In the heart of Cajun Country, at 19501 Pleasant Road just south of Abbeville, Palmetto Island State Park spreads across 1,299 acres of forest and wetlands on the Vermilion River in Vermilion Parish.
“Palmetto Island State Park is Louisiana’s newest state park,” said Andrea Jones, park manager. “It officially opened in 2010 after the state acquired the property in 1981. The park protects one of the region’s unique coastal bottomland hardwood ecosystems. It offers a real South Louisiana outdoors experience of native hardwoods, cypress trees and abundant dwarf palmettos, which gave the park its name. The park provides habitat for numerous native plants and wildlife.”
Plants and wildlife
Boaters could launch into the Vermilion River. Paddle enthusiasts can rent canoes and explore the river and swampy backwaters dotted with cypress trees festooned with Spanish moss. Lagoons in the park give paddlers a close look at native plant and animal life.
“Palmetto Island State Park is a special place to experience Louisiana’s natural beauty,” Jones said. “Visitors can slow down and experience the natural beauty of South Louisiana and see incredible wildlife. It’s common to see alligators, deer, river otters, turtles and birds.”
Visitors can walk the boardwalk or the hiking and biking trails. The Cypress Trail measures seven-tenths of a mile. Sit on the park pier to watch the sunset.
“Palmetto Island State Park is truly one of Louisiana’s hidden gems,” Jones said. “One of the things that makes the park truly special is the Abbeville red iris. This beautiful flower is incredibly rare and grows naturally only in a very small part of the world right here in Vermilion Parish. It’s amazing to know that visitors can see something here that exists naturally almost nowhere else on Earth. We’re proud to be part of the restoration project helping protect and restore this unique plant.”
Birders might spot many species. The list could include various wading birds, such as great blue herons and snowy egrets, multiple songbirds, owls, hawks and many other species. In the fall, waterfowl and other migratory birds arrive to winter in the area.
Cabins and campsites
Overnight guests can stay in six cabins overlooking the Vermilion River. Each sleeps up to eight people. Nestled among the trees and foliage, the cabins come with all the amenities of home, including fireplaces for chilly evenings and a screened-in porch for listening to the night creatures.
“Whether people want to camp, paddle the lagoons, fish, hike, photograph wildlife or simply relax, there’s something for everyone at Palmetto Island State Park,” Jones said. “Campsites are spacious, shady and naturally divided by lush foliage, giving campers a sense of privacy that’s hard to find at many campgrounds. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly destination where visitors can truly disconnect and let nature take center stage.”
People can use premium campsites for recreational vehicles or backcountry campsites to get closer to nature. Tent campsites overlook a lagoon along the canoe trail. A pavilion gives visitors views of the Vermilion River. A splash park guarantees hours of family fun. A visitors center includes a bathhouse and a multi-purpose room for large gatherings such as family reunions or weddings. The park does not operate a restaurant or convenience store, but people could find whatever they need in nearby Abbeville.
“We encourage people to explore our community,” Jones said. “Our area is known for incredible food, from authentic Cajun cooking and fresh Gulf seafood to local favorites like Steen’s Syrup. People could visit the world-famous Tabasco factory on Avery Island less than an hour away.”
The park stays open 365 days a year. For more information, call 337-893-3930 or 1-888-677-0094. Online, see www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/palmetto-island-state-park.
