repeated flooding from the nearby Red River damaged roads, facilities and infrastructure. SPAR’s own notices highlight that the park is “always prone to flooding,” and that at times the fishing pier and roadway have been under water.

In 2019, Shreveport’s city council approved a lease transferring day-to-day operation and management to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, integrating the park into the Red River National Wildlife Refuge. The stated goal: protect wetlands, waterways and wildlife in a way the city couldn’t sustainably manage on its own. Times

Since that transition:

• The focus has shifted from playgrounds and splash pads toward nature preservation and low-impact outdoor recreation. Visitors now report limited or no playground equipment, grills or picnic furniture, but rich flora, fauna and a quieter, “reclaimed by nature” feel.
• Maintenance prioritises habitat and trails over traditional park amenities, and some previously accessible areas remain gated or overgrown, especially after high-water events.

If you’re expecting a typical urban park with manicured lawns and multiple playgrounds, you’ll likely be disappointed. If you’re interested in a wilder, more fluid landscape where water levels and wildlife activity drive the experience, C. Bickham Dickson fits that profile.

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Landscape and ecosystems

The park sits along Old River Lake, a 200-acre lake linked to the Red River basin. This geography creates a mosaic of wetlands, backwater channels and wooded edges.

Key features described by local agencies and nature groups include:

• Wetlands and backwaters supporting waterbirds, amphibians and aquatic plants
• Bottomland forest and edge habitat where deer and other mammals are frequently spotted
• A role within a wider wildlife refuge network, with C. Bickham Dickson described as part of a wildlife refuge that has nearly 250 recorded bird species, including many waterbirds and passerines

For birders, this mix of water and woodland makes it a serious local hotspot during migration seasons, not just a casual picnic stop.

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What you can (realistically) do here now

Because management and access have evolved, it’s important to align expectations with current reality.

1. Hiking and walking

Recent descriptions mention an easy out-and-back hiking trail of roughly 2.75 miles, used for low-key walks and wildlife spotting.

However:

• AllTrails currently lists the Bickham Dickson Loop as “closed indefinitely” as of October 2025, and directs users back to the SPAR page for closure details.
• SPAR explicitly notes temporary or extended closures when the roadway and fishing pier are underwater due to high water.

Practical takeaway: Before planning a hike here, check the latest updates from SPAR or the Red River National Wildlife Refuge. If closures are in place, consider other Shreveport trails such as Bayou Pierre’s shared path or other city parks with jogging/bike routes. Shreveport

2. Non-motorized fishing and paddling

Multiple recent visitor reports describe:

• Non-motorized fishing from the bank, with an on-site self-permit system.
• Kayaking and canoeing on the calm, motor-restricted waters of Old River Lake.

Official SPAR information supports this low-impact approach: small boats are welcome but gasoline motors are prohibited, and a Cross Lake sticker has historically been required for boating.

Conditions reported by visitors:

• Fishing pressure is relatively high because access is easy in open periods, and some anglers describe the catch rates as modest rather than outstanding.
• Flooding periodically affects parking and shoreline access, which can limit launching spots for kayaks and canoes.

If you bring a kayak or canoe, plan for self-sufficient launches and expect a more “wild backwater” feel than a groomed boat ramp area.

3. Birding and wildlife watching

Nature and birding organisations emphasise C. Bickham Dickson’s role as a diverse bird habitat, with nearly 250 bird species recorded when considering the broader refuge area.

You can realistically expect:

• Waterbirds: herons, egrets and other species associated with oxbow lakes and wetlands
• Songbirds and passerines along the wooded edges
• Mammals such as white-tailed deer, plus reports of alligators and feral hogs in the broader area

This is not a manicured zoo-style experience; wildlife encounters are opportunistic, and you’ll need to manage distance and safety around larger animals.

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How kid-friendly is C. Bickham Dickson now?

The snippet you provided—“Not so much to do for kids”—matches a recurring theme in recent reviews.

Older descriptions and third-party lists have referenced a splash pad and playground at C. Bickham Dickson, but recent visitor feedback and refuge-style management notes point out that you won’t generally find playgrounds, grills or picnic tables in the current configuration, just trails and natural areas.

Given that:

• Families looking for structured play equipment, water features for kids, or big picnic shelters may be better served at other Shreveport parks that still prioritise those amenities. Shreveport
• Families who enjoy short, easy walks, basic wildlife watching, and occasional fishing can still find this a good outing, especially when water levels are normal and trails are open.

Because conditions and amenities have changed over time, information from older family-activity round-ups may now be outdated. Always cross-check anything mentioning a splash pad or large playground with the most recent refuge or SPAR updates.

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Disc golf: still relevant?

Disc-golf databases describe an 18-hole course established around 2012 at C. Bickham Dickson Park, with natural tees and relatively short holes suited for beginners.

However:

• There are reports that parts of the disc golf area have at times been blocked off or not open to the public, even outside flood periods.
• Course-condition pages haven’t always been updated recently, so practical playability may differ from the official listing.

If disc golf is a priority, check current local disc-golf groups or course-condition pages before banking on a full round here, and consider other Shreveport-area courses if C. Bickham Dickson’s layout is closed or overgrown. Shreveport

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Access, safety and seasonality

A few realities to keep in mind:

• Flood risk: The park is repeatedly described as prone to flooding due to proximity to the Red River and Old River Lake. Periodic closures of roads, piers and trails are part of the normal pattern here.
• Operational status: SPAR has, at times, listed the park as closed until further notice because of high water. AllTrails echoes an “indefinite closure” notice for at least one loop as of October 2025.
• Wildlife presence: Visitor reports mention alligators and feral hogs in the wider area. This is consistent with habitats in the Red River basin and along Louisiana bayous. Sensible distance, leashes for dogs where allowed, and avoidance of dusk/dawn in certain zones are practical safety steps.
• Basic services: Visitors currently should not assume access to restrooms, concessions, playgrounds or staffed facilities on site; planning for self-sufficiency (water, snacks, sun protection, bug repellent) is important. This shift toward a more “wild” experience is repeatedly highlighted in recent descriptions.

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Who C. Bickham Dickson is best for today

Based on the most recent, verifiable information, C. Bickham Dickson Park is a good match for:

• Birders and nature enthusiasts who appreciate wetlands, seasonal flooding landscapes and the chance to see a wide range of bird species in a semi-wild setting.
• Kayakers, canoeists and bank anglers comfortable with self-guided, non-motorized use of an oxbow lake that doesn’t have a full suite of park facilities.
• Local walkers who monitor closures and are looking for a quiet, flat trail when conditions permit access.

It’s less suitable if your priority is: