Located just 10 minutes outside of Downtown Mandeville, Fontainebleau State Park is a nature lover’s dream. This Louisiana state park has no shortage of views or activities, being on the front of Lake Pontchartrain waterfront.
Read on to find out all the fun ways you can enjoy Fontainebleau State Park!
1. Hiking & Biking
The views on the Northshore can all be enjoyed via hiking and biking trails.
To enjoy the delights of the Louisiana swampland, make sure to enjoy the mile-long boardwalk called Fontainebleau’s nature trail. If you are hoping to spot the natural wildlife, make sure to scope out this trail early in the morning or later in the evening. (Pack your bug spray!)
For a longer hiking trail, there is a 2-mile Fontainebleau nature trail loop, which connects to the Bayou cane trail and is less busy than the boardwalk.
If you are a cyclist, (or even an avid walker or horse-back rider) then waste no time in enjoying the Tammany Trace trail. This trail used to be a railroad and is now a 30-mile long trail that is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
If you would like to enjoy the trail but you don’t have a bicycle, no worries! You are able to rent them nearby from Mandeville or Covington.
2. Kayaking & Paddleboarding
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure on the water, consider kayaking or paddleboarding in Fontainebleau State Park. Being on the water is great exercise while simultaneously being a relaxing experience.
You are able to bring your own kayaks and paddleboards if you have them, but you are also able to rent them from Bayou Adventures. From Fontainebleau State Park, Bayou Adventure is located on Cane Bayou which is on the east side of the park.
3. Fishing
Lake Pontchartrain is a shallow lake that is excellent for family fishing!
Lake Pontchartrain abides by all Louisiana State fishing regulations. If you are 16 and older and you have a line in the water, make sure that you have obtained a fishing license.
If you are looking to expand your horizons, crabbing is also an option in this state park.
For fishing, you'll need a fishing rod, bait, a fishing basket, and plenty of bug spray!
4. Swimming
Whether you are on a couples trip or a trip with the whole family, there is no better way to enjoy Fontainebleau State Park then a day trip to the beach.
Lake Pontchartrain is a shallow lake that is great for swimming. The beach is perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, and sunbathing.
Due to the heat of Louisiana, a splash in the lake will feel perfectly refreshing!
5. Bird Watching
If you are an avid bird-watcher, Fontainebleau State Park will not disappoint!
Pack your binoculars and a comfortable sitting chair for a perfect afternoon of birdwatching. Due to the fact that the state park is surrounded by no less than three bodies of water, Fontainebleau is an amazing habitat for wildlife. You can actually spot over 400 different birds along the trails, including pelicans and egrets.
Camping at Fontainebleau State Park
Tentrr has partnered with Louisiana State Parks to bring you Tentrr campsites all across the Louisiana State Parks, including Fontainebleau State Park.
Tentrr understands that the “perfect camping adventure” means different things to different people. For those that want to enjoy the outdoors, but want to skip the headache of packing up gear, the Tentrr State Park Sites allow you to camp with no equipment required.
Whether you are a seasoned camper or new to the activity, Tentrr is the perfect option for camping at Fontainebleau State Park. From the Tentrr campsites at the park, you can enjoy fun outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, swimming, birdwatching, hiking, and biking!
What are you waiting for? Check out our Fontainebleau campsites!