The weather outside is rarely frightful this time of year in south Louisiana, but temperatures do drop and those dreary overcast days persist until spring arrives. Time spent around a fire or inside a cozy state park cabin might be just the cure for those winter blues. We’ve compiled a few examples within a day’s drive.

On the Waterfront

South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco

• From Baton Rouge: 177 miles
• From Lafayette: 166 miles
• From New Orleans: 279 miles

This time of year, visitors to South Toledo Bend State Park may prefer resting inside the 19 vacation cabins facing the lake, where sunsets turn the water vibrant hues of auburn and orange. However, the south end of Toledo Bend offers one of the few sandy beaches in Louisiana, not to mention a covered fishing bridge and lake access.

There are nine glamping tents, an interpretive nature center and plenty of hiking trails, including the 1.5-mile Hippie Point Hiking Trail that follows the shoreline and ends at the park’s beach and the Eagle’s Nest Hiking Trail, where visitors may be lucky enough to spot a bald eagle.

Entrance fees are $3 a person, free to seniors ages 62 and above and children ages 3 and below. Cabins rent for $150-175 a night and include a stocked kitchen and linens. Glamping sites start at $85 a night. Places to purchase food are located nearby.

Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama

• From Baton Rouge: 252 miles
• From Lafayette: 301 miles
• From New Orleans: 189 miles

Gulf State Park in Gulf…