Bonnet Carre Spillway

Over the years, the Bonnet Carré Spillway has developed into an extensively used outdoor recreation area with approximately 250,000 visitors enjoying the spillway each year. The public is allowed access provided their activities do not interfere with the operation and maintenance of the project. These lands and waters provide opportunities for fishing, crawfishing, hunting, dog training, camping and wildlife watching. More specialized activities include ATV and motorcycle riding areas, retriever dog field trials and model airplane flying competitions. The spillway contains two boat launching sites and a primitive campground provided by St. Charles Parish. A Park Ranger staff is on-site to provide visitor assistance and manage the project's natural resources. The project office is located on the Mississippi River in Norco, Louisiana. The Bonnet Carre Spillway is a vital element of the flood control plan which has been designed to secure the Lower Valley of Louisiana. As such, this spillway protects New Orleans and other levy communities when floods occur. Explore the surrounding area for a glimpse into Louisiana’s natural beauty, and then visit the spillway to see how man has coped with the forces of nature.