How do I access Bonnabel?

Bonnabel is a public boat ramp in Louisiana. There is no entrance fee. Hours: 24 hours a day.

What activities are available at Bonnabel?

Bonnabel supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Bonnabel?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Bonnabel?

The best time to paddle at Bonnabel is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round

What are the water conditions at Bonnabel?

Water conditions at Bonnabel include calm, sheltered.

Is Bonnabel good for beginners?

Yes, Bonnabel is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Bonnabel

Metairie, LA · Boat Ramp · Public

Bonnabel is a public boat ramp on Lake Ponchartrain near Metairie, Louisiana. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall and winter.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Hours

24 hours a day

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Bonnabel offers lake paddling on Lake Ponchartrain in Louisiana. Located near Metairie.

Lake paddlers in Louisiana will appreciate Bonnabel, which offers direct access to Lake Ponchartrain and its surrounding waters.

Kayakers will find the waters here well-suited to touring and exploration. The waters here are approachable for canoes, making it a good option for family outings. The Southeast's warm climate and diverse waterways support paddling across most of the year.

Expect calm and sheltered conditions on the water. The best time to visit is Year-round. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Bonnabel sits about 5 min from Metairie, making it a convenient option for local and visiting paddlers.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Bonnabel ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.
•If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.
•Morning hours offer the calmest water and best wildlife viewing on the lake.
•Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Bonnabel?: Bonnabel is a public boat ramp in Louisiana. There is no entrance fee. Hours: 24 hours a day.
What activities are available at Bonnabel?: Bonnabel supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Bonnabel?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Bonnabel?: The best time to paddle at Bonnabel is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round
What are the water conditions at Bonnabel?: Water conditions at Bonnabel include calm, sheltered.
Is Bonnabel good for beginners?: Yes, Bonnabel is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 30.0207, -90.1423