Fontainebleau State Park

Fontainebleau State Park spans roughly 2,800 acres along Lake Pontchartrain with diverse ecosystems, including oak trees draped in Spanish moss and sandy shores. The property offers 126 campsites with electricity and water hookups, plus 12 lakefront cabins that sleep up to 8 people, with several designed for wheelchair access.

Bernard de Marigny founded a sugar mill here in 1829 and named the estate after a forest near Paris, operating it as a plantation until 1852. The remains of this industrial era are still visible in the park's structures and landscape features.

The visitor center features exhibits about the region's environment and plantation past, helping guests understand Louisiana's natural world and social history. These displays show how the land and its people shaped each other over time.

The park can get hot and humid during summer months with occasional storms, so bring weather-appropriate clothing and insect repellent. Early morning visits work best when temperatures are cooler and the grounds are less crowded.

An old railroad bed has been converted into the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile path offering dedicated routes for cyclists and hikers. This trail cuts through the park grounds while linking it to nearby towns.

Location: St. Tammany Parish

Inception: 1942

Address: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 06:00-21:00; Friday-Saturday 06:00-22:00; Sunday 06:00-21:00

Phone: +19856244443

Website: https://lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park

GPS coordinates: 30.34520,-90.02270

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04