We’re Bayou Segnette State Park in Louisiana

Bayou Segnette is a hidden gem for anyone passionate about nature and photography. I came out solo for a midweek stay in early spring, specifically hoping to photograph wading birds and marshland wildlife, and this park did not disappoint. I booked one of the floating cabins, which gave me both privacy and an ideal vantage point over the water. Each morning, I set up my tripod right on the screened porch to capture the soft morning light reflecting off the bayou, with egrets and ibises drifting through the mist. The cabin itself was perfect—modern, quiet, and equipped with everything I needed, plus the unique experience of gently rocking with the tide made me feel completely immersed in nature. During my stay, I hiked every trail and spent hours on the boardwalks scanning the trees and marshes. I was rewarded with sightings of eastern bluebirds, herons, and a pair of bald eagles that nested nearby. I even saw a mink darting through the reeds—something I’d never caught on camera before. The park was surprisingly uncrowded midweek, which allowed me to take my time without distractions. One of the highlights was an impromptu conversation with a park ranger who pointed me toward a less-traveled path where I spotted a group of glossy ibis feeding at sunset. In the evenings, I relaxed with a cup of tea, reviewing my photos as the sky turned from gold to indigo, with frogs singing in the distance and stars slowly emerging overhead. For any serious nature lover, this park is a dream location—close enough to New Orleans for convenience but remote enough to feel like a true escape. I plan to return in the fall to capture the seasonal changes, and I’ve already encouraged several friends in my photography circle to plan a trip here.