Big Lake Wilderness Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Lake Wilderness Area is a natural preserve located in the state of Louisiana, covering an area of 18,000 acres.
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Summary
The wilderness area is situated on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, near the city of Slidell.
There are several good reasons to visit Big Lake Wilderness Area. One of the primary reasons is the area's natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and fishing in the area. The wilderness area is also home to several species of rare and endangered plants and animals, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at the Big Lake Wilderness Area include the scenic trails, the observation deck overlooking Lake Pontchartrain, and the various freshwater lakes and ponds within the area. There are also several primitive campsites in the wilderness area for those who wish to stay overnight.
Interesting facts about the area include that it was once used as a bombing range by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Today, the area is protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is managed as part of the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge.
The best time of year to visit Big Lake Wilderness Area is during the fall and spring when the weather is mild, and the wildlife is most active. However, visitors should be aware that the area can experience heavy mosquito activity during the summer months.
In summary, Big Lake Wilderness Area is a beautiful and unique natural preserve in Louisiana that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the state's diverse wildlife and natural beauty. With its scenic trails, observation decks, and campsites, it is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Herman Davis State Park
National Wildlife Refuge Big Lake
Hornersville Swamp Conservation Area
Warbler Woods Conservation Area