Boardwalk at Fairview Riverside State Park
Boardwalk at Fairview Riverside State Park

Fairview-Riverside State Park

Northshore Area

119 Fairview Drive
Madisonville, LA 70447
United States

Hours of Operation

Site is open daily.

Gate Opening Times:

Sunday through Thursday

  • open at 7 a.m.
  • close at 10 p.m.

Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.

  •  open at 7 a.m.
  • close at 10 p.m.

Entrance Station Hours:
Sunday through Thursday

  •  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.

  •  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission/Entrance Fees

$3 per person

Free for seniors (62 & older)

Free for children (3 & under)

Scattered throughout the park beneath a canopy of huge oak trees, you will find numerous picnic tables, as well as a group pavilion, a playground, and comfort stations. Spend a relaxing afternoon on the river or venture out into the water for lively outdoor recreation.

If you prefer to stay on land, the park's nature trail will take you by the river where you can enjoy the view. Then, cap off the perfect day by staying overnight in the park's campground.

The cool, crystal-clear waters of the Tchefuncte River yield bass, bluegill, white perch, and bream near the park area, and channel catfish, speckled trout and redfish where the river meets the lake. Freshwater fishing from the river bank or a boat offers unmatched delights for even the most casual fisherman. Crabbing in the lake and the river is also popular.

Just two miles away by road and a few minutes by water is the Madisonville public boat launch. Many visitors use the launch for access to the calm waters of the Tchefuncte River or the exhilarating expanse of Lake Pontchartrain.

Otis House

When you enter the park, you will notice a large home facing the water. This is Otis House, originally built in the 1880s as the family home for sawmill owner William Theodore Jay. It was later purchased and renovated in the 1930s by Frank Otis, serving as his summer home until his death in 1962. Mr. Otis left the property to the State of Louisiana to be developed into a recreational site for visitors. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

The Otis House Museum offers tours Wednesday – Sunday and is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Museum admission is $4 per adult. Children (12 and under) and seniors (62 and over) are admitted free. Call 985-792-4652 for group tour information. 

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Fairview-Riverside State Park
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One of the most peaceful campgrounds in the state
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Admire the Tchefuncte from the shores or fishing boat at Fairview-Riverside State Park
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Admire the Tchefuncte from the shores or fishing boat at Fairview-Riverside State Park
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Fairview-Riverside State Park sits on 99 acres fronting the Tchefuncte River
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Fairview-Riverside State Park sits on 99 acres fronting the Tchefuncte River
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Fairview-Riverside State Park
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As with all of our parks, waterside fishing opportunities are available
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Fairview-Riverside State Park
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Bring your kayak or canoe and travel down the Tchefuncte River

Features

graphic tree
Parks & Preserves
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Canoeing/Kayaking
Paddling
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing
RV Camping Icon
RV Camping
Camping Tent Icon
Tent Camping
Unimproved Camping Icon
Unimproved Camping
Outdoor Pavilions Icon
Outdoor Pavilions

Nearby Fairview-Riverside State Park

Find Things to Do

Camping

A $4.5 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.
 

22 Premium Campsites

$33/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$30/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar

Prime location sites, all with water and electrical hookup.
59 Improved Campsites

$28/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$20/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar

Water and electrical hookup.
20 Unimproved Campsites

$18/night plus tax

Without hookup
America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes

Available through the National Park Service.

Holders of the Passes, whose state of residence also honors the America the Beautiful pass, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).

Facilities

Reservable Facilities
A $4.5 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.

Pavilion

$70/day

Maximum Occupancy of 60 people. *Unit is equipped with electrical lighting and grills/fire rings.
Other Rates
Use of Personal Golf Carts on State Park Property

$10/cart per day

$100 annual permit available.

Proof of cart insurance required; must be operated by a licensed driver.

Boat Tours on the Tchefuncte River

  • Louisiana Tours & Adventures offers boat tours on the river. Enjoy an afternoon on the river, with loads of fun water-related activities! Pack your lunch, sunscreen, and towels; life jackets are provided.

Trails at Fairview-Riverside State Park

  • 1/4-mile nature trail (ADA accessible)

Birding

A Birder's Guide to Louisiana gives directions to over 100 areas for birding throughout the state, includes maps, Louisiana specialties, and contains beautiful photography and checklists of Louisiana birds and other wildlife. The Guide was produced through a partnership between the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the American Birding Association.