Fontainebleau State Park camping offers the perfect combination of relaxation, nature exploration, and recreational activities. Nestled along the shores of stunning Lake Pontchartrain, this picturesque state park is a destination for Louisiana state park camping enthusiasts. Whether you decide to go old school and pitch a tent or prefer glamping in a cozy cabin or RV, here are seven top activities to make sure you take advantage of all that Fontainebleau State Park camping has to offer.
Explore the Fontainebleau State Park Map and Trails
Before heading out on your adventure, be sure to grab a Fontainebleau State Park map at the entrance station to explore the different trails and scenic routes. Admission to the park is $3 for ages 4-62, free for ages three and under and 63+. The Entrance Station is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.
In addition to traditional hiking trails, the park is also home to a portion of the 31-mile-long bike path — Tammany Trace Bike Path. The path accommodates walkers and skaters as well, if biking isn’t your thing, and along a section near Abita Springs, horses.
Relax at the Beach and Swim in Lake Pontchartrain
Spend a lazy afternoon swimming and enjoying the sandy beach of Lake Pontchartrain. The lake is perfect for kiddos with many spots close to the beach only two feet at their deepest points. The temperate water makes swimming a delight for most of the year.
Cool Off at the Splash Pad
The Splash Pad at Fontainebleau State Park is a favorite for youngsters looking to have some fun in the sun. Open year-round, it’s conveniently located next to the beach’s bathhouse and is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays for cleaning and maintenance).
Visit the Historic Sugar Mill Ruins
The ruins of an 1829 sugar mill sit on the property. It’s a great place to explore, learn about the history, and maybe even enjoy a picnic. Photographers love the multiple photo-ops throughout the property, which provide a unique and historic backdrop.
Take a Day Trip
Located just a short drive away, Fairview-Riverside State Park provides additional fun, including RV camping, boating and exploring the lush grounds dotted with massive, Spanish moss-draped live oaks. Call ahead and you can even explore the historic Otis House Museum. Or venture a few minutes from the park to the nearby towns of Madisonville and Mandeville. Here you can enjoy top restaurants and rent toys for the park such as kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles.
Go Fish!
Fishing experts and amateurs alike will discover an angler’s dream along the lake and bayou, teeming with redfish, speckled trout, and catfish. Crabbing is also a favorite pastime thanks to the abundance of blue crab! Read more about fishing Lake Pontchartrain in our blog.
photo by Keith Lusher, NorthshoreFishingReport.com
Camp Out
Choose from the many single-family or group campsites, 12 deluxe cabins, or RV parking grounds for your stay. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and nearby restrooms. Cabins accommodate up to eight people and are built on pilings overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Pontchartrain.
Renovated over-water cabins on Lake Pontchartrain beach
Plan Your Visit
Fontainebleau State Park has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for hiking, swimming, adventuring, or just a serene environment to unplug.
The park also offers fantastic accessibility features, including a 7,200+ square foot all-inclusive playground with a safety surface, accessible ramps, a wheelchair-accessible "together glider," a tactile roller slide, an inclusive swing seat, and more, ensuring that guests of all abilities can enjoy the space.
Visit The Northshore Visitor Services specialist Christy Paulsell with daughter PJ taking Fontainebleau State Park's all-terrain wheelchair to the park's beach.
Read more about their journeys around St. Tammany in our blog.
For those who want to explore beyond the paved paths, Fontainebleau provides an all-terrain, electric-powered track wheelchair, allowing users to navigate trails and other areas that traditional wheelchairs cannot access. The chair is free to use but requires a reservation at least 48 hours in advance, along with a completed user agreement, liability waiver, and training session. To reserve the all-terrain chair, visit the LA State Parks website or call the park at 1-(888) 677-3668. Camping in Louisiana doesn’t get much better than this!
