Clear Water in the Middle of Louisiana's Only National Forest
Why Rent On Lake Kincaid
Kincaid Reservoir, also known as Lake Kincaid, sits just ten miles west of Alexandria, Louisiana, formed in 1972 by an earthen dam and offering something rare in a state known for its murky bayous and swampy lakes: pleasantly clear water with a maximum depth of 20 feet. The lake is entirely surrounded by the 640,000-acre Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only national forest, giving families who rent near Kincaid an outdoor experience that connects the lake directly to one of the great forests of the South.
Lakehouses and Cabins in Louisiana’s National Forest
Vacation rentals near Lake Kincaid offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces set within or adjacent to the Kisatchie National Forest. Pet-friendly options are available, and the clear, clean water of the reservoir gives the rental experience a quality that most Louisiana lakes cannot match. Many properties offer lake views and easy access to the boat launch facilities that serve the lake’s fishing and water recreation community.
Water Skiing, Fishing, Swimming, and National Forest Trails
Lake Kincaid is open for water skiing, fishing, swimming, and boating in a setting that feels remarkably removed from the surrounding central Louisiana landscape. The Kisatchie National Forest surrounding the lake offers two nationally designated recreation trails known for their scenic beauty, alongside camping, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and mountain biking across hundreds of miles of forest roads and trails. The combination of clear lake water and national forest trail access is genuinely exceptional.
Alexandria’s Cultural Attractions
The city of Alexandria is just ten miles east of the lake, putting the Alexandria Zoological Park, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, and the city’s dining and entertainment options within easy reach of any rental near Kincaid. The zoo’s impressive collection, including jaguars and Bengal tigers, is a popular family stop that complements the natural forest experience at the lake.
Louisiana’s Clearest Lake Deserves Your Family’s Attention
Lake Kincaid offers something you genuinely cannot find at most Louisiana lakes: clear water, national forest surroundings, and real water sports conditions alongside excellent fishing. A vacation rental near Kincaid gives your family the full package, from morning water skiing and afternoon hiking in the Kisatchie to evening drives into Alexandria for dinner. That combination puts this lake in a category of its own in central Louisiana.
- Surface area (mi)
- 6.59
- Max depth (ft)
- 25
- Elevation (ft)
- 91.86
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 35
Popular activities
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Kincaid has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
No, swimming is not allowed in Lake Kincaid. Swimming is only permitted in the designated swimming pool area, not in the lake itself.
-
Kinkaid Lake is a popular destination because it offers various recreational activities. The lake has boat ramps, boat rentals, and allows skiing, swimming, picnicking, and camping. It also features a large shoreline and diverse natural surroundings, including sandstone bluff formations and rolling hills with oak and hickory trees.
-
In Lake Kincaid, Louisiana, you can use hook and line, cast nets with a radius not to exceed 8 feet 6 inches, and passive hooked gear like trotlines, limb lines, and yo-yos. These devices must be tagged with your fishing license number and checked every 24 hours. Trotlines are limited to 150 hooks per angler.
-
There is a public beach at Kinkaid Lake. The lake in Illinois has a designated swimming area and picnic spots. It also offers boat launching facilities and other recreational activities.
-
Towns near Kinkaid Lake include Murphysboro and Ava. Murphysboro is about 5 miles southeast, while Ava is also close by. The lake is also about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis.
