Mile 228.4 RBD — Mouth of ICWW

John Ruskey

26 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

Best camping and picnicking in the Greater Baton Rouge area, with dry sand on south side up to bank full 30BR.

Sandy picnic or campsites are found on either side of the entrance to the Intracostal Waterway (ICWW), with the tallest and biggest on the south side, and a smaller one good for low water conditions on the north side. This place makes an excellent stop place in the Baton Rouge area, close enough to access the city, but far enough removed for safe unmolested picnicking and camping. Furthermore, this might is the second best view of downtown Baton Rouge from anywhere in the city. (The first being the view from the US90 Bridge and West Bank locations downstream of that bridge).

A giant sloping sandbar is found on the south shore at the entrance to the Intracoastal Waterway which affords good camping or picnicking at all but the highest of water levels. A wetlands behind is populated with beaver, turtles and other critters. Watch for snakes, poison ivy and red ants. You might see pelicans, vultures, and bald eagles in the air, amongst many other birds, and many waders along the shoreline or in the beaver wetlands behind. Dry ground can be found here up to bank full (around flood stage, 35BR). This is the best camping within 5 miles of downtown Baton Rouge. You would have to ferry cross to get to the city. But you could hike over the levee and follow roads behind to reach a grocery store (Walmart), convenience stores and other businesses. Community Coffee headquarters is nearby, and if the wind is blowing right (out of the Northwest) your nose will be tantalized by the aroma of the roasting beans and fresh brew.

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