Where is Bayou Segnette State Park Located
Not far from the urban center of New Orleans, Bayou Segnette State Park is located in Westwego in Jefferson Parish. The state park lies upon the banks of the Mississippi River and provides visitors with access to the area’s two types of wetlands; the marsh and the swamp. Bayou Segnette State Park contains several notable features including the Altario Center, Bayou Segnette Field, a boat launch, several cabins, a campground, and a nature trail. New Orleans is technically 12 miles or a 23-minute drive away from the park, Baton Rouge is 82 miles or an hour and a half drive from the park, and Mobile, Alabama is 156 miles or an two and a half hour drive away from the park.
How Large is Bayou Segnette State Park
Bayou Segnette US State Park covers over 675 acres. The park is mostly covered by marsh, swamp, and urban groves of trees. Despite its proximity to the New Orleans urban center, Bayou Segnette still is home to a diverse variety of wildlife species. The most notable species visitors may catch a glimpse of are American alligators, nine-banded armadillos, Virginia opossums, racoons, American mink, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, and northern cardinals. The campground at Bayou Segnette State Park contains 98 sites, and an additional 16 cabins are present on the park’s property. The vacation cabins all contain air conditioning, electric, and their own fishing piers.
Bayou Segnette State Park Weather
The weather at Bayou Segnette State Park varies some throughout the year. However, the Louisiana sun shines consistently upon the park all year round. In summer months, hurricane season descends upon the park and surrounding area and adverse weather is common. Summer temperatures in Bayou Segnette park consistently hover between 75 and a 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures in the park range from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest days of the year arrive at the park in June, July, and August. The coldest days arrive at Bayou Segnette State Park in January and February. On average, the park receives over 85 days of rain per year and a total of around 60 inches of precipitation per year.
When did Bayou Segnette Become a State Park
Bayou Segnette State Park was first established in 1987. The park was established to protect the area’s marsh and swamp habitats, as well as the wildlife species that are present within these habitats. The park was established 53 years after the Louisiana State Park system was created. Bayou Segnette was one of three parks established by the system in 1987. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park and North Toledo Bend State Park were also established in 1987.
Things to do in Bayou Segnette State Park
Bayou Segnette State Park provides its visitors with several different outdoor recreation opportunities. List of Parks outlines the park’s most popular adventures visitors can experience below:
Hike the Nature Trail
Starting at the park’s Nature Trail is a great way for visitors to get situated and introduced with the multiple ecosystems that are contained within Bayou Segnette State Park. This 2.8-mile trail takes interested visitors through the marsh and swamp. The trail is rated at a difficulty of easy, which makes the trail accessible to the whole family. Visitors embarking down the park’s nature trail may also gain a glimpse of some of the park’s wildlife.
Paddle on the Bayou
Kayaking or canoeing on the bayou is a special experience that visitors will always remember. Once on the water, a visitor's perception of Bayou Segnette State Park drastically changes. The sights and sounds of the bayou are surrounding and transportive. Visitors bringing their own kayak or canoe can put their boat into the water using the park’s boat ramp as well as several other areas in the park suited for small watercraft portage.
Saltwater Fishing at Bayou Segnette State Park
Avid anglers from around the world descend upon Bayou Segnette State Park and its surrounding area because of its promise of pristine saltwater fishing. Arguably, some of the best fishing the United States has to offer can be accessed from Bayou Segnette State Park. The most diehard fisherman may want to rent one of the park’s vacation cabins so that they may possess their own boat dock.
Freshwater Fishing at Bayou Segnette State Park
Yes, that's right. Bayou Segnette State Park offers both discourses of fisherman the ability to cast a line. The park, because of its unique coastal location, contains both thriving saltwater and freshwater fishing ecosystems. Anglers looking to drop their line in both will want to obtain each type of license through the state of Louisiana. These licenses can be purchased online or at several local retailers.
Swimming in the Wave Pool
The park’s wave pool offers a way for its visitors to escape the Louisiana heat. The pool complex charges an additional fee for entry.
View the Area’s Flora & Fauna
Bayou Segnette state park is an ecotone, or a location where two separate biospheres come together. High species diversity is common at ecotones across the country and Bayou Segnette is no exception. The park is home to a number of coastal species, freshwater fish, and saltwater fish. The American alligator is the most infamous species found in the park and the species most visitors hope to see.
Visit Nearby New Orleans
Only a thirty-minute drive away, New Orleans is a must visit for any visitors to the park who have yet to experience the city. The French Quarter is a popular area anyone can visit within the city. Within the French Quarter, visitors will find various historic landmarks, a plethora of restaurants and bars, and various shops offering local trinkets and souvenirs.
When to Visit Bayou Segnette State Park
A visit to Bayou Segnette is enjoyable all year round. Summer is a popular season for the park. However, hurricanes can descend upon the park and surrounding area during the season. During August, September, and October, visitors traveling to Bayou Segnette should keep their eyes on the latest weather forecast for the park. Anglers arriving at Bayou Segnette park to fish the day away, may want to coordinate their trip with local fishing seasons. This information can be found on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.
Must Have Items to Bring to Bayou Segnette State Park
Every trip outdoors requires a bit of packing and planning, and our State Park Visitors Guide advises a successful trip to Bayou Segnette State Park is no exception. Listed below is a series of items you may deem essential for your trip:
Water & High Energy Snacks
Water and snacks are essential for every trip outdoors. Fishermen will want to bring additional water and snacks as the Louisiana sun can dehydrate individuals rather quickly.
Two Coolers
Anglers arriving at Bayou Segnette State Park will want to bring two coolers full of ice with them. One cooler can be used for drinks, snacks, and other perishable items. The other cooler can then be utilized as a fish cooler and used to keep a day’s catch cold while still out on the water.
Other Fishing Equipment
Bayou Segnette State Park provides visitors and anglers with access to both freshwater and saltwater fisheries. Therefore, avid anglers will want to bring all of their fishing equipment and tackle along with them to Bayou Segnette State Park.
Rain Jacket
Though the state park and surrounding area only sees about 85 days of rain per year. Rainstorms that fall upon the park can form suddenly and appear almost out of nowhere. Fishermen and other visitors of Bayou Segnette State Park should pack a lightweight rain jacket along with them for these occasions.
Layers of Clothing
Another great clothing tip to keep in mind when visiting Bayou Segnette State Park is to wear a series of layers when on the water. This way if the wind picks up or a rainstorm falls upon your boat you will not be freezing. When your layers begin to be too warm, you can simply remove a few.
Camping Equipment
The best way to make sure you have all of the necessary camping equipment packed in your vehicle before leaving for Bayou Segnette State Park is by utilizing and creating a camping checklist.
Where to Stay in Bayou Segnette State Park
Visitors looking to camp within Bayou Segnette State Park should make a reservation for a campsite or vacation cabin online through the park’s website and reservation portal. Campsites in the park range from $25 to $35 per night and the park’s cabins range from $150 to $175. Camping rates for the park increase during the weekends. Visitors looking to stay in a nearby hotel or other lodging establishment should make the thirty-minute drive to New Orleans. The city offers plenty in the way of lodging.
Food Near Bayou Segnette State Park
The closest food to Bayou Segnette can be found in the park’s surrounding area. However, visitors who are looking for more options or to experience “the taste of Louisiana” may want to make the quick thirty-minute drive over to New Orleans. The city is a hub of culture, cuisine, and good times.
Airports Near Bayou Segnette State Park
The closest airport to Bayou Segnette State Park can be found in nearby New Orleans. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is located 15 miles and a 25-minute drive away from the state park. Other international airports within six hours of Bayou Segnette State Park reside in Pensacola, Florida and Houston, Texas.