Louisiana has 21 state parks peppered around the state, and each one of them is worthy of a day trip or a weekend adventure. Of course, some state parks are more popular than others, but that doesn’t mean that the lesser-known parks are any less picturesque. If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a little peace and quiet, then Fairview-Riverside State Park is right up your alley.

Clocking in at 98 acres, Fairview-Riverside State Park is certainly one of Louisiana’s smaller state parks, but it’s actually not the smallest!

Phil O/Google That honor goes to Lake Bruin State Park, a 53-acre state park in Tensas Parish.

When you first arrive, you’ll come across a massive house that will have you second-guessing if you’ve accidentally stumbled into private property.

The Dirty Hungry Hoe/Google

This is the Otis House.

Danny the camper/Google The house was built in 1885 by William Theodore Jay who owned a sawmill nearby. New Orleanian Frank Otis purchased the property in 1936 and it became his summer home until he passed away in 1962. The house was turned into a museum and for a long time tours were available, however, the state park has not offered tours of the house since 2020. Hopefully, tours will resume in the future!

Before he passed away, Otis left both the house and the land to the state requesting that it be used for public recreation, and thanks to him, we now have this beautiful state park.

Don March/Google Nestled along the Tchefuncte River, it’s a serene little park that’s perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying the scenery.

There are walking paths along the riverbank that are kid-friendly and ADA accessible.

Jessica Hickman/Google

As you wander around the park, you’ll catch little glimpses of the property’s past.

Thomas Smith/Google So even if you can’t go inside the house, you’ll still be able to see little glimpses here and there.

While there are no cabins available to rent at this state park, there are campsites for both RVs and primitive tent camping. Visit the Louisiana State Park website for more information. Fairview-Riverside State Park is not far from another beloved state park, Fontainebleau State Park. Here you’ll have a little more room (2,800 acres) to sprawl out, and even a beautiful beach!

Phil O/Google

That honor goes to Lake Bruin State Park, a 53-acre state park in Tensas Parish.

The Dirty Hungry Hoe/Google

Danny the camper/Google

The house was built in 1885 by William Theodore Jay who owned a sawmill nearby. New Orleanian Frank Otis purchased the property in 1936 and it became his summer home until he passed away in 1962. The house was turned into a museum and for a long time tours were available, however, the state park has not offered tours of the house since 2020. Hopefully, tours will resume in the future!

Don March/Google

Nestled along the Tchefuncte River, it’s a serene little park that’s perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying the scenery.

Jessica Hickman/Google

Thomas Smith/Google

So even if you can’t go inside the house, you’ll still be able to see little glimpses here and there.

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Address: Fairview-Riverside State Park, 119 Fairview Dr, Madisonville, LA 70447, USA