Fontainebleau State Park, located in Louisiana, spans 2,800 acres and is known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Originally the site of a sugar plantation, the park now offers a diverse array of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and bird watching. It boasts a picturesque beach along Lake Pontchartrain, providing opportunities for swimming and fishing. The park’s extensive trails and scenic landscapes make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
Does Fontainebleau State Park Offer RV Camping?
Fontainebleau State Park in Louisiana offers RV camping with a total of 163 campsites for both RVs and tents. Many of these sites are equipped with utilities such as water and electrical hookups, and some also include sewer hookups. However, it’s important to note that Wi-Fi is unavailable at these campsites. The park is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along. The maximum RV length that can be accommodated varies, with some sites capable of handling RVs up to 155 feet in length.
Fontainebleau State Park Contact Details
- Address: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, United States
- Phone: 985-624-4443
- Website: https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park
Fontainebleau State Park RV Camping Rates
Premium Campsites
These sites cost $33 per night plus tax on Fridays and Saturdays. From Sunday to Thursday, the rates are $30 per night plus tax from April to September, and $25 per night plus tax from October to March. These sites include water and electrical hookups, with some offering sewerage hookups.
Improved Campsites
The rate for these sites is $28 per night plus tax on Fridays and Saturdays. From Sunday to Thursday, the rates are $25 per night plus tax from April to September, and $20 per night plus tax from October to March. These campsites have water and electrical hookups.
Unimproved Campsites
These sites are available for $18 per night plus tax and do not include hookups.
Primitive Group Camping Area
There are two sites available for Scouts and organized groups, costing $35 per night for a 25-person site and $60 per night for a 50-person site.
It’s important to note that a non-refundable fee of $4.50 is assessed on each reservation transaction, whether made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.
Fontainebleau State Park Campground Map
Fontainebleau State Park Amentias for RV Campers
- RV Sites: The park has numerous RV sites, including both pull-through and back-in options, with varying levels of hookups. This includes sites with full hookups (water, electricity, and sewer) and those with just water and electricity.
- Electrical and Water Hookups: Many of the RV sites come equipped with water and electrical hookups to cater to the needs of RV campers.
- Bathhouse and Restrooms: The park offers facilities with restrooms and bathhouses, providing convenience and comfort for campers.
- Dump Station: For RVs that need to dispose of waste, there is a dump station available within the park.
- Laundry Facilities: Some campgrounds have laundry facilities that are particularly convenient for those on extended stays.
- Controlled Access Gate: The park has controlled access gates for added security and management of entry and exit.
- Amps Availability: The RV sites cater to different power needs, with availability of 20, 30, and 50 Amps.
- Surface and Amenities: The RV sites have paved surfaces, and many come with additional amenities like fire pits, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables.
- Shaded Sites: Many sites offer shaded areas, providing relief from the sun and a comfortable camping environment.
- Max RV Length Accommodation: The park can accommodate RVs of various sizes, with some sites suitable for RVs up to 150 feet in length.
Things To Do Inside Fontainebleau State Park
Hiking
The park features two hiking trails, including a 4.8-mile hike and a shorter 1.25-mile nature trail. These trails offer scenic views of marshes, the sugar mill, and Lake Pontchartrain, providing an immersive natural experience.
Bird Watching
Home to over 400 bird species, the park is a haven for birdwatchers. Its diverse ecosystems, bordered by water on three sides, create a variety of habitats for a wide range of bird species.
Fishing
Lake Pontchartrain, bordering the park, is known for excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch species like catfish, redfish, alligator gar, and speckled trout, with some fish caught weighing up to 12 pounds.
Geocaching
The park offers a unique geocaching experience, combining treasure hunting with exploration. Visitors can find caches hidden throughout the park, uncovering historical sites and natural wonders along the way.
Nature Watching
The diverse ecosystems in the park make it a great place for nature watching. Visitors can observe various wildlife from the Cane Bayou Track, including deer, rabbits, opossums, and numerous bird species.
Stargazing
The clear skies over Lake Pontchartrain provide an excellent opportunity for stargazing. Visitors often head to the beach for unobstructed views of stars, constellations, and the Milky Way.
Water Play
The park’s water playground is open for visitors (except Mondays) during the summer. It’s a popular spot for families and children to cool off and enjoy water-based activities.
Swimming
The park offers a beach area on Lake Pontchartrain for swimming. This is especially enjoyable during the summer when the water temperature is comfortable for swimming and sunbathing.
Biking
Cyclists can enjoy the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile trail that runs through the park. It offers stunning views and a chance to explore neighboring communities like Lacombe and Mandeville.
Fontainebleau State Park Nearby Attractions
Town of Mandeville
Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Mandeville is known for its scenic byways, swamp tours, antique shops, festivals, and trails. It’s a charming town with a mix of history and modern amenities, perfect for a day trip.
Town of Madisonville
This nostalgic river town on the Tchefuncte River is known for its great restaurants, antique shops, boating opportunities, and specialty shops. It’s an ideal place to experience Louisiana’s river culture and enjoy a leisurely day.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
The causeway, known for being one of the world’s longest bridges over water, offers a unique driving experience with panoramic views of Lake Pontchartrain. It connects the north shore with New Orleans, making it a notable engineering and scenic marvel.
Abita Springs
Famous for the Abita Brewery, this small town also boasts a quirky museum, beautiful parks, and a trailhead for the Tammany Trace. It’s a great spot for those interested in local brews and outdoor activities.
Covington
Covington, known for its historic downtown, offers a blend of art galleries, boutiques, and excellent dining options. The town has a rich cultural scene and hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.
Slidell
A city known for its cultural heritage, Slidell offers shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s also a gateway to outdoor adventures, including swamp tours and wildlife watching.
Fontainebleau State Park Brief History
Fontainebleau State Park, located in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Originally, the land was the site of a large sugar mill owned by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, the founder of the nearby town of Mandeville. After the sugar mill’s decline, the land eventually became a public park in 1942. The park is named after Fontainebleau, France, reflecting Bernard de Marigny’s French heritage. Today, it’s a popular destination offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, where visitors can still see the ruins of the old sugar mill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to get inside Fontainebleau State Park?
Yes, there is an entrance fee to Fontainebleau State Park. The fee is $3.00 for persons aged 4-62 years old. Entry is free for children 3 and under and those aged 63 and above.
What is Fontainebleau State Park famous for?
Fontainebleau State Park is renowned for its scenic beauty, including nature trails, a sandy beach, and the ruins of an 1829 sugar mill. It’s a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, attracting many visitors each year.
How can I reserve an RV site at Fontainebleau State Park?
To reserve an RV site at Fontainebleau State Park, you can make reservations and book sites through the Louisiana State Parks website or by contacting the park directly.