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Not far from the lively urban center of New Orleans lies
this South Louisiana retreat--a unique and wonderful wetland
area where recreational opportunities abound, as does the
opportunity for one-of-a-kind nature-watching.
After you have splashed the day away in Bayou Segnette's
popular wave pool or skipped across any one of the adjacent
waterways by boat, you will be glad you took the time to sit
back and watch nature at play--for the wildlife is abundant
and the vegetation worth closer study.
The park is a meeting point of two types of wetlands--swamp
and marsh. What was once swampland has been changed to marsh
by the creation of canals. Saltwater intrusion coming into
the canals from the Gulf of Mexico created the marsh and has
yielded a remarkable habitat for plant and animal life. Alligators,
nutria, armadillos, opossum, raccoon, mink, red-tailed hawks,
Mississippi kites, red-winged blackbirds, bald eagles, and
cardinals are some of the many species that you may happen
upon at Bayou Segnette. So keep your eyes open and discover
the reason why so many people remain fascinated with the Louisiana
wetlands.
South Louisiana Retreat
Both salt and freshwater fishing are available because of
the park's unique location. From the boat launch, you may
explore many areas not readily accessible by overland routes.
Catches of bass, catfish, bream, perch, redfish and trout
are common in the area.
On land, picnic areas are available for the whole family,
and the playgrounds will delight the children. Group shelters
are a perfect spot for large groups to gather, and the park's
group camp provides another option for big gatherings.
Perhaps you would prefer to escape quietly into the heart
of the marsh, skimming through the waterways by canoe and
enjoying a taste of nature that you might think exists only
in the most remote parts of the state. At the end of the day,
from the water or from its edge, take the time to witness
an unforgettable sunset at Bayou Segnette.
 The
overnight accommodations available to you at Bayou Segnette
State Park include 98 campsites with water and electrical
hookups and a nearby comfort station, tent camping, twenty
waterfront vacation cabins with air conditioning, heating,
piers and screened porches, and a group camp that can sleep
120 people.
The overnight area features an added bonus--its own swimming
pool--so visitors who may have traveled to Bayou Segnette
for a relaxing getaway can recline among the moss-draped cypress
trees and escape the excitement of the wave pool.
We also invite business meetings and group retreats to use
the park’s meeting room which can accommodate 60 to 100
people, depending on room setup requirements.
All Year Long
Bayou Segnette State Park offers the best of everything.
Just a thirty-minute drive across the Mississippi River from
New Orleans, a multitude of recreational opportunities awaits
visitors of all ages--boating, fishing, canoeing, picnicking,
playgrounds and, of course, swimming in the wave pool, as
well as an ecosystem that offers you the chance to spot plants,
trees and wildlife from both swamps and marshland.
We invite you to explore the state park and all it has to
offer throughout the year. With each season, you will see
how the natural world changes around you. Bayou Segnette State
Park welcomes you again and again.
Nearby Attractions
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.
Fort Pike State Historic Site-- (adjacent to Old Spanish
Trail/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--
(12 miles east of Madisonville on LA Hwy. 22)--Nestled among
magnificent live oaks on the edge of the cool clear waters
of the Tchefuncte River, this park features 81 improved campsites,
excellent fishing, canoeing, and picnicking. A nearby boat
ramp offers access to the park and Lake Pontchartrain.
Fontainebleau State Park--
(South of I-12 and southeast of Mandeville on US 190)--Located
on 2,800 acres on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, the
park offers 130 improved campsites, 180 unimproved campsites,
nature trails, three group camps, a lodge, a swimming pool
and beach, a playground and the ruins of a plantation brickyard
and sugar mill situated among an alley of towering oaks.
Louisiana State Museum (French Quarter, New Orleans)--One
of New Orleans' top ten attractions, the State Museum is comprised
of the Cabildo, Presbytére, 1850 House and Old U.S.
Mint.
Barataria Preserve-Jean Lafitte National Historical Park
& Preserve (7400 LA 45, Marrero)--Explore 20,000 acres
of forest, swamp, and marsh on eight miles of boardwalk, hard-surfaced
trails, or over 20 miles of waterways managed by the National
Park Service. A Visitor Center with exhibits is located on
site.
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.
Mississippi River Road Plantations
(Off LA 48 and 44 east of the Mississippi River and LA 18
on the west side)--Travel the River Road Scenic Byway and
discover the charms of the antebellum South by visiting many
restored plantation homes, creole cottages, centuries-old
cemeteries and ferry boats located along the Great River Road
on both sides of the Mississippi River north of New Orleans.
Chalmette Battlefield-Jean Lafitte National Historical Park
& Preserve (8606 W. St. Bernard Hwy., Chalmette)--This
is the site of the Battle of New Orleans, an American victory
over the British in the War of 1812. Visitors may also tour
Beauregard House and Chalmette National Cemetery.
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge (20 minutes northeast
of downtown New Orleans off I-10 east)--You can fish, hike,
bike or canoe the wildest part of New Orleans in these scenic
wetlands. There are free tours every weekend in this prime
birding area.
Isleño Cultural Center (Violet)--The museum depicts
the history of the Isleños, descendents of Spaniards
from the Canary Islands, now living in St. Bernard.
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Bayou Segnette State Park (7777 Westbank Expressway, Westwego,
LA 70094; 504-736-7140 or 1-888-677-2296) is located across
the Mississippi River from New Orleans. With boat ramps, a
beautiful marsh environment, camping, cabins, a group camp,
swimming, fishing and playgrounds, this park offers unforgettable
outdoor experiences.
There are three primary routes to reach the park. (1) From
I-10, take I-310 south. Cross the Luling Bridge over the Mississippi
River, and exit US 90 east (toward New Orleans). US 90 becomes
the Westbank Expressway. As you enter Westwego, look to your
right. (2) Alternatively, from I-10 (in Metairie), take the
Clearviw exit south. Follow Clearview all the way to the Huey
P.Long Bridge and cross the Mississippi River. Travel to the
Westbank Expressway (Business US 90). Again, look to your
right off the expressway. (3)Or, from New Orleans, follow
I-10 to cross the Greater New Orleans Bridge. Take the first
exit onto Business US 90, which is the Westbank Expressway.
Follow the expressway for several miles; the park will be
on your left. To reserve a cabin, group camp, meeting room
or picnic pavilion, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).
Email: bayousegnette@crt.state.la.us
Next Park> Caney Lake/Jimmie
Davis State Park
Information, pictures and
maps provided by Louisiana
Office of State Parks
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