Bonnet Carre Spillway

The Bonnet Carre Spillway boat ramp provides access to the East Levee Canal in St. Charles Parish, located northwest of New Orleans near the spillway structure that manages Mississippi River floodwaters. This is a practical launch point for kayakers and canoeists exploring the spillway's canal system, which stretches nearly six miles toward Lake Pontchartrain. The area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a multi-use recreation area and has two designated boat launching sites available to the public.

**Access & Directions:** From I-310, exit south and continue to Highway 61 westbound toward Norco and LaPlace. Travel approximately 6 miles past the Shell Oil Refinery, then turn right onto the spillway boat launch access road before the spillway bridge. The access is located atop the levee. Basic facilities including restrooms and information stations are available in the spillway recreation area.

**Recreation Opportunities:** Beyond paddling, the spillway area supports fishing, wildlife watching, and other water-based activities. Water conditions can be influenced by spillway operations, so check current conditions before launching. The site is heavily used by recreational boaters, so expect moderate to busy conditions, particularly on weekends.