Fontainebleau State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Fontainebleau State Park sits on what was once a sugar plantation established in 1829. It is nestled on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain and spans 2,800 acres in Louisiana. You can sunbathe on the sandy beach or swim in the lake during your visit. You can also hike, bike, in-line skate, and watch the birds. Check the park's events calendar before your trip for events hosted by the park, including Nature Day and Halloween Crafts or the Golf Cart Parade. The Louisiana weather is hot and humid in summer and mild in winter.
Nearby Cities:
Mandeville, LA
New Orleans, LA
Chinchuba, LA
Forest Brook, LA
Spring 40-65 F
Summer 71-91 F
Fall 47-88 F
Winter 18-45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fontainebleau State Park
Campground Accommodations
Old Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 150 feet
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, restrooms
New Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 155 feet
Other amenities: Fire rings, grills, picnic tables, laundry facility, restrooms
Land-O-Pines Family Campground
Land-O-Pines has a swimming pool and waterslide, and plans family activities for guests. It’s close to the state park, and to the lake so you can spend the day at the beach or on the water.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: n/a
Other amenities: showers, laundry, mini-golf, playground, pool, waterslide
Abita Springs RV Park
The pine forests, fresh air, and mineral waters at Abita Springs are sure to be part of a great vacation! The campground is close to city restaurants and shopping, but also secluded and rustic enough to provide a getaway to nature.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: fishing, dog run, laundry, playground, pool
What to Do at
Fontainebleau State Park
At Fontainebleau State Park, you can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and nature watching. You'll find interpretive signs throughout the hiking trails to help you identify many bird species, and you'll love the beautiful Spanish moss-covered trees. You can enjoy the Rails to Trails program at the park and learn about the many converted trails that were once railroad tracks. Spending the day on Lake Pontchartrain offers peace and solitude and gives you a break from the busy city.
Inside Fontainebleau State Park
There’s lots to do at Fontainebleau! The nature trail is popular among visitors, and birding is plentiful. Here are some activities you can do at the park:
Hiking: There are a 4.8-mile hiking trail and a 1 1/4 mile nature trail at the park. The nature trail has interpretive signs along the way to help you identify many of the trees and shrubs on the path.
Birding: Over 400 species live in and around the park. The Fontainebleau Birding Guide helps birders identify the numerous birds you’ll find in the area. Because the park is bordered on three sides by water, there are a variety of habitats for a variety of birds.
Water play: The water playground is open through the summer, every day except Mondays. It’s a great way to cool off!
Fishing
Lake Pontchartrain is exceptional for fishing, and you can catch catfish, redfish, alligator gar, and speckled trout. Anglers who visit the state park have caught fish weighing up to 12 pounds.
Geocaching
Fontainebleau State Park offers a challenging geocaching opportunity. You can find out more at the visitors center and start the adventure. On your journey, you'll find many historical sites throughout the park. Once you find the cache, you can take a prize from the container and sign the log book.
Nature Watching
You can watch nature from anywhere within Fontainebleau State Park. The Cane Bayou Track is a prime location for watching birds. Among the birds you'll see are brown-headed nuthatches, prairie warblers, summer tanagers, and blue grosbeaks. If you visit during the winter, you will be treated to seeing sparrows flying throughout the park.
Stargazing
Stargazing on Lake Pontchartrain is fantastic, and you can see stars, constellations, and the Milky Way on clear nights. Many visitors go down to the beach to watch the stars since the view there is spectacular.
Flora and Fauna
Walking through Fontainebleau State Park, you'll see cypress trees, beech, sweetgum, Southern magnolias, and white oaks. There are fields of wildflowers, longleaf pines, sedges, rushes, and savannas. Wildlife such as white-tailed deer, rabbits, opossums, and many bird species live within the forest and around Lake Pontchartrain.
Hiking
Fontainebleau State Park has two hiking trails, including a 1.5-mile nature trail and Bayou Cane Trail, which is 4.8 miles long. The hiking trails provide a terrific outing and offer views of the marsh, sugar mill, and views of the lake.
Boating
You can go on a barge cruise to explore the entire park from the water. During the tours, guides point out animals and fish. You can also stop at waterfront restaurants for a quick bite during your journey.
Swimming
You can swim in Lake Pontchartrain next to the sandy beach, and there is plenty of space for sunbathing, picnics, and watching the peaceful waters. Swimming is best in summer when the water is at a comfortable temperature.
Biking
Tammany Trace, spanning 31 miles, is the perfect spot for cycling. You'll see breathtaking views throughout the park. You can stay within the park or ride through neighboring communities such as Lacombe and Mandeville.
How to Get to
Fontainebleau State Park
Take 1-10 W from Poydras Street in New Orleans and continue for 1.3 miles. Then, take Lake Pontchartrain Causeway to LA-1089 in St. Tammany Parish. Continue on LA-1089 until you reach the park entrance.
Entering Fontainebleau State Park
Fontainebleau State Park has two large parking lots, and parking is free.
Adventures at Fontainebleau State Park include swimming in the lake and enjoying the sandy beaches, sunbathing, and spending time with your friends and family in nature. You can hike through the trails or enjoy in-line skating as you take in scenic views and a picturesque backdrop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fontainebleau State Park
If you want to swim at the state park, visiting during the late spring and summer is best. However, if you want to camp or participate in activities other than swimming, late fall and early winter are the best times to visit. Hurricane season in the Southern states is over at this time of year, and the temperatures are milder. Summers are often too hot and could reach the 90s, making it uncomfortable outdoors.
Fontainebleau State Park is home to many animals and birds. You can see avian species such as brown-headed nuthatches, prairie warblers, summer tanagers, and blue grosbeaks throughout the year. Sparrows are abundant during the winter as they migrate south toward warmer climates. When exploring the trails, you'll see white-tailed deer, rabbits, and opossums.
You'll find camping spots at both campgrounds for RVs and tents. When you make a reservation, tell the park employee whether you plan to camp in a tent or an RV.
Fontainebleau State Park doesn't require guests to make reservations when staying on the campgrounds. However, it's helpful to book a spot if you plan on arriving during peak seasons, such as summer, as the park can reach maximum capacity. It costs $4.50 to secure a site.
Yes, dogs and cats are welcome at Fontainebleau State Park, but you should maintain control of your pets. Use a leash no longer than 6 feet when traveling through the park and hiking trails. Pets are not permitted on the beach.
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