Swim at This Iconic Freshwater Swimming Hole in Louisiana for the Ultimate Outdoor Fun

When the temperatures heat up in Louisiana, so does the humidity. While I don't mind hot weather, the humidity makes me want to move someplace much colder. If you're like me and wonder where we can go to escape the heat and humidity, well, there's one iconic freshwater swimming hole in Louisiana that provides some relief from the summer weather—Lake Palourde. In addition to swimming and splashing to beat the heat, this lake provides ultimate outdoor fun!

Lake Palourde is a massive body of water at 11,520 acres and was once part of the Atchafalaya River Basin, prior to the building of the East Atchafalaya Basin Levee. Today, the lake is surrounded by several small towns and communities, including St. Mary Parish and Morgan City, and there are parks that surround it as well. If you're looking for a natural swimming hole to cool off in, you must make your way to Lake Palourde this summer.

When visiting Lake Palourde, you will most likely end up at Victor Guarisco Lake End Park, which is situated on its shores. This park is a popular summertime destination due to its RV and tent campsites, cabins, and amenities like playgrounds, a pavilion, picnic tables, a walking path, a marina, and a beach.

Whether you decide to come here for a day or rent a campsite or a cabin to spend the night, the choice is yours. But on those hot, humid dog days of summer, taking a dip in a refreshing body of water like Lake Palourde will cool you off in no time! Add in all the fun you can have at Lake End Park, like boating, fishing, lying out on the beach, swimming, and picnicking, and you can create such wonderful memories with your family and friends. And, truth be told, you'll probably want to spend a few days here, perhaps for your annual summer family vacation?

If you decide to visit this natural swimming hole for just a day, make sure you stick around for the sunset. It's simply magical, with vibrant colors reflecting in Lake Palourde's water.

Have you ever gone swimming in Lake Palourde, an iconic freshwater swimming hole in Louisiana? If you plan on visiting Lake Palourde at Lake End Park, there's a $5 entry fee for vehicles, and it's free for those walking in. Nightly rates apply to campsites and cabin rentals within the park..

What are your favorite places to cool off in the state during summer? Please send us a message through our nomination page to let us know.

If you're planning your summer adventures, check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Louisiana for ideas. This guide lists some of the state's best beaches, lakes, rivers, parks, activities, and destinations for the summer months.