Group Camp 3

Welcome, fellow Louisianans, to your guide to Group Camp 3, a hidden gem nestled within the picturesque Fontainebleau State Park in Lacombe, LA. This isn't your typical individual campsite; instead, Group Camp 3 is specifically designed for larger gatherings, offering a unique blend of rustic charm and functional facilities perfect for events ranging from family reunions and church retreats to, as one review highlighted, even a beautiful wedding venue. If you're searching for an affordable and spacious location that allows for customization and privacy for your next big group event in Southeast Louisiana, Group Camp 3 deserves your close attention. It provides a foundational setting where, with a bit of personal touch, you can transform a simple camp area into a truly memorable event space, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding state park.

Group Camp 3 is precisely located at 70445 Area 3 Group Camp Rd, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA. This places it directly within the expansive and beautiful Fontainebleau State Park, on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish. For Louisianans, its location is highly advantageous, offering relatively easy accessibility from the greater New Orleans metropolitan area and other parts of the state via U.S. Highway 190. While providing a sense of natural escape, it remains conveniently close enough to urban centers for event planning logistics, such as catering or bringing in supplies. The camp is situated within Fontainebleau State Park, which is known for its diverse ecosystems, including pine forests, cypress swamps, and remnants of an old sugar mill, adding to the scenic backdrop for any gathering. The road leading to Group Camp 3, "Area 3 Group Camp Rd," suggests a dedicated access route, ensuring a degree of privacy for the group. Its position within a well-established state park means it benefits from the overall park infrastructure and natural appeal, making it a compelling choice for locals seeking a natural setting for their next big event.

Group Camp 3 at Fontainebleau State Park is specifically designed to accommodate large groups, offering a set of facilities that, while rustic, provide the necessary infrastructure for significant gatherings. Based on available public information, here's what you can expect in terms of services:

• Accommodates Large Groups: Group Camp 3 is built for scale, capable of accommodating up to 65 people. This makes it ideal for substantial family reunions, organizational events, or other large social gatherings.
• Dining Hall: A key feature of Group Camp 3 is its dedicated dining hall. This space provides a communal area for meals, gatherings, and activities, regardless of weather conditions. While specific details on kitchen equipment weren't provided, group camps in state parks typically include basic kitchen facilities for meal preparation. Visitors should be prepared to bring their own dishes, silverware, towels, and linens.
• Dormitories: The camp includes two dormitories, offering sleeping arrangements for the large groups it accommodates. These dormitories likely feature bunk beds, providing a communal sleeping experience. Again, visitors will need to bring their own pillows, bed linens, towels, and personal toiletries.
• Access to Park Amenities (Nearby): While specific to the group camp, guests staying at Group Camp 3 also have access to the broader amenities of Fontainebleau State Park. These typically include:
  • Swimming Pool: A nearby swimming pool is available for guests of the group camp and lodge. This is a significant amenity, especially during Louisiana's warm months.
  • Playground Area: For younger attendees, there is a playground within the park, offering recreation opportunities.
  • Hiking and Biking Trails: Fontainebleau State Park boasts a network of trails, including the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile paved trail accessible from the park, perfect for cycling and walking.
  • Fishing Pier: A fishing pier with freshwater fishing opportunities is available, adding another recreational option.
  • Communal Restrooms/Showers: While the dorms might have their own facilities, communal restrooms and hot showers are usually available within state park group camp areas, typically well-maintained.
• Rustic but Well-Maintained: Reviews describe the camp as "rustic but well maintained." This suggests that while it may not have modern, luxurious finishes, the facilities are kept clean and functional, which is crucial for a comfortable group experience.

Group Camp 3 at Fontainebleau State Park offers distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for group gatherings in Louisiana:

• Versatile Venue for Large Events: Its primary highlight is its suitability for a wide range of large events. Reviews specifically mention its successful use as a "beautiful wedding venue," underscoring its potential beyond traditional camping for family reunions, corporate retreats, and other significant celebrations. The combination of a dining hall and dormitories makes it highly functional for such occasions.
• Affordable Group Accommodation: A significant advantage is its affordability. As one reviewer noted, "for the price you can't beat it," especially considering the capacity it offers. This makes it an attractive option for groups operating on a budget who still desire a dedicated space.
• Privacy and Exclusivity: As a dedicated "group camp" area, it provides a level of privacy and exclusivity that individual campsites or shared public areas cannot. This allows groups to enjoy their event without concerns about disturbing or being disturbed by other campers, fostering a more intimate and personalized experience.
• Natural Setting within Fontainebleau State Park: Being located within Fontainebleau State Park itself is a major draw. The park offers a beautiful natural backdrop of pine forests, marshes, and the serene waters of Lake Pontchartrain, providing picturesque scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities right at your doorstep.
• Opportunities for Customization: The "rustic" nature of the camp, combined with its spaciousness, allows groups the "freedom to turn this camp site into such a beautiful wedding venue." This means groups can bring in their own decorations, setups, and ideas to personalize the space to fit their event's theme and needs, a flexibility not always found in more formal venues.
• Activities within the State Park: Beyond the camp itself, guests have access to Fontainebleau State Park's offerings, including nature trails for hiking and biking (like the Tammany Trace), a swimming pool, and fishing opportunities. This ensures there are plenty of activities to keep attendees entertained throughout their stay.
• Historical and Ecological Significance: The park itself is rich in history, featuring the ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill, and boasts diverse ecosystems. This adds an educational and exploratory dimension to any group visit.

For those planning a group event or seeking more information about reservations for Group Camp 3 at Fontainebleau State Park, here is the contact information:

Address: 70445 Area 3 Group Camp Rd, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA

For Reservations and General Inquiries for Louisiana State Parks:

While a direct phone number for Group Camp 3 specifically wasn't provided, it is managed by Louisiana State Parks as part of Fontainebleau State Park.

Louisiana State Parks Central Reservation System: 1-833-609-0686

Fontainebleau State Park Office: (985) 624-4443 or 1-888-677-1400 (Toll Free for Louisiana State Parks)

It is highly recommended to use the Central Reservation System or contact the Fontainebleau State Park office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability, rates, and specific rules for Group Camp 3, especially since group camps often have different booking procedures and fees than individual campsites.

Group Camp 3 at Fontainebleau State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for Louisianans looking to host large gatherings in a natural and private setting. For locals across the state, particularly those in the Southeast Louisiana region, it offers a uniquely affordable and versatile venue for events like family reunions, school trips, organizational retreats, or even private celebrations such as weddings. Its capacity for up to 65 people, combined with essential facilities like a dining hall and dormitories, provides a self-contained environment that simplifies event planning. The rustic charm, coupled with the opportunity to customize the space, allows groups to infuse their own personality into their event. Furthermore, being situated within the beautiful Fontainebleau State Park means guests have immediate access to a wealth of outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, biking, and fishing, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. For Louisianans who value community, affordability, and the natural beauty of their state, Group Camp 3 offers a compelling solution for creating unforgettable group experiences that are deeply rooted in the heart of the Pelican State.

Group Camp 3

70445 Area 3 Group Camp Rd, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA