New Orleans Outdoors

New Orleans area State Parks and Preservation Areas offer visitor’s a uniquely rewarding experience of Louisiana’s natural beauty and historical treasures. Bayou Segnette State Park, St. Bernard State Park, Fairview-Riverside State Park, Fontainebleau State Park, and Fort Pike State Park are five of the State’s most exceptional and beautiful outdoor areas, and best of all, they are all located within 30-40 miles of New Orleans.

Most of these State Parks feature a waterfront location, campsites and picnic areas, as well as great opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, golf and boating. Several have cabins and group camps, which were designed to reflect each park's cultural environment and ambiance.

7777 Westbank Expressway
Westwego, LA 70094
(504)-736-7140
(888)-677-2296

Bayou Segnette State Park is a meeting point of two types of wetlands--swamp and marsh. What was once swampland has been changed to marsh by the creation of canals. In this strange crossing of wetland, you may happen upon many distinctive species of area wildlife including alligators, nutria, armadillos, opossum, raccoon, mink, red-tailed hawks, Mississippi kites, red-winged blackbirds, bald eagles, and cardinals.

Because of its unique location, boating is available for both salt and freshwater fishing. Catches of bass, catfish, bream, perch, redfish and trout are common in the area. There are many picnic areas, some with playgrounds, great hiking and biking trails, and for the overnight camper: a swimming and wave pool. Bayou Segnette is located across the Mississippi River from New Orleans.

P.O. Box 856
Madisonville, LA 70447
(504) 845-3318
(888) 677-3247

The 99-acre Fairview-Riverside Park was given to the state of Louisiana by Frank Otis in 1961 after his death. It was Otis’ dream to let outdoors enthusiasts experience the bountiful opportunities in nature along the Tchefuncte River’s edge. Located on the outskirts of New Orleans near Lake Pontchartrain, Fairview-Riverside offers a great escape from the city. Scattered throughout the park, amidst the giant oak trees, are numerous picnic tables playgrounds. An abundant stock of bass, bluegill, white perch, and bream can be found in the Tchefuncte River, near the park area. The river is a great place for water skiers and boat-lovers of all types. Just two miles by road and a few minutes by water is the Madisonville public boat launch. Fairview-Riverside also offers 81camp sites with electricity and water hookups.

P.O. Box 8925
Mandeville, LA 70470-8925
(504) 624-4443
(888) 677-3668

Located on the sandy beach shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainbleu Park is a delight for sunbathers, windsurfers, and nature lovers. The crumbling ruins of Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville’s sugar plantation are noticeable throughout the park. An old railroad track that runs through the park has been converted into the Tammany Trace as a part of the Rails to Trails program. It is a perfect route for cycling, hiking and in-line skating. The park's nature trail is an exceptional tour of the local wildlife (over 400 different species). There are 127 campsites with water, electricity, grills and picnic tables at each, as well as an outdoor pool and bathhouse the cool off from the summer sun.

P.O. Box 534
Violet, LA 70092
(504) 682-210
(888) 677-7823

The woodlands meet the wetlands in St. Bernard Park, which is just 19 miles from downtown New Orleans. This park is the ideal spot for visitors who are seeking a natural experience, as well as for campers who don't want to or cannot stray far from Civilization (there is public transportation to New Orleans within a half-mile of the park). Located along the Mississippi River, there is a vast network of man-made lagoons in the park that is ideal for relaxation. There are many excellent hiking opportunities and nature trails. Overnight camping facilities include 51 sites; each equipped with water and electrical hook-ups. A nearby bathhouse offers hot showers to make camping experience more comfortable.

For more information on all of Louisiana’s parks, call The Office of State Parks:

(888) 677-1400

(225) 342-811