Fontainebleau State Park

Sprawling across 2,800 acres on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau State Park is one of Louisiana’s most beloved outdoor escapes. Established in 1942 on the grounds of a former sugar plantation, the park blends rich history with stunning natural beauty — from ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss to sandy lakefront beaches that feel worlds away from nearby New Orleans.

The park’s crown jewel is its Lake Pontchartrain shoreline, where visitors swim, paddleboard, and watch spectacular sunsets over the water. A network of trails winds through pine flatwoods and hardwood forests, including a portion of the Tammany Trace rail-trail perfect for biking and jogging. Birdwatchers flock here during spring and fall migrations, when warblers, tanagers, and raptors fill the canopy after crossing the Gulf of Mexico. The ruins of an 1829 sugar mill stand near the entrance, offering a tangible connection to the park’s plantation past.

Fontainebleau’s campground accommodates both tent and RV campers, with hookup sites nestled among the trees. Cabins are also available for those wanting a roof overhead. The park stays busy on warm weekends, so reservations are strongly recommended from March through October.

The best time to visit is spring or fall, when humidity eases and the wildlife activity peaks. Summer brings warm lake swimming but also mosquitoes — pack repellent. With a 4.6-star rating across nearly 4,000 reviews, Fontainebleau consistently ranks among Louisiana’s top state parks.

Explore Nearby

• Tchefuncte River Range Rear Light — Lighthouse in Louisiana
• Tchefuncte River Range Front Light — Lighthouse in Louisiana
• Wetlands Cultural Byway — Scenic Byway in Louisiana
• De Soto National Forest — National Forest in Mississippi
• Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Louisiana