Louisiana state parks near Baton Rouge with hiking, fishing, nature trails

Allison Bruhl
·3 min read

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — There are multiple state parks in a two-hour drive from Baton Rouge.

Plan a day out one weekend to take in all the beautiful nature of Louisiana. Many places offer RV camping, cabins and campsites for a daily rate for an overnight stay. Reservations can be made online.

The family can go fishing, hiking and birdwatching at state parks. Check out this list for events happening throughout the year at state parks, like guided nature trails and kid-friendly activities.

It costs $3 to enter Louisiana state parks for the day per person. It’s free for seniors 62 years and older and children younger than 3.

All-terrain wheelchairs now available at select Louisiana state parks

Here’s where to find state parks near Baton Rouge.

Bogue Chitto State Park

This park has hiking trails, disc golf, fishing and biking opportunities on its 1,786-acre site. On a hot summer’s day, people can cool off with river canoeing or kayaking.

  • Where: 17049 State Park Blvd., Franklinton.

  • Estimated travel time from Baton Rouge: 1 hour, 32 minutes.

Chicot State Park

Enjoy a relaxing evening fishing in the lake. There are trails for hikers and mountain bikers. For the kids, there’s a playground and a water playground.

  • Where: 3469 Chicot Park Road, Ville Platte.

  • Estimated travel time from Baton Rouge: 1 hour, 51 minutes.

Fairview-Riverside State Park

Take the family out for a picnic lunch amongst the oak trees before exploring the park’s nature trail. Freshwater fishing and crabbing are popular activities.

  • Where: 119 Fairview Drive, Madisonville.

  • Estimated travel time from Baton Rouge: 1 hour, 12 minutes.

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Fontainebleau State Park

This park is on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Visitors can go biking, boating, paddling and fishing.

  • Where: 62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandeville.

  • Estimated travel time from Baton Rouge: 1 hour, 20 minutes.

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

Get an up-close look at Louisiana’s wildlife while exploring this state park. Fun activities include fishing, boating and canoeing.

  • Where: 5400 Levee Road, St. Martinville.

  • Estimated travel time from Baton Rouge: 1 hour, 14 minutes.

Palmetto Island State Park

Take a camping trip to this state park. Cabins have a full kitchen, fireplaces and screened-in porches.

Spend time on the water taking in the sights and sounds of nature with fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking available.

  • Where:19501 Pleasant Road, Abbeville.

  • Estimated travel time from Baton Rouge: 2 hours.

St. Bernard State Park

This is a great spot for families to visit. The park has picnic tables, barbeque grills and a large covered pavilion.

The kids can enjoy the water playground during the summer to beat the heat.

  • Where: 501 St. Bernard Parkway, Braithwaite.

  • Estimated travel time from Baton Rouge: 2 hours.

Want to take a day trip? You can have budget-friendly food, fun near Baton Rouge

Tickfaw State Park

Walk through the swamp on a trail at this state park. There are park roadways for biking and hiking.

Want a more adventurous activity? Take a trip down part of the Tickfaw River in a canoe or kayak.

  • Where: 27225 Patterson Road, Springfield.

  • Estimated travel time from Baton Rouge: 1 hour.

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