Atchafalaya River

Mile 29.7 - RBD Melville Boat Ramp (primitive)

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026

29.7 RBD Melville Boat Ramp (primitive)

A broad gravel paved opening affords plenty of room for paddlers to come in and make a stop here at the old Melville Ferry Barge Landing. Primitive boat ramp. Rough gravel incline drops into river. No concrete. Party place, and popular fishing spot. Camping not recommended. Don’t leave your vessel unattended. Melville is considered the "catfish capital" of the Atchafalaya River. Some locals reminded us we were crazy like them for paddling the river. One lady claimed she lost two brothers to the river. I wanted to ask if they were wearing floatation devices, but restrained. I noticed that many were not wearing them in their fishing boats. (Mark River)

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