📷 Photo by Benjamin Price on UnsplashAudubon State Historic Site (Oakley House)
St. Francisville, LA
The plantation house where John James Audubon painted birds in 1821, now a museum with his prints, in a forest with short nature trails. Quiet, cheap and good for birding.
Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House) is a historic estate near St. Francisville, Louisiana, on Highway 965 (11788 Highway 965). The naturalist John James Audubon lived here for about four months in 1821. He came from New Orleans to give drawing lessons to Eliza Pirrie, the daughter of the house. During this time he produced 32 bird paintings, partly with his assistant.
Oakley House was built around 1806 in the late Federal style with West Indian influence: airy galleries with louvered shutters let breezes through and keep out rain and sun. The house is furnished as in Audubon's time and shows some original Audubon prints. The site also includes a reconstructed outdoor kitchen, two cabins of the enslaved and gardens.
Trails run through a forest of about 100 acres (roughly 40 hectares); many birds can be heard here, and the site is listed in A Birder's Guide to Louisiana. Check hours and admission in advance.
- Nearest town
- St. Francisville, LA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 30.8137, -91.3853
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Peaceful Pines RV ParkMotorhome stopover5 mi from Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House) · 42 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Jim's PlaceCampsite9 mi from Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House)
- Maxey Care RV ParkMotorhome stopover13 mi from Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House)Motorhomes
All campsites in Louisiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House)?
Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House) is in St. Francisville, LA, at GPS 30.8137, -91.3853. It is about 28 mi from Baton Rouge.
Can you camp near Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House)?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Peaceful Pines RV Park, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House)?
Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House) is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Louisiana’s River Road: plantations, Baton Rouge and St. Francisville.
What is there to see near Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House)?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site (1 mi), Louisiana State Capitol (27 mi), Breaux Bridge (48 mi) and Historic Downtown Natchez (52 mi).
When is the best time to visit Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House)?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)