State parks, water adventures and animal encounters offer diversity and excitement
ST TAMMANY, TANGIPAHOA & WASHINGTON PARISHES, LOUISIANA–SEPTEMBER 2026—Outdoor adventure knows no bounds throughout Louisiana’s diverse region of St. Tammany, Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. There are a variety of ways to explore, from the shores of local waters to the trails of beautiful state parks, to one-of-a-kind outdoor attractions. Whether looking for a challenging adventure, a relaxing interlude or a day of family fun, visitors will find their perfect outdoor escape here.
The adventure begins just 40 minutes north of New Orleans on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Along Interstate 12, halfway between Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and north on Interstate 55 and Louisiana 25, venturing out to explore this diverse three-parish region reveals an amazing array of landscapes, trails and attractions to enjoy.
State parks
The natural beauty and variety of activities offered by Louisiana’s state parks is on full display, with three unique locations to choose from. Fontainebleau State Park (62883 Highway 1089, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-624-4443) is a historically significant park encompassing 2,800 acres with beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain. Established in 1942, this is now the most-visited park in Louisiana. Highlights include nature trails, a sandy beach, a new, all-inclusive playground, a splash pad and the ruins of an 1829 sugar mill situated among towering oaks.
Bogue Chitto State Park (17049 State Park Boulevard, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438; 985-839-5707) has more than 2,500 acres that include a riverfront beach, upland and bottomland forest and a beautiful gorge through the heart of the park. There are ponds for anglers and trails for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. There are 14 miles of equestrian trails to explore and 25 miles of mountain bike trails which are suitable for all skill levels, as are the skills course and two pump tracks. Bogue Chitto’s 5.7-mile loop trail offers a beautiful hike and prime birdwatching.
For boating and fishing, Fairview-Riverside State Park (119 Fairview Drive, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 985-845-3318), situated along the Tchefuncte River, offers a boat launch for easy river access. The park is known for its enchanting live oak trees and scenic river views. Visitors can also enjoy an outing on the boardwalk that winds through the marsh and a tour of the Otis House Museum, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion filled with stories of the region’s history.
Cycling, hiking and walking
There are plenty of additional options for hitting the trails. None is more popular than the Tammany Trace, which traverses 31 miles through both rural areas and town centers of the Northshore. At the trail’s eastern end, historic Camp Salman Nature Park (35122 Parish Parkway, Slidell, Louisiana 70460; 985-867-9490) is made up of 130 acres of protected woodlands, wetlands and riverfront. More than six miles of trails wind through forest and swamp habitats and are a favorite spot for a secluded walk or a birding outing. The 15,000 acres of Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge (61389 Highway 434, Lacombe, Louisiana 70445; 985- 882-2000) include nature trails through pine flatwoods, coastal marshes and a variety of diverse habitats. The refuge is also known as a prime spot for birding, where hundreds of native and migrating bird species can be seen.
Animal adventures
At Global Wildlife Center (26389 Highway 40, Folsom, Louisiana 70437; 985-796-3585) in Folsom, visitors embark on a wild immersive adventure, getting up close and personal with free-roaming giraffes, zebras, red kangaroos, camels, bison and llamas. This 900-acre safari park is one of the largest in the country, giving visitors opportunities to observe and interact with animals in expansive natural habitats on safari wagon tours.
For encounters with native wildlife, there is Insta-Gator Ranch & Hatchery (74645 Allen Road, Covington, Louisiana 70435; 985-892-3669), home to more than 2,000 alligators. Visitors can view swimming gators of various ages and sizes from protected walkways and can also touch, hold and feed them. The farm was developed for conservation of the species and preservation of the Louisiana wetlands. Guided tours give visitors a first-hand account of Louisiana’s alligator industry.
Trail rides
Splendor Farms B&B and Trail Riding Facility (27329 Mill Creek Road, Bush, Louisiana 70431; 985- 886-3747) is a beautiful farm and horseback trail riding facility located on 300 acres in Bush, Louisiana. Trail rides meander amid creeks, woods, fields and lakes and encounter a variety of wildlife. Guests enjoy an array of amenities, including a heated, saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, bonfire pits and on-site petting zoo. Sweetwater Campground (57056 North Cooper Road, Loranger, Louisiana 70446; 985-878-6868) offers 85 acres of rustic charm with its horseback trail rides, petting zoo and outdoor events. Trail rides traverse towering Louisiana oaks and scenic wooded trails, inviting guests to experience the slower pace of ranch life. A variety of RV sites and cabins are available for rental.
On the water activities
Delaune Sailing Charters (1298 Madison Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 504-458-1013) offers private sailing charters for up to six passengers. Captain Rick Delaune will take passengers on an unforgettable 2.5-hour excursion on Lake Pontchartrain. Midday trips and sunset sails are available aboard the 42-foot Windward Passage, a stable vessel with great views and comfortable seating. Tchefuncte River Charters (111 Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 504-237-1029) offers cruises of Madisonville’s scenic Tchefuncte River on the “Fat Bottom Girl,” a 26-foot pontoon equipped with a bar, sound system and onboard restroom. Cruises take up to eight guests to view the river’s lush flora, from moss-draped cypress trees to palmettos and flowering bushes, along with a variety of water birds, reptiles and more.
There are a surprising number of inland water activities to enjoy, as well. Tubing and paddling are popular ways to enjoy a day on the beautiful Bogue Chitto River. Bogue Chitto Tubing Center (10237 South Choctaw Road, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427; 985-735-1173) and Louisiana River Adventures (12409 Camp Circle Road, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438; 985-795-2004) each invite those looking for a day to relax on the water to enjoy one of their river adventures. Two- and four-hour tubing trips and paddle trips, approximately two hours long, are great ways to spend the day with friends or family and enjoy the Louisiana outdoors. Many adventurers choose to stop and enjoy the beaches along the way.
White Sands Lake Day Beach (52129 Sandstone Boulevard, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438; 985-515-0114) is a family-oriented recreational facility offering a full day of fun in the sun on its cool, clear, spring-fed lake. The lake is home to an aqua park complete with inflatable water slides, trampolines, floating mats and more. On the sandy white beach, visitors enjoy playing volleyball or just relaxing under a shaded cabana. (Check for seasonal hours of operation.)
At Lake Isabel Farm (54254 Caven ham Road, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427; 985-368-6662), a limited number of ticket holders enjoy an exclusive experience on and around a crystal clear, 125-acre private lake, the centerpiece of a 422-acre farm. All-inclusive passes include swimming and access to kayaking, a diving platform, beach volleyball court and other games, three-mile nature walking trail around the lake, covered grilling and dining area with propane grills and clean utensils for cooking. Full-day and afternoon passes are only sold online.
Where to stay
The three area state parks have a variety of lodging options, including primitive and full-hook-up camping sites, with Bogue Chitto even offering equestrian campsites for those who travel with their horses. Park cabins, from the shores of Lake Pontchartrain to lush upland forests, offer options for any visitor. Other camping and nature-focused lodging options include:
Abita Springs RV Resort (24150 LA-435, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420; 985-590-3926) is located in a quiet, wooded setting near the Tammany Trace, offering convenient access to Abita Springs, Covington, Mandeville and other Northshore attractions. The property also includes walking trails, lake fishing and a dog park.
Sun Outdoors (43234 Highway 445, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454; 985-520-6600) offers premium lakeside RV sites and charming vacation rental cottages. Amenities include sand volleyball and pickleball courts, mini-golf, golf cart, kayak and paddleboard rentals, a meandering lazy river, family and adult pools and a swim-up pool bar. The Founders Lounge features a fitness center, arcade and bar.
Little River Bluffs – A Nature Preserve & Retreat (11030 Garden Lane, Folsom, Louisiana 70437; 985- 796-5257) offers a natural adventure. Four fully-equipped cabins on the Tchefuncte River sit on the retreat’s 30 acres of woods. Visitors can take advantage of access to the river, bikes, paddle boat and a one-acre fishing pond.
Bogue Chitto Swamp Cabins (47761 Lazy River Lane, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438; 985-335-2925) is a beautiful family-owned campground and RV park with more than 120 acres to explore along the Bogue Chitto River. Lodging options include cabins, full-hookup RV spots and two lake cabins. New primitive sites and glamping tents will soon be added.
Covey Rise Lodge (24009 Singing Waterfall Road, Husser, Louisiana 70442; 985-747-0310) provides a lodging experience second to none. This is home to two six-bedroom lodges and an array of cabins and hideaways, all on an exclusive, secluded hunting preserve. Those who also want to experience the thrill of the hunt will enjoy access to expert guides, masterful gun dogs and an array of hunting adventure options.