Grand Isle State Park

Visit Grand Isle State Park to experience Louisiana's Gulf Coast at its finest. This compact park delivers big on sandy beaches, excellent fishing, and diverse wildlife.

Despite being one of the smallest parks in the Louisiana State Parks network, Grand Isle draws outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds including birdwatchers and fishermen. Cast a line in some of the state's best fishing waters, spot rare migratory birds, and relax on pristine sandy shores. With so many rewarding activities, visitors routinely turn day trips into overnight camping adventures.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA

Hours: Monday-Sunday 7 AM - 9 PM

Toll: You must cross a toll bridge to get to Grand Isle. When heading South there is a toll that can be paid via cash or GeauxPass.

Admission: $3 per person | Free for seniors (62 & older) and children (3 & under)

Grand Isle State Park Map

Know Before You Go

Licenses: Fish at the lagoon, pond, Gulf pier, or in the surf with a valid Louisiana fishing license. You can crab here too, just tag your traps according to LDWF regulations.

Pets: No pets are allowed on the beach or in the water.

Prohibited Items: Glass bottles are prohibited.

Restrooms: Restrooms are conveniently located at two parking areas.

Cell Service: Generally reliable throughout the park.

Things to Do

Birding

Grand Isle sits along the Mississippi Flyway, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers. Each April, the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration draws enthusiasts from across the country to spot birds after completing their arduous flight across the Gulf of Mexico.

Watch Roseate Spoonbills wade through marsh grasses, scan the woodlots for rare species like Gray Kingbirds, Black-whiskered Vireos, and Shiny Cowbirds, and count the waves of warblers, tanagers, and other migrants that pass through during spring and fall.

Camping

Fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of the waves when camping at Grand Isle State Park. Choose from 49 premium pull-through campsites with water and electrical hookups (including one ADA-compliant site), or pitch your tent at one of 14 beach tent sites.

Reservations

Crabbing & Fishing

Crab in the calm waters of the northern lagoon, or cast a line and enjoy fishing for over 280 species of fish in the waters around this sandy spur. Try your luck at surf fishing for white trout, sea perch, and drum. The park’s 900-foot public pier includes a fish-cleaning station, and local charters offer inshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing adventures. Don’t miss the Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo, the nation’s oldest fishing tournament held every July.

Credit International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo

Hiking

Follow the 2.5-mile nature trail, it’s ideal for spotting birds and other wildlife while enjoying a peaceful walk surrounded by Louisiana’s natural beauty.

Water Sports

Launch your kayak to explore quiet backwaters, take your boat out for a day on the Gulf, or simply go for an invigorating swim.

Visitor Safety

Grand Isle sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico, so naturally occurring marine life and strong currents are common and require caution. Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable visit:

  • Swimming: Only swim in designated areas and never swim alone.
  • Rip Currents: While the water may look calm on the surface, currents under water may be quite strong. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore. Once free of the current, swim toward shore. Never try to swim directly to shore while in the rip current.
  • Marine Life: Encounters with stingrays and jellyfish have become more common in recent years. To avoid an accident, shuffle your feet while walking in the water to scare away stingrays. Dolphins and large fish are known to swim in shallow water to take bait and have pulled fishers into deeper water.
  • Wildlife: Observe Louisiana's incredible wildlife from a respectful distance and never feed animals you encounter.

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