6 Lesser-Known State Parks Around New Orleans That Will Absolutely Amaze You

With 21 state parks in Louisiana, you’re never too far away from spending some time in the great outdoors. There are several located around New Orleans that are worth checking out, and we’ve got them listed below. All of the state parks listed below are within a two-hour drive from NOLA, so you can easily make a day trip out of any of them! Here are some of the best state parks to visit near New Orleans you should visit ASAP:

1. Fairview Riverside State Park

Tiny but mighty, Fairview Riverside State Park clocks in at 98 acres, but don’t let its size fool you! Canopies of oak trees, a nature trail, and a lovely view of the Tchefuncte River all await you here. Plus, you can visit the Otis house which you’ll see right when you enter the park. The house was built in the late 1800s and renovated in 1930. Click here to learn more about this amazing local park.

2. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is a 6,000-acre site located around the Atachafalaya Basin. Popular past times include fishing, boating, and canoeing around the waterways. Make a weekend out of it and spend the weekend at the park staying at their lake-front cabins, or bring a tent and rough it. Learn more about Lake Fausse Pointe State Park in this article.

3. St. Bernard State Park

Located right along the Mississippi River, the park is great for anyone looking to spend some time one the water. Nature trails, barbecue grills, a swimming pool are all popular at this state park. Find out more on TripAdvisor.

4. Bogue Chitto State Park

The 1,786-acre park has it all: streams, cypress-tupelo swamps, a hardwood forest, and a rolling landscape you don’t get to see very often in Louisiana. There’s fourteen miles of equestrian trails to explore, as well as Fricke’s Cave, which visitors will love. Read more about this gorgeous little park in this article.

5. Cypremort Point State Park

While not the largest state park, Cypremort Point State Park clocks in at 185 acres, but is filled with adventure. Since it’s so close to the Gulf of Mexico, fisherman have the opportunity to head out to deeper waters for fishing opportunities. You can also fish from the pier, or sink your toes into the half mile of man-made beach at the park. Stick around for the sunsets, which are simply mesmerizing. Check out this article for more information about this underappreciated treasure.

6. Grand Isle State Park

Head down to the tip of the boot for some outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy the nature trails and the beach views, fishing off the pier or launch their boat for epic deep-sea fishing adventures. You can camp right on the beach at this state park, which makes for a memorable experience. Click here to learn more about Grand Isle State Park.

So there you have it; our picks for six of the best state parks to visit near New Orleans. What's your favorite state park? Let us know in the comments!