Fontainebleau State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Fontainebleau State Park offers exceptional RV camping with 126 improved sites featuring water and electric hookups on Lake Pontchartrain's scenic north shore, combining the natural beauty of 2,800 acres of Louisiana wetlands with easy access to New Orleans' vibrant culture. The park's former sugar plantation grounds now welcome RV travelers with full-hookup sites, free laundry facilities, and direct access to the 31-mile Tammany Trace bike trail, making it an ideal base for exploring southeastern Louisiana's unique blend of history, wildlife, and Cajun hospitality.
What Makes Fontainebleau State Park the Ultimate RV Destination?
Perched on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau State Park captures the essence of Louisiana's natural beauty across 2,800 breathtaking acres. Named after the famous royal forest near Paris by its original owner, Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, this former 19th-century sugar plantation has transformed into one of Louisiana's most beloved state parks. The park welcomes over 400 species of birds and wildlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Your RV adventure at Fontainebleau offers the best of both worlds—escape into a serene southern wilderness draped in Spanish moss while staying just 40 minutes from the energy of New Orleans' French Quarter. The park's white sandy beach along Lake Pontchartrain provides a refreshing retreat during Louisiana's warm months, while the ruins of the old sugar mill whisper tales of the plantation's storied past. The lake itself, technically an estuary connecting to the Gulf of Mexico, creates a unique brackish ecosystem teeming with both freshwater and saltwater species.
Adventure awaits around every corner at Fontainebleau. Hop on the Tammany Trace Trail-Way, a paved rails-to-trails path perfect for cycling, hiking, or inline skating that cuts right through the park. Paddle the calm waters of Lake Pontchartrain or cast your line for speckled trout, redfish, catfish, and alligator gar. Wander the nature trails where you might spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, rabbits, and yes—even the occasional alligator sunning itself on the boardwalk. The park's one-mile nature trail features interpretive signs helping you identify common trees and shrubs native to Louisiana's unique ecosystem.
Whether you're planning a summer escape to beat the heat at the splash park, a fall photography trip to capture the golden grasses of the wetlands, or a winter retreat to explore without the crowds, Fontainebleau State Park delivers year-round. The park stays open 365 days a year, though summer remains peak season when temperatures hover in the comfortable 80s and 90s. Spring and fall offer mild weather with fewer visitors, while winter provides a peaceful respite with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing this far south.
Located just four miles east of Mandeville and easily accessible from US 190, Fontainebleau sits close enough to civilization for convenience yet far enough to feel like a genuine outdoor escape. The 23-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway connects you to New Orleans in under an hour, making day trips to the city a breeze. Stock up on supplies in nearby Mandeville or Covington before settling into your campsite—there's no store inside the park, but you'll find everything you need just minutes away.
RV Rentals in Fontainebleau State Park
Transportation
Driving
Located four miles east of Mandeville, Louisiana, Fontainebleau State Park is easily accessed from US Highway 190 with no height restrictions or obstacles along the route. RVers can rest easy navigating the straightforward drive, which follows highway roads for most of the journey before narrowing to a single-lane tarred road at the park entrance. The park's interior roads are paved, though some asphalt may show its age, so arriving during daylight hours helps ensure you can level your rig properly.
If you're coming from New Orleans, take the remarkable 23-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway—the longest continuous bridge over water in the United States. The toll bridge offers expansive views of the lake, though be cautious with larger vehicles as lanes can feel narrow. The round trip is absolutely worth it for the experience. From Baton Rouge, it's approximately 90 minutes via I-10 and I-12. The park stays open year-round, a major advantage over many northern state parks that close during winter months.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Mandeville RV Rentals: Mandeville RV rentals position you just four miles from Fontainebleau's entrance, making them the most convenient option for your Lake Pontchartrain adventure. This charming lakeside town offers easy access to local amenities, restaurants, and shops before you head to the park.
Covington Camper Van Rentals: Covington camper van rentals provide excellent flexibility for exploring both Fontainebleau and the surrounding Northshore region. Compact campervans maneuver easily through the park's roads and fit comfortably in any campsite.
Parking
Fontainebleau offers ample parking at two large lots within the park, both providing easy access to aquatic activities and the beach area. The RV campground sites vary in size—outside pull-through sites tend to be longer with more shade, while some sites may feel tight for larger rigs. The park can accommodate RVs up to 70 feet, with a few pull-through sites handling rigs up to 120 feet when fully extended. Arrive early during peak summer months, as parking lots can fill quickly with day-use visitors enjoying the beach and splash park.
Personal golf carts are permitted throughout the park with either a daily or annual permit, making it easy to navigate the expansive grounds without moving your RV. There's convenient parking for two vehicles at most sites, though some back-in spots may require creative positioning for longer setups.
Public Transportation
Public transportation doesn't extend directly to Fontainebleau State Park, but you can arrange shuttle services from nearby Mandeville, Covington, or New Orleans through private companies. Once you've parked your RV at your campsite, exploring on foot, by bicycle, or via personal golf cart works wonderfully. The Tammany Trace Trail connects directly to Mandeville, offering a scenic three-mile paved route perfect for biking or walking into town.
Campgrounds and parking in Fontainebleau State Park
Campsites in Fontainebleau State Park
Reservations camping
Lodge
You can also stay at the park's lodge, which is situated just quite a distance away from all the other accommodation, providing an element of privacy. It can accommodate a group of up to 10 people and is equipped with four bunk beds, two queen-sized beds, and a sofa sleeper. The lodge has a toilet and hot shower facilities, as well as central air conditioning. The lodge is constructed out of wood and furnished with furniture, paintings, lighting, and a fireplace that will transport visitors back into days of old.
New Campground
The New Campground section features 110 improved campsites with water and electric hookups, accommodating RVs and trailers. These paved sites vary in layout—some offer pull-through access while others are back-in spots. Sites come equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The campground provides modern amenities, including clean bathhouses with air-conditioned restrooms and hot showers, plus the real perk—free laundry facilities that seasoned RVers truly appreciate during extended stays.
Wi-Fi coverage extends throughout the park, though connectivity can be patchy depending on your site location. Cell phone service remains strong with most major carriers. The New Campground sites nestle beneath towering live oaks and pines, offering varying degrees of shade and privacy. Some sites overlook the lake, while others provide a more secluded forest setting. These sites work well for smaller to mid-sized rigs, though careful maneuvering may be required on the narrower interior roads.
Old Campground
The Old Campground offers 45 campsites with water and electric hookups in a more spacious layout ideal for larger RVs. These paved sites provide spectacular lake views and easy access to the beach and boat launch. While the sites themselves may lack some of the newer amenities found in the New Campground, the trade-off comes in added elbow room and stunning waterfront vistas that make your morning coffee taste even better.
Sites here are spread out more generously, giving you breathing room from your neighbors. The Old Campground's proximity to aquatic activities makes it perfect for fishing enthusiasts and paddlers who want to launch at sunrise. Modern restroom facilities serve this section as well, though the free laundry is located in the New Campground area—a short walk or golf cart ride away.
Alternate camping
Cabins
You can also stay at one of the park's 12 deluxe cabins during your stay. Three of the cabins are especially accessible for people with disabilities. All of the cabins have a stunning lakeside view and can sleep a total of six people each. The cabins have two bedrooms with four bunk beds, a sofa sleeper, and one queen-sized bed. These cabins are called deluxe cabins for a reason as they are equipped with a living room, a full kitchen, including a dishwasher and fridge, satellite TV, air conditioning, and electric heating. You can also enjoy sitting on the cabin's waterside porch when you stay here.
Seasonal activities in Fontainebleau State Park
Off-Season
Bird Watching
Bring your binoculars in your camper and spend a peaceful afternoon at Fontainebleau watching the birds. The park is an excellent habitat for a wide variety of birds because it is bordered by three bodies of water. This unique ecosystem is home to over 400 different species of birds. The nature trails in the park offer a chance to spot pelicans, egrets, and more. While you walk, be sure to read the interpretive signs to learn more about the surrounding biodiversity.
Interested in more Louisiana adventures? Check out our New Orleans to Memphis road trip guide for exploring the greater region.
Primitive Woodworking
Have you ever wanted to learn how to whittle? The Interpretive Rangers offer a weekly Primitive Woodworking course on Sunday afternoons at the Visitor’s Center. This year-round program includes an informative demonstration of the tools that nineteenth-century settlers would have used to shape their handicrafts. Come learn how to use a shaving horse, draw knives, and other primitive tools, including using a froe to split wood. The rangers will demonstrate how to create paddles, wooden spoons, tool handles, and other useful items.
Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding on Tammany Trace Rail Trail
Ideal for avid cyclists, leisurely walkers, hardcore runners, or horseback riders, the 30-mile-long Tammany Trace is an excellent trail that passes through Fontainebleau State Park. This trail, which was originally part of the Illinois Central Railroad, is now a paved biking and hiking trail that runs parallel to US 190. This clean and well-maintained trail connects the towns of Mandeville, Covington, Abita Springs, and Lacombe.
From Fontainebleau, it is an easy three-mile ride to Mandeville, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch at one of their pavilions, cool off in the splash park, or enjoy a treat from the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. You can also rent bikes in Mandeville or Covington. This trail is best enjoyed from October to March when the weather is slightly cooler. If you are riding in the summer, be sure to pack lots of water. There are bathrooms at various parks and trailheads along the path.
In-Season
Fishing and Crabbing
Go get your fishing gear from your RV and head down to the pier! Lake Pontchartrain is known for its excellent fishing and crabbing. The lake, which is actually an estuary, is the largest inland body of water in Louisiana. It was created by the Mississipi Delta and it is home to a variety of saltwater and freshwater fish. Try out your luck fishing for speckled trout - it is common to catch big ones ranging from five to 12 pounds. You might also catch alligator gar, catfish, or redfish. If you are interested in recreational crabbing, Lake Pontchartrain is a good place to try out your crab trap as the lake is known for its blue crab.
Enjoying the Beach at Lake Pontchartrain
The beautiful white sand beach at Lake Pontchartrain will be a highlight of your RV trip to Fontainebleau State Park. The shallow waters of the lake make this an ideal beach for children to swim and play. Children can build sandcastles or splash at the shallow shoreline. At its deepest point, the lake is only 10 feet, but you can walk out 100 yards to only waist-deep water. The lake is freshwater but does receive some saltwater input from the Gulf of Mexico. Kids will also enjoy playing in the lakefront splash park, and adults will also find the cool spray refreshing on a hot Louisiana afternoon. Please note that the water playground is usually closed on Mondays for cleaning.
If you are traveling with your canoe or kayak, enjoy a short paddle over to the Mandeville Marina. If you don't have one, you can always rent a kayak or paddleboard from the park. At the waterfront, you can also have a BBQ or picnic lunch in one of the pavilions. The park maintains bathroom and shower facilities at the beach as well. If you don’t stay at the park, it is still worth the park entrance fee to pull in your RV for the day and enjoy the beach!
Hiking the Nature Trails
Walk on the wild side with Fontainebleau’s nature trail. This one-mile boardwalk winds its way through the heart of the Louisiana swamp. You are almost guaranteed to see wildlife while on this leisurely walk. Don’t forget your camera or your binoculars in case you spot an alligator - there are also two viewing decks with a telescope. The best time to see wildlife is in the early morning or late evening, but it is always interesting to wander through this intriguing swampland. There are often many children and families enjoying this trail.
There are a few other hiking loops that you can take if you want a longer trail. The two-mile Fontainebleau Loop is accessed from the Sugar Mill trail. This wide and easy trail connects with the Bayou Cane trail, which ends with a great view overlooking the bayou. The Bayou Cane trail tends to be a bit less busy than the nature trail so you are more likely to spot deer, raccoon, rabbits, wild hogs, and maybe even an armadillo.
