St. Bernard State Park is a public state park in Louisiana near Braithwaite. Spanning 358 acres and established in 1971, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Louisiana |
| Nearest City | Braithwaite |
| Park Size | 358 acres |
| Established | 1971 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
St. Bernard State Park is located near Braithwaite, Louisiana. The park’s coordinates are 29.8613, -89.9008.
Things to Do
Louisiana state parks immerse visitors in the unique landscapes of the Deep South — ancient cypress-tupelo swamps, bayou waterways, coastal marshes, and moss-draped hardwood forests. Activities include kayaking through mysterious cypress swamps, canoeing down bayous, fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie in rich warm-water environments, hiking through bottomland forests, camping in waterfront settings, birdwatching along the Mississippi Flyway, geocaching on park trails, and exploring Cajun and Creole cultural heritage sites.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (October–November) and spring (March–April) are the best seasons — comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and manageable mosquito levels. Winter (December–February) is mild and excellent for birding, especially migratory waterfowl. Summer (June–September) brings extreme heat, humidity, and aggressive mosquitoes — plan morning visits and bring powerful insect repellent. Hurricane season (June–November) can affect coastal parks.
Visitor Tips
Louisiana state parks charge a nominal admission fee ($3 per person, children under 3 free). Camping and cabin reservations through lastateparks.com. Many parks offer excellent cabins and glamping options. Insect repellent is absolutely essential, especially in swamp and bayou parks. Alligators inhabit virtually every freshwater body in Louisiana — keep a safe distance. Some parks flood during heavy rains — check conditions before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter a Louisiana state park?
Louisiana state parks charge a nominal fee of $3 per person (children under 3 free). Camping and cabin fees apply separately. The low admission makes them very affordable.
Will I see alligators at Louisiana state parks?
Very likely! Alligators inhabit virtually every freshwater body in Louisiana. Parks like Chicot, Fontainebleau, and Sam Houston Jones frequently have visible alligators. Keep a safe distance and never feed them.
Can I kayak through swamps at Louisiana state parks?
Yes, several parks offer excellent swamp and bayou kayaking including Lake Fausse Pointe, Chicot, and Sam Houston Jones. Guided paddling tours are available at some parks. Bring insect repellent.
What is the best time to visit Louisiana state parks?
Fall and spring offer the best conditions with comfortable temperatures and manageable mosquitoes. Winter is mild and excellent for birding. Summer brings extreme heat, humidity, and aggressive mosquitoes.
Explore More Louisiana State Parks
St. Bernard State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Louisiana. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Louisiana guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
St. Bernard SP — near the Mississippi River — 18 miles southeast of New Orleans. The park’s lagoons, live oaks, and marshland support alligators, roseate spoonbills, and brown pelicans.
Nearby Attractions
New Orleans — 18 miles northwest. Chalmette Battlefield — nearby (site of the Battle of New Orleans, 1815). St. Bernard Parish — surrounding.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Saint Bernard State Park (a short drive away) or Bayou Segnette State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at St. Bernard State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome on trails and in outdoor spaces at Louisiana state parks provided they are on a leash no more than 6 feet long, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required (or caged/crated)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are prohibited in swimming areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins at 16 parks for a $40-per-dog surcharge, max two dogs per cabin; at least half of all cabins remain pet-free; proof of vaccinations required
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $40 per dog per stay in pet-friendly cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets banned from group camps and other enclosed structures
Are dogs allowed at St. Bernard State Park?
Pets are welcome on trails and in outdoor spaces at Louisiana state parks provided they are on a leash no more than 6 feet long, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via lastateparks.com. More: Louisiana state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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