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Atchafalaya Basin (also known as Atchafalaya Swamp) is America's largest swamp, it covers much of the Acadiana region of Louisiana. It's more than a million acres in area, mostly wetland forests, and includes a number of recreational areas including boat launches and remote camping areas. It is a popular destination for fishermen and for paddlers who want to kayak the myriad channels, islands, and wetlands. The swamp is rich in biodiversity and includes federal and state protected areas.
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Conserves over 15,000 acres of lower Mississippi alluvial bottomland hardwood forest and bald cypress tupelo swamp habitats. Important habitat for the Louisiana black bear (a subspecies of the American black bear) as well as numerous other species. Many bird species nest in the refuge including the bright yellow Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), American swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus), and wood duck (Aix sponsa).
6,000 acres on the western side of the swamp, southeast of Lafayette. Cabins on stilts over the water, canoes and kayaks for rent.
Boat launch with large parking area to accommodate trailers, swamp tours in large slow boats, or speedy airboats, your choice. Turtle Bar on site.
Boat launch with large parking area to accommodate trailers, swamp tours in large slow boats, or speedy airboats, your choice. Store and gift shop on site. Used by the Boy Scouts as launch site for their "Swamp Base" adventure treks.
Over 43,000 acres of wetland forest includes land owned by the state of Louisiana, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mostly used as a public hunting area. Includes 3 public boat launches, 2 camping facilities, and a shooting range.
Airboat, fishing boat, canoe, hiking, car, bike (most areas inaccessible by car).
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Lafayette · Regional · LFT
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