Local Area Recreation Near Slidell KOA Journey

Located on the northeast shore of Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, the local Slidell area offers an ample variety of nature and culture to explore - from wetlands to lakes to beaches! Offering parks for picnicking, nature walks at the wildlife refuge, and beach access at Northshore Beach Park at Lake Pontchartrain, there is plenty of family-friendly fun in the local area.

Local recreation includes fishing, hunting, birding, hiking, boating, and more!

Northshore Beach Park

Northshore Beach Park

The Northshore Beach is conveniently located in Slidell along Lake Pontchartrain. This dog-friendly beach is free and open to the public from 7 am - 11 pm daily. The lake offers swimming, wind sailing, and fishing, and the beach area provides pavilions, parking, and picnic tables, making it a favorite spot to spend the day!

267 Debbie Dr

Slidell, LA 70458

Website

Fairview-Riverside State Park

Fairview-Riverside State Park

Fairview-Riverside State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The cool, crystal-clear waters of the Tchefuncte River are perfect for fishing, boating, paddling, and crabbing. 

This expansive park provides nature trails, picnic tables, a pavilion, and a playground. The park is also home to the historic Otis House Museum, offering tours regularly.Check the state park website for up-to-date hours, fees, and information.

119 Fairview Drive

985-845-3318

Madisonville, LA 70447

985-845-3318

Website

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is a natural treasure of over 18,000 acres on the northshore of Lake Pontchartrain.

The refuge's freshwater, piney woods, bayous, and marshes are a haven for wildlife and a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, hiking, paddling, bird watching, nature photography, guided tours, and educational programs are available. The Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center in Lacombe is a gateway to exploring the Southeast Louisiana Refuges, with exhibits, maps, and a nature store. 

The Visitor Center is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

C/O Southeast Louisiana Refuges 61389 Highway 434

(985) 882-2000

Lacombe, LA 70445

985-882-2000

Website

Fontainebleau State Park

Fontainebleau State Park

The 2,800-acre park is located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain, offering biking, boating, paddling, and fishing. Highlights include the sandy beach, historic railroad track, and marked nature trails.
Bordered on three sides by water – Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane and Bayou Castine – and characterized by a convergence of diverse ecosystems, it has a multitude of habitats for birds.

Check the state park website for up-to-date entrance hours and fees.

62883 Hwy. 1089

Mandeville, LA 70448

985-624-4443

Website

Fishing around Slidell and New Orleans

Fishing around Slidell and New Orleans

Fishing near Slidell, Louisiana, offers anglers a paradise of diverse waters and abundant wildlife, making it a top destination for both novice and seasoned fishermen. Located just north of Lake Pontchartrain and close to the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, Slidell provides easy access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Popular spots include the Pearl River, where anglers can target species like bass, catfish, and crappie, as well as the nearby marshes and coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which are teeming with redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.

For those looking for a more guided experience, booking a local fishing charter is a fantastic option. Several experienced captains and guides in the area offer half and full-day trips, providing everything you need from bait and tackle to local knowledge of the best fishing spots. With its rich ecosystems and proximity to some of the best fishing grounds in the Gulf Coast, Slidell is an ideal launch point for a memorable day on the water, whether by boat or from the shore.

Pearl River Wildlife Management Area

Pearl River Wildlife Management Area

Pearl River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is situated about 6 miles east of Slidell and approximately 1 mile east of the town of Pearl River. It is accessible by vehicle via Old Hwy 11 and by boat, with several boat ramps located along U.S. Hwy 90. Concrete ramps at Davis and Crawford Landings offer ample parking, and there is also a commercial ramp at Old Indian Village.

The WMA is home to diverse wildlife and bird species, including bald eagles during the fall and winter. Game species available for hunting include white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit, waterfowl, snipe, and woodcock.

The area features numerous streams and bayous ideal for fishing, crawfishing, canoeing, and boating, along with several ponds on the northern end near I-59.

Crawford Landing Rd

Slidell, LA 70461

985-543-4777

Website

Global Wildlife Center

Global Wildlife Center

This is a truly unique and highly engaging attraction, especially for families. It's a large, free-roaming wildlife preserve where you can take safari tours and feed exotic animals (like giraffes, zebras, and kangaroos) right from your vehicle or the tour bus. It's a memorable experience that's different from anything else on your list.

26389 Hwy 40

Folsom, LA 70437

985-796-3585

Website