Fontainebleau State Park | Louisiana Office of State Parks

2016 Sunset Report

OLG & DCRT Strategic Plan
2016-17 through 2021-22

Quality - Louisiana State Library
85% of the users of the State Library indicated that the State Library's services and resources was a good value for the State.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Louisiana's deep water ports

Did you know that Louisiana's five deep water ports handle more than 457 million tons of U.S. waterborne commerce a year?
Quality - Louisiana State Library
85% of the users of the State Library indicated that the State Library's services and resources was a good value for the State.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Atchafalaya Heritage Area

The Atchafalaya Heritage Area has been designated by Congress as a National Heritage Area.
Impact - DCRT Returns Investment Dollars to Louisiana

For every state tax dollar spent by the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, $5.86 is returned to the State Treasury and citizens of Louisiana.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Louisiana Office of Tourism Tops Returns on Investment

$13.90 is the return on investment for every dollar spent by the Office of Tourism. Over 175,000 people were directly employed by the Louisiana travel and tourism industry in 2004. In terms of production, $5.9 billion (3.8%) of Louisiana's Gross State Product was directly attributable to expenditures by visitors to Louisiana
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Supporting the Louisiana Arts

Every dollar in state support for the Arts leverages $7 in earned and contributed revenue. Louisiana's cultural enterprises provide nearly 144,000 jobs for Louisiana citizens, accounting for 7.6% of total employment. Arts has a total economic impact of $934 million in Louisiana.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Visitors Generate State Revenue

In terms of tax revenues, visitor spending accounted for $677 million of 2004 Louisiana revenues, or 8.3% of the total 2004 State Budget.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Quality - Louisiana State Museums

95% of State Museum's visitors strongly agreed or agreed that the State Museum was an educational experience and has expanded their awareness of Louisiana's cultural history.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Quality - Historic Preservation and the Arts

78-80% of Louisiana residents believe that historic preservation and arts are important and should be high priorities.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Louisiana Serve Program

The Louisiana Serve Program in the Office of Lieutenant Governor returns 2.8 million in non-state revenue to Louisiana.
Impact - Louisiana State Museum

The Office of State Museum returns $6.99 for every tax dollar spent.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Louisiana State Parks

Visitor spending at Louisiana State Parks returns $3.23 in state taxes for every dollar spend on operating and maintaining all our beautiful parks. Out-of-state visitors to Louisiana State Parks spent almost $12 million in Louisiana and produced an economic impact of over $24 million. Louisiana residents spent another $29.2 million while visiting the parks.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Impact - Scenic Byways Program

The Scenic Byways program leverages $1.56 for every dollar spent by the program.
Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006
Louisiana State Parks and the National Register

Thirteen Louisiana State Parks sites are on the National Register of Historic Places. They include:
• Audubon State Historic Site
• Centenary State Historic Site
• Fort Pike State Historic Site
• Fort Jesup State Historic Site
• Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
• Mansfield State Historic Site
• Marksville State Historic Site
• Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site
• Port Hudson State Historic Site
• Poverty Point State Historic Site
• Otis House at Fairview-Riverside State Park
• Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site
• Winter Quarters State Historic Site
Louisiana State Parks Visitation

Nearly two million people visited a Louisiana State Park last year.
Louisiana State Parks Grow and Renew

The Louisiana Office of State Parks has spent nearly $80 million in major construction projects since 2004, providing two brand-new parks and a new historic site, adding cabins and campsites to existing parks and building visitor center at one park, the preservation area and three historic sites.
Louisiana State Parks Wireless Internet

The Louisiana Office of State Parks provides free wireless internet access at all 20 recreational parks. Extensive coverage areas include most cabins, RV slips and campsites.
Louisiana State Parks Online Reservations

You can now make online reservations for cabins, campsites, lodges and group camps – at www.ReserveLaStateParks.com
Louisiana State Parks Honors National Parks Service Senior Pass Program

Visitors who hold an America the Beautiful Senior or Access Pass, and whose home State Park system honor the America the Beautiful passes for camping discounts, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. Certain restrictions apply, see State Parks' fees & facilities page for more information.
Louisiana State Parks Draw Media Attention

Louisiana State Parks sites have been featured in movie and television releases including "True Detective," CBS’ "Zoo," and "NCIS: New Orleans," "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," "Selfless," "Devil’s Due," and commercials for Popeyes and Toyota.
Capitol Park Welcome Center

The main meeting room in the Capitol Park Welcome Center is named after Margaret Taylor, wife of U.S. President Zachary Taylor. The couple resided in a small house near the present day location of Capitol Park until Taylor was elected to the Presidency.

Hours of Operation:
Site is open daily.

Gate Opening Times:

Sunday through Thursday	open at 6 a.m. close at 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.	open at 6 a.m. close at 10 p.m.

Entrance Station Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and days preceding a holiday.

Facilities And Activities:
View complete listing of available facilities & activities
View facility pictures and floor plans

Map:
Fontainebleau State Park Map

Entrance Fees:
$3 per person
Free for Seniors (62 and older) and children (3 and under)

Reservable Facilities, Rentals, And Other Fees:
See below for detailed information

Online Reservations:

Overview

The crumbling brick ruins of a sugar mill built in 1829 by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, founder of the nearby town of Mandeville, suggest an interesting history for this site, and indeed there is. The wealthy Marigny developed this area across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans as a sugar plantation until 1852. The plantation income helped support his lavish lifestyle. He named his large land holding Fontainebleau after the beautiful forest near Paris, a favorite recreation area of the French kings.

↓ See more.

The 2,800-acre park is located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. On a clear day, visitors can see the lake dotted with multi-colored sailboats of all sizes and types. The sandy beach also is a delight for sunbathers. An old railroad track that runs through the park has been converted into the Tammany Trace as a part of the Rails to Trails program. It is a wonderful route for cycling, hiking and in-line skating. After a full day of activities, overnight guests can enjoy the rustic charm of the campground or the scenic setting of the lakefront cabins.

The park's nature trail is a favorite of nature lovers. Interpretive signs along the trail will help you identify many of the common trees and shrubs. Always be on the lookout for birds and other animals. Over 400 different species live in and around Fontainebleau. The Fontainebleau Birding Guide is a good resource for enthusiasts to identify the numerous species of birds found in the area. Bordered on three sides by water--Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane and Bayou Castine--and characterized by a convergence of diverse ecosystems, it has a multitude of habitats for birds.

↑ Hide this content.

Reservable Facilities
A $6 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.

Cabins/Lodges/Group Camp: Basic cookware, cooking utensils, dinnerware, silverware, towels and linens are provided. Bring your own food and personal supplies; group camp visitors will also need to bring their own dishes, silverware, paper products, bathroom tissue, towels and linens. (click here for facility layouts)

Deluxe Cabins	$150/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs $175/night plus tax, Fri-Sat	12 available, 2 are ADA compliant; sleeps up to 8 people with 1 double bed, 2 bunk beds and 1 queen sofa sleeper.
Standard Lodge	$155/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs $210/night plus tax, Fri-Sat	Sleeps up to 10 people with 2 double beds and 3 bunk beds
Group Camp I	$600/night plus tax	Includes dining hall/kitchen and 2 dormitories, sleeping up to 100 people.
Group Camp III	$300/night plus tax	Includes dining hall/kitchen and 2 dormitories, sleeping up to 65 people

Camping: (map of sites 1-3,79-98) (map of sites 4-23,49-60) (map of sites 61-78) (map of 'old' campground, sites 99-143)

23 Premium Campsites (19 pull-through sites (one with sewerage hookup) and 4 campsites with sewerage hookups, all with water and electrical hookup)	$33/night plus tax, Fri-Sat $30/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept $25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar
103 Improved Campsites (water and electrical hookup)	$28/night plus tax, Fri-Sat $25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept $20/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar
37 Unimproved Campsites (no hookups)	$18/night plus tax
Primitive group camping area (2 sites)	For Scouts and organized groups: $35 per night for 25-person site, $60 per night for 50-person site.
America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes (formerly Golden Age & Golden Access Passports) (Available through the National Park Service. Click here for more information) Holders of the Passes, whose state of residence also honors the America the Beautiful pass, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).

Pavilion

$120/day

Maximum Occupancy of 100 people.
*Unit is equipped with grills/fire rings.

Additional Information About Overnight Facilities

Golf Cart - $10/cart per day; $100 annual permit available

Meeting Room

$160/day plus tax

Capacity is 50 people for both Conference and Theater set-ups
CLICK FOR RENTAL INFORMATION

NOTICE: the elevator for the Meeting Room is out-of-service until further notice, pending needed repairs.

Water Playground - Louisiana State Parks' water playgrounds operate Tuesdays through Sundays, April 1 through October 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the facilities will be closed on Mondays for cleaning and maintenance. Please contact the park directly, to confirm that the playground is open or for additional information.

Trails at Fontainebleau State Park:

4.8-mile hiking trail
1-1/4 mile nature trail

Birding
A Birder's Guide to Louisiana gives directions to over 100 areas for birding throughout the state, includes maps, Louisiana specialties, and contains beautiful photography and checklists of Louisiana birds and other wildlife. The Guide was produced through a partnership between the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the American Birding Association.

X

Nearby Attractions

Fort Pike State Historic Site (adjacent to Old Spanish Trail on Old US 90, approximately 23 miles east of downtown New Orleans) - This historic masonry fort was completed in 1827 to defend New Orleans. Stroll through arched casemates and stand overlooking the Rigolets as sentries once did, enjoy living history programs, visit the museum or picnic at the pavilion.

Fairview-Riverside State Park (2 miles east of Madisonville on LA Hwy. 22) - Nestled among magnificent live oaks and situated on the cool clear waters of the Tchefuncte River, this gem of a state park features 81 improved campsites, excellent fishing, canoeing and picnicking. A nearby boat ramp offers access to the park and Lake Pontchartrain.

Town of Mandeville (I-10 to US 190 north of New Orleans, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain) - Take the longest bridge over water in the world to scenic byways, swamp tours, antiques, shopping, festivals and trails.

Town of Madisonville (LA 22 northwest of US 190 on the Tchefuncte River) - Nostalgic river town of Tchefuncte River with great restaurants, antiques, boating and specialty shops.

Town of Covington (I-12 to US 190) - A charming town of specialty shops, antiques, scenic byways, festivals, trails, campgrounds and B&Bs. A short drive from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

St. Bernard State Park (18 miles southeast of New Orleans at Poydras) - Located on the Mississippi River, just minutes from New Orleans, the park features 51 improved campsites, a covered pavilion with grill, picnic tables, playground, swimming pool and nature trail in a tranquil and quiet setting.

Bayou Segnette State Park (7777 Westbank Expressway, Westwego) - Minutes from New Orleans, the park offers 98 improved campsites, wave pool, conference center, playgrounds, picnic tables and pavilions, a large boat launch, and abundant wildlife.

Tammany Trace (Koop Drive, Mandeville) - Thirty-one miles of this "Rails-to-Trails" conversion are open from Slidell to Abita Springs. The Trace is a popular spot for cyclists, horseback riders, runners, skaters and walkers.

New Orleans and the Historic French Quarter - Visit downtown New Orleans' museums, casinos, Aquarium of the Americas, the Riverwalk, or take a cruise on the Mississippi River.

Louisiana State Museum (French Quarter, New Orleans) - One of New Orleans' top ten attractions, the State Museum is comprised of the Cabildo, Presbytère, 1850 House and the Old U.S. Mint.

Antique Shopping in Ponchatoula - "America's Antique City."

Swamp Tours - Contact local guides for tours of Honey Island Swamp.

Pearl River Wildlife Management Area (2 miles east of Slidell in St. Tammany Parish) - This 34,896-acre area is managed for wildlife and includes a cypress-tupelo swamp and hardwoods. Visitors may enjoy fishing, canoeing, boating, birding, crawfishing, hunting, a nature walk and rifle range.