New Orleans' Lake Is One of America's Most Extraordinary Bodies of Water
Why Rent On Lake Pontchartrain
Lake Pontchartrain spans 630 square miles in southeastern Louisiana, connecting to the Gulf of Mexico through various rivers and bayous and creating a unique ecosystem where freshwater and marine species coexist. The iconic Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge, the longest continuous bridge over water in the world, stretches across its full breadth, and the North Shore communities on the far side offer some of the most charming and livable small cities in Louisiana. A vacation rental near Lake Pontchartrain gives your family a beautiful lakeside base with New Orleans just across the water.
Lakehouses on the North Shore with New Orleans Access
Vacation rentals along the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain in communities like Mandeville, Covington, and Madisonville offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and relaxing outdoor spaces with beautiful lake views. Many properties feature private docks, hot tubs, and outdoor living areas that make the lake a constant presence during your stay. Pet-friendly options are widely available, and the North Shore’s walkable downtowns and excellent restaurants give the broader trip real local character.
Boating, Sailing, Fishing, and Annual Tournaments
Lake Pontchartrain is excellent for recreational boating, sailing, kayaking, and fishing, with speckled trout, redfish, and blue crabs all present in the lake’s brackish water. Annual fishing tournaments draw enthusiasts from across the Gulf Coast, and the open water gives sailing enthusiasts one of the best venues in Louisiana. The waterfront neighborhoods of Lakeview on the New Orleans side offer fresh seafood, local eateries, and a laid-back lakeside atmosphere worth exploring.
The Causeway, Lighthouses, and New Orleans
Driving the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is a genuinely impressive experience that gives visitors a real sense of the lake’s extraordinary scale. The New Canal Lighthouse Museum provides excellent historical and ecological context for the lake. And of course, New Orleans is just across the water, offering world-class food, music, the French Quarter, and cultural experiences that are simply unavailable anywhere else on earth.
A Lake Stay with New Orleans as a Day Trip
Staying in a vacation rental on Lake Pontchartrain’s North Shore gives your family the remarkable combination of a beautiful lakeside retreat and easy access to one of the world’s great cities. You can fish and kayak in the morning, drive the causeway for a jazz dinner in the French Quarter in the evening, and wake up to lake views the next day. That is a vacation experience that no hotel anywhere near New Orleans can replicate.
- Surface area (mi)
- 1000.41
- Max depth (ft)
- 65.62
- Elevation (ft)
- 3.28
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 350.76
Popular activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Pontchartrain has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not safe to swim in Lake Pontchartrain immediately after a rain storm. You should wait at least three days after a rain storm because stormwater can bring sewerage material and high fecal loads into the lake. Checking the lake’s water quality updates is also recommended before swimming.
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Lake Pontchartrain is a popular destination because of its vast recreational opportunities. It offers boating, fishing, kayaking, and other water activities, as well as hosting annual fishing tournaments and a sailors’ regatta. The lake’s unique ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, and its proximity to New Orleans and the Northshore adds to its appeal.
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To fish in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, you need a Basic Fishing License, which is required for both residents and non-residents over 16 years old. This license allows the use of a rod and reel, bow and arrow, and other fishing gear. Licenses can be obtained online or at any Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries office.
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There are no public beaches on Lake Pontchartrain that are currently open for swimming. The city of New Orleans is working to reopen two former beaches, Pontchartrain Beach and Lincoln Beach, but they are currently closed due to water and property hazards.
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The towns on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain that offer the most recreational activities are Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell. These towns are connected by the 31-mile Tammany Trace trail, which allows for biking, walking, and other activities. They also offer access to lake and bayou activities like kayaking and swamp tours.
