Palmetto Island State Park is a south Louisiana treasure. You can spend the night in a riverfront cabin surrounded by the swamp and wildlife. And during the day, rent a canoe and explore the bayous and ponds of the palmetto-filled swamp habitat.
This may be the closest thing to a jungle experience that you will find anywhere in Louisiana. Palmetto Island State Park is located south of the Cajun town of Abbeville. You are immersed in nature and surrounded by wild palmetto plants, trees and the wildlife of south Louisiana. During my brief stay, I saw alligators, wild hogs and armadillo. There is also an abundance of birds and waterfowl.
Alligators are a common site in and near the bayous and ponds of Palmetto Island State Park. Take pictures, but do so from a safe distance and do not feed the alligators. The park is located on the Vermilion River. You can launch a fishing boat or cast a line along the shoreline of the river and lagoons.
Adventures at palmetto island state park
This state park has six vacation cabins located on or near the Vermilion River. The screened porches let you spend the evening outdoors, protected from insects, eating dinner and experiencing the sounds of the swamp at night. You can also fish or picnic at the Evangeline Pond. I arrived at the pond early in the morning to take a few pictures of daybreak.
Kids can enjoy the park’s popular splash pad and recreation area. Or you can go for a family walk along one of the nature trails. Listen for rustling sounds in the leaves and underbrush to spot birds and maybe an armadillo. And be sure to look for some of the park’s tiniest animals, the insects. They can be colorful and fascinating to watch.
PALMETTO ISLAND FEATURED ON TV
GETTING THERE
Palmetto Island State Park is located at 19501 Pleasant Road, Abbeville, LA
Phone: 337-893-3930 or 888-677-0094
19501 Pleasant Dr, Abbeville, LA 70510
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