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Louisiana
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Louisiana State Parks

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USA Parks
Louisiana
Greater New Orleans Region
Fairview Riverside State Park
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Fairview Riverside State Park © Melane Daigle-Gulotta
Fairview Riverside State Park On the Tchefuncte River © Melane Daigle-Gulotta
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © michael moore
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © michael moore
Fairview Riverside State Park © michael moore
Fairview Riverside State Park © michael moore
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
Fairview Riverside State Park © Darren Dupont
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FAIRVIEW RIVERSIDE STATE PARK
FAIRVIEW RIVERSIDE STATE PARK
119 Fairview Drive
Madisonville, Louisiana   70447

Phone: 888-677-3247
Toll Free: 888-677-3247
Reservations: 888-677-3247
Email: park email button icon
Scattered throughout the park beneath a canopy of huge oak trees, you will find numerous picnic tables, as well as a group pavilion, a playground, and comfort stations. Spend a relaxing afternoon on the river or venture out into the water for lively outdoor recreation.

The cool, crystal-clear waters of the Tchefuncte River yield bass, bluegill, white perch, and bream near the park area, and channel catfish, speckled trout and redfish where the river meets the lake. Freshwater fishing from the river bank or a boat offers unmatched delights for even the most casual fisherman. Crabbing in the lake and the river is also popular.

Just two miles away by road and a few minutes by water is the Madisonville public boat launch. Many visitors use the launch for access to the calm waters of the Tchefuncte River or the exhilarating expanse of Lake Pontchartrain.

Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. All park sites close at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.
History of the Area
When you enter the park, you will notice a large home facing the water. This is Otis House, originally built in the 1880s as the family home for sawmill owner William Theodore Jay. It was later purchased and renovated in the 1930s by Frank Otis, serving as his summer home until his death in 1962. Mr. Otis left the property to the State of Louisiana to be developed into a recreational site for visitors. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

It was Mr. Otis's desire that the name for his home, Fairview-Riverside, be retained as the name of the park. The name is indeed an apt one, for throughout the 99-acre park surrounding the home, outdoors enthusiasts will find bountiful opportunities to appreciate nature along the river's edge.

The Otis House Museum is open for tours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Museum admission is $2 per adult. Children (12 and under) and seniors (62 and over) are admitted free. Call 985-792-4652 for group tour information.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Camping
22 Premium Campsites (prime location sites, all with water and electrical hookup)

59 Improved Campsites (water and electrical hookup)

20 Unimproved Campsites (without hookup)
Boating
Just two miles away by road and a few minutes by water is the Madisonville public boat launch. Many visitors use the launch for access to the calm waters of the Tchefuncte River or the exhilarating expanse of Lake Pontchartrain.
Fishing
The cool, crystal-clear waters of the Tchefuncte River yield bass, bluegill, white perch, and bream near the park area, and channel catfish, speckled trout and redfish where the river meets the lake. Fishing from the river bank or a boat offers unmatched delights for even the most casual fisherman. Crabbing in the lake and the river is also popular.


Location
Fairview Riverside State Park is located near Covington, Hammond and Lacombe

Picnicking
Scattered throughout the park beneath a canopy of huge oak trees, you will find numerous picnic tables, as well as a group pavilion, a playground, and comfort stations. Spend a relaxing afternoon on the river or venture out into the water for lively outdoor recreation.
Trails
1/4-mile nature trail (ADA accessible)
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy the park's paved roads. However, there are no designated biking trails available within this area.

While cycling is permitted on all roadways in the park, it should be noted that these routes may also accommodate vehicular traffic.

Cyclists must exercise caution due to potential encounters with pedestrians and vehicles sharing the same paths or roads.

It's important for cyclists to adhere strictly to safety rules as some areas might have heavy foot traffic during peak hours.

Remember helmets and other protective gear while riding; they're not just recommended but necessary for your safety.

Please note: bike rentals aren't provided at this location so visitors need their own equipment.
Birding
The park is home to a variety of bird species, making it ideal for birdwatching. It features diverse habitats including hardwood forests and river edges attracting different birds. Birders can spot waterfowl, songbirds, raptors and more during various seasons throughout the year.
Area Attractions
When you enter the park, you will notice a large home facing the water. This is Otis House, originally built in the 1880s as the family home for sawmill owner William Theodore Jay. It was later purchased and renovated in the 1930s by Frank Otis, serving as his summer home until his death in 1962. Mr. Otis left the property to the State of Louisiana to be developed into a recreational site for visitors. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

The Otis House Museum is open for tours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Children (3 and under) and seniors (62 and over) are admitted free. Call 985-792-4652 for group tour information.

Fontainebleau State Park (South of I-12 and southeast of Mandeville on US 190) - Located on 2,800 acres on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, the park offers 130 improved campsites, 180 unimproved campsites, nature trails, 3 group camps, a lodge, a swimming pool and beach, a playground, and the ruins of a plantation brickyard and sugar mill situated among an alley of towering oaks.

Fort Pike State Historic Site (Adjacent to "Old Spanish Trail" US 90 approximately 23 miles east of downtown New Orleans) - This historic masonry fort was completed in 1827 to defend New Orleans. Stroll through arched casemates and stand overlooking the Rigolets as sentries once did, enjoy living history programs, visit the museum, or picnic at the pavilion.

Tammany Trace (Koop Drive, Mandeville) - Thirty-one miles of Louisiana's only "rails-to-trails" site is open from Mandeville to Abita Springs. It is a popular spot for bicycles, horses, runners, skaters, and walkers.

New Orleans and the Historic French Quarter Visit downtown New Orleans, museums, casinos, Aquarium of the Americas, the Riverwalk, or take a cruise on the Mississippi River.

Louisiana State Museum (French Quarter, New Orleans) - One of New Orleans' top ten attractions, the State Museum is comprised of the Cabildo, Presbytere, 1850 House, and the Old U. S. Mint.

Tickfaw State Park (27225 Patterson Road, Springield) - Located 32 miles east of Baton Rouge off I-12 on 1,200 acres along three miles of the Tickfaw River, the park offers 14 vacation cabins, 30 campsites, 20 tent campsites, a group camp, a nature center and gift shop, picnic tables, pavilions and a canoe launch.

Bayou Segnette State Park (7777 Westbank Expressway, Westwego) - Minutes from New Orleans and situated where woodlands meet marsh, the park offers 20 waterfront cabins, 98 improved campsites, a group camp, wave pool, conference center, playgrounds, picnic tables and pavilions, a large boat launch, and abundant wildlife.

Antique Shopping in Ponchatoula - "America's Antique City."

Pearl River Wildlife Management Area (2 miles east of Slidell in St. Tammany Parish) - This 34,896-acre area is managed for wildlife and includes a cypress-tupelo swamp and hardwoods. Visitors may enjoy fishing, canoeing, boating, birding, crawfishing, hunting, a nature walk, and a rifle range.

Louisiana Scenic Bayou Byway Winding through a 13-parish area north of Lake Pontchartrain, this route takes the visitor to many unique and popular attractions including Fontainebleau and Fairview-Riverside State Parks.

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge (Off LA 41, north of I-49) - Boat launches and a canoe trail are avail- able for access to the refuge. Fishing, hunting, and camping are allowed.

Swamp Tours Contact local guides for tours of Honey Island Swamp.

Joyce Wildlife Management Area (2 miles south of Ponchatoula off I-55) - This area is primarily a cypress- tupelo swamp with a small tract of fresh marsh. Hunting, birding, and wildlife observation are popular activities and a boardwalk offers excellent viewing opportunities.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 19 A truly wonderful state park. by Nancy & SJ
park review stars; one to five This is not only a beautiful place, the park seems to be very well maintained. We camped there in our RV for several days. The park manager, Steven Welch, was extremely welcoming and helpful. Laurie, the curator of the Otis House gave a very informative and interesting tour. We so enjoyed our stay in Fairview State Park. We will tell others and make plans to return there.
May 22 Great Place to Camp by patti
park review stars; one to five We really enjoyed our stay at this park. No problems, safe and clean. We will definitly return.
November 26 Rude rangers by [email protected]
park review stars; one to five Beware the rangers at this park need to go to school for people skills most of all R Monk. His rudest and ugly manners almost mess our Thanksgiving week up. He needs to think this is not a prison but a fun time for people that pays his salary. We love the park have been coming for 40yrs or more. This week was a nightmare. Please fix this problem. God Bless
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Abita Springs Resort
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Yogi Bear's Jellystone ParkT Camp-Resort
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Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Fairview-Riverside State Park (119 Fairview Drive, Madisonville, LA 70447; 985-845-3318 or 1-888-677-3247) is located two miles east of Madisonville in St. Tammany Parish on LA 22. The park includes picturesque moss-draped oaks and woodlands on the bank of the Tchefuncte River. Camping, canoeing, fishing, picnicking and relaxing are some of the favorite activities at Fairview-Riverside State Park. To reserve a campsite or the picnic pavilion, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).

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Louisiana
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Louisiana State Parks

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