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BONNET CARRE' SPILLWAY

Over the years, the Bonnet Carré Spillway has developed into an extensively used outdoor recreation area with approximately 400,000 visitors enjoying the spillway each year. The public is allowed access provided their activities do not interfere with the operation and maintenance of the project. These lands and waters provide opportunities for fishing, crawfishing, hunting, dog training, camping and wildlife watching. More specialized activities include ATV and motorcycle riding areas, retriever dog field trials and model airplane flying competitions. The spillway contains two boat launching sites and a primitive campground provided by St. Charles Parish. A Park Ranger staff is on-site to provide visitor assistance and manage the project's natural resources. The project office is located on the Mississippi River in Norco, Louisiana.

                 "The Spillway Story Video"

Information

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General Rules & Regulations

1. Only licensed, street legal vehicles are allowed on spillway roads. The speed limit on spillway roads is 20 mph and are to be utilized for access only. Operating vehicles in a manner that damages the roads is prohibited.

2. Vehicles may not be operated in areas where prohibited.

3. The riding of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) is prohibited except in designated areas. ATVs must be brought into the project by trailer or truck and unloaded in the ATV parking area.

4. With the exception of the ATV parking area, only ATV vehicles are allowed in the designated ATV areas. For more information about off road activities, see the ATV rules and regulations.

5. Proper U.S. Coast Guard approved safety equipment is required on all vessels, including personal watercraft.

6. The spillway is closed to public use from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily, with the exception of campers, those who are launching boats, and those who are hunting during hunting season. Camping is allowed in the parish recreation pavilion area only. A camping permit is required with a fee of $10 per day and can be obtain by Calling the St. Charles Recreation
Department at 985-783-5090 or going to https://www.scpparksandrec.com/.

7. For your safety and security, carry personal I.D. and vehicle proof of ownership at all times.

8. Be considerate of others. Please take home whatever you bring into the spillway.

9. Please observe posted signs and bulletin boards.

The following activities are strictly prohibited:
1. Target practice and skeet shooting.
2. All guns/bows including: paint ball guns, explosives, and fireworks; unless hunting.
3. Operating any vehicle or vessel in a reckless or negligent manner.
4. Littering or dumping of any kind
5. For more information about hunting, please see posted hunting rules and regulations.

Please refer to the full text of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations - Part 327- Rules & Regulations governing public use of water resources development projects administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Visitors are encouraged to become familiar with these rules governing the use of the spillway. Violators may be subject to a citation and/or an appearance before a federal magistrate. Copies are posted at all recognized spillway entrances or may be obtained at the spillway office.

Recreational Opportunities

All recreation areas are open except for the St. Charles Parish Recreation area, near U.S. Highway 61, and the Lower Guide Levee.  

Contact Us

Phone:  504-862-6500
Fax:  985-764-0493

U.S. Mail:
Bonnet Carre’ Spillway
US Army Corps of Engineers
PO BOX 216:  Norco, La 70079
Physical Address:
16302 River Road
Norco, La 70079 

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