Camp Salmen Nature Park

I didn’t realize just how BIG this place is. There’s LOTS to explore. They have a boardwalk area that is a joy to wander, and if you go further off in the back, there are LOTS of trails to explore and MASSIVE live oaks that rival even the oaks in Audubon. There’s also an old building onsite circa 1830.
Camp Salmen is down a winding road just off of US190. It’s a relaxing cruise and ends at a playground/​nature trails. There are usually people at the playground with their kids, and there is a pretty big pavilion where people apparently sometimes have birthday parties and stuff like that. It seems nice.
There is also a HUGE live oak in an open area that is worth the trip out there to see it by itself. It is similar to those live oaks you see in Audubon park with limbs touching the ground. It is a magnificent tree.
I only recently discovered the boardwalk after all the times I drove down that road and didn’t get out. It was pleasant. It’s a bit short, but pleasant. The trail is a boardwalk that has a couple branches. One branch leads out to a lookout on Liberty bayou and it’s pleasant, but you can see housing across the water. Another branch offers a spectacular view of the bayou without structures ruining the ambiance of bayou life. And yet another branch leads to some of the old Boyscout camp structures where you can sit down and chill and enjoy the scenery. Further in the back, you’ll find trails along the bayou, trails going off into the woods to god knows where and a nice little amphitheatre.
It’s quiet out there for being right smack in the middle of Slidell. And it’s nice. It would be a nice place to bring the fam and have a picnic on a pretty day, I’m sure.
Like I said before, that tree out there is magnificent. I take that drive out there sometimes just to see it.

If you’re a fan of nature or just interested in a good spot for photos, this is the place for you. I received my Senior Prom, Senior, and Homecoming photos here from Voodoo Photography and Christy Murphy’s, it’s a gorgeous atmosphere during the fall and spring time. Whatever the season there’s always a specific area where there’s a large pond with the sunrise in the background reflecting over the water.
It’s absolutely amazing if you just want some piece and quiet once in a while as well. If you’re new to Slidell, it’s located by the Grand 16 theatre, so make sure you drive slowly so that you’ll be able to spot it nestled in between the woods.

Located on the former grounds of the New Orleans Area Council’s (Boy Scouts) Camp Salmen, this nature park is a great place to visit.
One day while driving along the US 190, I saw the signs for this park. Having no idea what it was about, I pulled in and drove around. For a city run park, it is very impressive.
I followed the winding path through the park and saw numerous interesting things. The first were the bike paths. Numerous paved paths ran through the park. I saw bikers and rollerbladers so I imagine the trails are good for both. The next two things I saw I assumed were left over from the days when it was a scout camp.
There was an old looking shrine that appears to have a statue of Mary. I have wanted to get close enough to check it out, but there have always been people around it. One day I will get an up close look. There was also an old metal water tower that was rusty, yet had significant character. Modern towers wish they could be that cool.
At the end of the road is where I found what will attract most people to this park. There was a massive, modern playground that looked incredibly fun. This wasn’t the play set like the ones I remember as a child. This thing had every imaginable slide, swing and climbing thing a kid could enjoy. I was impressed.
If you find yourself in Slidell and need a neat part, check out Camp Salmen.