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Camping, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Louisiana.
Warm breezes flowing through the shady trees and that special
kind of quiet that comes with nature are part of the charm
and attraction of St. Bernard State Park. Yet the 358-acre
site is just 18 miles away from the hustle and bustle of New
Orleans' French Quarter.
St. Bernard State Park is the ideal spot for visitors who
are seeking a family atmosphere and natural experience, as
well as for campers who don't want to or cannot stray far
from civilization. Many campers consider combining a camping
vacation with a touring vacation of the New Orleans area.
The Chalmette National Historic Park, Jackson Barracks, and
other historic sites and plantation homes are also nearby.
A local family business donated the land for St. Bernard
State Park to Louisiana in 1971. Today, St. Bernard State
Park provides a much-needed recreation area, as well as relaxing
and enjoyable surroundings for anyone wishing to experience
a portion of Louisiana's natural beauty.
Located right along the Mississippi River, the park contains
a network of man-made lagoons which provides a peaceful, natural
setting for relaxation. Woodlands meet wetlands in St. Bernard,
resulting in a diverse habitat for wildlife, including rabbits,
raccoons, opossums, squirrels, turtles, alligators, and a
wide variety of birds. The nature trail through the park is
the perfect way to introduce children to the joy of discovery
in nature.
Picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and a large, covered
pavilion complete with a grill are ideal for a family outing.
The swimming pool and bathhouse, open from Memorial Day weekend
through Labor Day, will delight youngsters and their families
all summer long. Visitors may also launch their boats one-tenth
of a mile from the park's entrance in the Caernarvon waterway
and experience some great fresh and salt water fishing.
Camping with Convenience
Overnight camping facilities include 51 sites, each equipped
with water, electrical hookups, a picnic table and a barbecue
grill. A nearby bathhouse offers hot showers and laundry facilities
to make camping more comfortable. Restaurants, grocery, a
drugstore and other conveniences are located a few minutes
away in the town of Poydras. St. Bernard State Park is the
perfect destination for campers seeking the best of city convenience
along with the serenity of an excursion into the woods.
Nearby Attractions:
Bayou Segnette State Park--
(7777 Westbank Expressway, Westwego)--Minutes from New Orleans
and situated where woodlands meet marsh, the park offers 20
waterfront cabins, 98 improved campsites, a group camp, wave
pool, conference center, playgrounds, picnic tables and pavilions,
a large boat launch, and abundant wildlife.
Fairview-Riverside State Park--
(12 miles east of Madisonville on LA Hwy. 22)--Nestled among
magnificent live oaks at the 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.
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.
Louisiana State Museum-- (French Quarter, New Orleans)--One
of New Orleans' top ten attractions, the State Museum is comprised
of the Cabildo, 1850 House, the Old U.S. Mint, and the Presbytere,
which houses a year round Mardi Gras exhibit.
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.
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.
Isleño Cultural Center-Jean Lafitte National Historical
Park & Preserve-- (Violet)--Managed by the National Park
Service, the museum depicts the history of the Isleños,
descendants of Spaniards from the Canary Islands, now living
in St. Bernard.
San Bernardo Scenic Byway-- Takes you from downtown New Orleans
via Rampart Street to LA 46 in Chalmette, site of the Battle
of New Orleans, past the ruins of De La Ronde Plantation,
Ducros Museum and Library, and the Isleños Museum,
through the historic fishing villages of Yscloskey and Hopedale,
and past the 1787 St. Bernard 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.
Canary Islands Descendants Assn. Museum-- (600 St. Bernard
Parkway, Hwy 39, Adjancent to St. Bernard State Park)--Visit
the "Lopez House" featuring a genealogy room with
a library, artifacts and memorabilia centered on the "Islenos
Culture." Call (504) 682-1010 for more information. The
site is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
For groups of 10 or more, please call for reservations.
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St. Bernard State Park--(501 St. Bernard Parkway, Braithwaite,
LA 70040; 504-682-2101 or 1-888-677-7823) is located approximately
18 miles southeast of New Orleans in St. Bernard Parish. Follow
I-10 to I-510/LA 47 south to Chalmette. Take a left on LA
46 and proceed through Violet to Poydras. Turn right onto
LA 39 south at Poydras. The park is located one-half mile
on the left between Caernarvon and Braithwaite. Or, from the
French Quarter, take North Rampart (LA 46) south through Violet
to Poydras. Turn right onto LA 39 south to Caernarvon. The
park is located one-half mile on the left.
To reserve a campsite or picnic pavilion, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA
toll free (877-226-7652).
Email: stbernard@crt.state.la.us
Next Park > Sam Houston Jones
State Park
Information, maps and photos provided by
Louisiana Office of State Parks
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