Grand Isle State Park

Located on Admiral Craik Drive in Grand Isle, Louisiana, Grand Isle State Park is one of the most pristine locations in the entire area. Since it is situated just off the coast of this Southern Jewel, this barrier island has a number of advantages that are suitable for water sports enthusiasts of every kind. It serves as a great launching point for most of the deep sea salt water fishing expeditions that are chartered in this area. There is a natural breakwater in this area since the Gulf of Mexico creates a wave motion that passes through here and continues along to the coast of Florida.

This paradise is easily accessible from most points North of LA 1 South. Once on this highway, prospective visitors can find their way to the island. For those persons easily lost, there are also GPS coordinates available and they are as follows: N 29 15.5166; W 89 57.2832. The park is open from 7 am everyday of the week and closes at 9 pm Sunday through Thursday. It is open until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday as well as any day before a holiday. At a most affordable entrance fee of $1 each and Free for Seniors and small children, Grand Isle State Park is a great bargain for travelers everywhere.

Since the Gulf waters are typically warm throughout the year, swimming is a popular pastime and the park is an excellent place to enjoy this activity. Tourists can go to the visitor center and see the history of this great state facility. There is also an observation tower where bird watchers can enjoy a great unimpeded spot to view their favorite flying friends.

They promote camping and overnight stays here as 49 premium campsites are available, each one with the proper water and electrical hookups. They are priced right at only $18 per night as well.

However, as water related activities are the reason that most visitors flock to this area, the biggest draw is the boating and fishing that is offered. Canoes can be rented by the hour ($5) or by the day ($20) and includes the requisite life jackets and paddles. Surf bikes and paddle boats can also be obtained at only $5 per hour and they include life jackets as well.

Fishing is still the undisputed king when it comes to drawing in the tourist crowd. Since Grand Isle State Park is locate on one of the best waterways in the world, anglers everywhere come to this haven to try their luck. There are more than 280 species of fish in the waters here. Brown Pelicans (Louisiana’s state bird) can often be observed flying around, then diving for food. Seagulls and crabs are also common sights as part of the natural fauna of this ecosystem.

The annual Tarpon Rodeo is another reason that fishermen come to this area, with thousands of competitors attending this event every July. The most common type of fish pulled from the water on a year round basis is the speckled trout, particularly in the warm months, while redfish are most populous in the winter months.

There are also a number of attractions nearby and they include charter boats for deep sea, coastal and marsh fishing as well. The Historic Town of Grand Isle has a reputation for being the one of the top ten fishing destinations in the entire world. The Old Fishing Bridge is a public spot where most enthusiasts try for trout and redfish among other species. Fourchon Beach offers surf fishing and camping near the Gulf of Mexico. The Lafourche/Terrebonne Scenic Byway leads visitors to this area through historic Cajun culture to Grand Isle State Park. Another great preserve – Wisner Wildlife Management Area has great opportunities for crabbing, fishing and boating. Finally, the ruins of legendary Fort Livingston are viewable from the park as well.

Grand Isle State Park is located on Admiral Craik Drive in Grand Isle, La 70358. Visitors can obtain more information by contacting the park office at 985 787 2559 or toll free at 888 787 2669. Reservations can be made by calling 1 877 226 7652 or by email: [email protected]. This can be a great place for a family vacation of a fishing excursion. Either way, there is bound to be a most enjoyable time to be had by all.