Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

Visitors to Louisiana’s Lake Fausse Pointe State Park get to experience the Great Atchafalaya Basin Swamp, with plenty of water for paddling or fishing and miles of trails for nature walks.

alligator swims in water in bayou — One of many alligators you can see in the state park’s waterways

You don’t have to walk very far in this Louisiana state park to see an alligator. After all, this is their home. During my overnight visit, I spotted an alligator swimming under my over-the-water cabin. There was a larger gator hanging out near a foot bridge over one of the bayous. And a short boat ride brought me close to more of the native reptiles, including one that looked to be an 8-footer. There are plenty of alligators in Lake Fausse Pointe State Park.

take this 60-second tour of the state park

Video tour of Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

you are in the swamp at lake fausse pointe

This state park is located in Louisiana’s Great Atchafalaya Basin Swamp. At nearly one-million acres, the Basin is the nation’s largest river swamp. According to the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, the basin has numerous animal species including the black bear, a large concentration of nesting bald eagles, and 65 species of reptiles and amphibians. And ten miles south of the park entrance, you can see a large stand of giant cypress trees that line the shoreline of Lake Fausse Pointe.

take a boat ride through ancient cypress trees

Watch this video of giant ancient cypress trees

The state park takes full advantage of the water. There are 18 deluxe cabins that sit above the water along the shoreline of a bayou. In addition, there are 50 shaded RV sites, some with docks for fishing boats. Kayaks and canoes are also available for rent for those who enjoy the slower pace of a quiet paddle.

state park cabin and fishing pier over water and bayou — State park cabin with boat dock and fishing pier

A walk through the swamp

You have three different hiking trails to choose from. They range in distance from just under one mile to more than three miles. And there are lengthy boardwalks that keep you above the swamp bottom. It’s always a good idea to walk quietly and take frequent stops to listen to the sounds around you, as birds and other wildlife move through the trees and underbrush.

wooden observation deck in forest and swamp — An observation deck along the trail

tv feature on this state park

Watch this Heart of Louisiana feature

fishermen in boat fishing in bayou waterway — A morning fishing trip in the state park

state park wood cabin over water — Cabin in Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

long elevated boardwalk trail through the forest — A long elevated boardwalk and trail through the bottomland forest

large cypress tree in lake with other trees in background — Large cypress tree near Levee Road 10 miles south of the state park

getting there

Be sure to stock up on supplies before you head down the Levee Road to Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. You are about 20 miles from the nearest store.

Address: 5400 Levee Road, St. Martinville, LA. Phone: 337-229-4764, 1-888-677-7200

5400 Levee Rd, St Martinville, LA 70582

take this 60-second tour of the state park

you are in the swamp at lake fausse pointe