985-624-4443 | 1-888-677-3668 |
Email:
fntbleau@crt.la.gov
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.↓ show 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.
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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)
Pavilion | $120/day | Maximum Occupancy of 100 people. *Unit is equipped with grills/fire rings. |
Meeting Room | $160/day plus tax | Capacity is 50 people for both Conference and Theater set-ups CLICK FOR RENTAL INFORMATION |
Additional Information About Overnight Facilities
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). |
Additional Fees
Use of Personal Golf Carts on State Park Property - $10/cart per day; $100 annual permit available. Proof of cart insurance required; must be operated by a licensed driver.
Boat Rentals
Bayou Adventure – Kayak and Paddleboard rentals at Cane Bayou on the eastern end of the park, offered daily;. Rental includes life vests, paddles, instructions/map, and a dry bag for personal belongings.
Kayak Rentals | Single - $39/day |
Paddleboard Rentals | Single - $39/day |
Visit the website or call 985-882-9208 for booking information or to confirm prices. |
Trails at Fontainebleau State Park
One of two historic markers at the park note the place where slave cabins once stood on the grounds of the former plantation and the other is in memory of the Native Americans who lived in the area prior to European settlement.
Reports on each of the peoples, researched by Jackson Cantrell, a member of BSA Scout Troop 119, Istrouma Area Council, can be found at the below links, or at the park's Visitor Center.
Enslaved People of Fontainebleau
Native People of Fontainebleau
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.