Alligator Lake Recreation Area is Fort Polk's favorite picnic destination, with good reason. There are two large pavilions for you and your company or group to rent with a sink and plenty of power. There are also smaller covered areas with  concrete pads and grills with tables, with some right on the shoreline. (These are free of charge.)

     The lake is the perfect place just to hang out and have fun. There are two multipurpose courts, three volleyball courts, playgrounds, one softball field and the like if you get ambitious.

     For water fun, you can rent a canoe by the hour, or day, for casual cruising. The fishing is great, and bass, panfish and catfish are stocked regularly. The lake record bass is over 13 pounds, caught last year. Some catfish are even bigger than that.