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Whether you’re looking for a convenient base for exploring New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, or a waterfront retreat for relaxing in nature, Fontainebleau State Park offers both. Located along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, and named for the Fontainebleau Forest near Paris, France, the area was founded in the early 1800s as a sugar plantation. In fact, the remains of the plantation’s old sugar mill form part of the 2,800-acre state park’s visitor center and museum. The park’s diverse ecosystem—including bayous and mossy woods—serves as an expansive wildlife preserve, hosting more than 400 species of birds and animals—including alligators! The park also boasts one of the largest white sand beaches in the state, a perfect place for sunning, swimming and paddling.
Fontainebleau State Park offers 116 improved campsites for RV campers, and more than 250 unimproved sites for tent campers. RV sites are equipped with water and electricity hookups, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 70 feet; a few pull-through sites can accommodate rigs up to 120 feet. Tent sites are mostly primitive, with 33 designated sites and a large community area. There are also two group camps. All sites have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, and showers; a dump station is located in the upper camping area. For those traveling without their own accommodations, the park also offers cabins and group lodges. Reservations are recommended for RV sites; most tent sites are first-come-first-served. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. Campsite rates range from $18–$33/night; cabins and lodges are $150–$210/night.
Guests who are interested in relaxing and recreating in the park have access to a variety of onsite amenities, including picnic areas, a water playground, fishing piers, beaches and swimming areas, kayak and SUP rentals, and Wifi service. The park’s two nature trails, including a portion of the Tammany Trace Trail (an old railroad line converted into a multi-use path), are excellent for wildlife watching. Anglers can fish for various freshwater species of bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish in the park’s ponds and creeks. Outside of the park, visitors can go antiquing in the local villages, enjoy fresh seafood from several nearby eateries, or head for the local brewery for a refreshing pint. New Orleans, and all its history, culture and flavor are just a short drive across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.
This park is one of my favorites! I love camping here or just enjoying a beach day. We most recently went to do an engagement video shoot and it was so lovely! We got to see about 8 deer running around and playing together on our way out.
This is a beautiful and clean park. The staff is very nice and helpful. Above and beyond anything I have seen. It has been a great camping experience. Can’t wait to come back someday. Thanks to everyone here at the park!!
Absolutely beautiful park with breathtaking live oak trees and a nice short nature trail. $3 entry fee. Plenty of parking. Did not see the visitor center as it was closed on holiday but the whole park is very well kept. Can’t wait til the alligator marsh boardwalk reopens— will definitely be back
This state park is a treasure. A huge, brick pool house stands as an reminder of the state's history . Reportedly the park once had a public swimming pool, but filled it in response to desegregation . Now there is an odd span of grass and no swimming pool. Still it's a nice place to watch for birds (gulls, kites, eagles...) and stroll through the woods. It has lots of photogenic Old Oaks with Spanish moss. The small Beach is nice for summer.
