# Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve

> Barataria Preserve is a unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, south of New Orleans, protecting cypress swamp, marsh and bottomland…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/barataria-preserve/

Boardwalk trails lead through cypress-tupelo swamp and bayou just south of New Orleans, with alligators, herons and turtles close by. Bring insect repellent and come in the cooler months or early morning.

Barataria Preserve is a unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, south of New Orleans, protecting cypress swamp, marsh and bottomland forest in the Mississippi Delta. Boardwalks normally lead through the swamp, including the Bayou Coquille Trail, with the "Monarch of the Swamp," a very old bald cypress, and the Marsh Overlook Trail, with views across the marsh.

Important: since February 2, 2026, the visitor center and most trails have been closed for about two years for repairs after Hurricane Ida; the Twin Canals Trail, parking lot and canoe launch remain open (as of October 2026). Alligators and snakes live in the preserve, and mosquitoes are active most of the year, so bring insect repellent and keep your distance from wildlife. Check the park's current alerts before you go.

- **Nearest town:** Marrero, LA
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 29.7840, -90.1087

## 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

- [NPS: Barataria Preserve – Alerts & Conditions](https://www.nps.gov/jela/planyourvisit/conditions.htm)
- [NPS: Barataria Preserve – FAQ](https://home.nps.gov/jela/planyourvisit/frequently-asked-questions-baratariapreserve.htm)
- [NPS: News Release Barataria Improvements](https://home.nps.gov/jela/learn/news/barataria-improvements.htm)

## Nearby

- [The National WWII Museum](https://camping-spirit.com/places/national-wwii-museum/) – 11 mi
- [Café du Monde](https://camping-spirit.com/places/cafe-du-monde/) – 12 mi
- [French Quarter](https://camping-spirit.com/places/french-quarter-new-orleans/) – 12 mi
- [Whitney Plantation](https://camping-spirit.com/places/whitney-plantation/) – 37 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve?

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve is in Marrero, LA, at GPS 29.7840, -90.1087. It is about 12 mi from New Orleans.

### Can you camp near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bayou Segnette State Park Campground, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve?

Places worth a stop nearby: The National WWII Museum (11 mi), Café du Monde (12 mi), French Quarter (12 mi) and Whitney Plantation (37 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve?

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)