Atchafalaya River

Mile 146.0 - RBD Melanie Island

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

146 RBD Melanie Island

Excellent location to turnaround: Melanie Island is the very last island of any size with safe dry ground suitable for stopping, camping or picnicking. It is also wild, primitive, and full of bird and animal life. Best of all, Melanie Island features the longest beach on the entire Atchafalaya Delta! There is a full half mile of beautiful sun-filled shell beaches on Melanie Island, with endless campsites to chose from. As such, the Rivergator recommends not going beyond this point. Melanie island would make an excellent choice as a turnaround place for your expedition down the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River systems. The beach is mostly shells at bottom end, but becomes more sandy towards top end. Walk the whole thing and savor your successful adventure, and then pick out the best spot for your final camp.

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