What if I told you that less than an hour’s drive from New Orleans there is a beautiful little park that’s perfect for an afternoon adventure? Camp Salmen Nature Park is one of St. Tammany’s best hidden gems, and it’s time you carve out some time to explore this enchanting oasis.

Camp Salmen Nature Park was officially opened to the public in 2011, but like so many attractions in Louisiana, this peaceful park has a long history.

Tactical Black Guy/Google The address is 35122 Parish Pkwy, Slidell, LA 70460.

This little oasis in St. Tammany Parish was a Boy Scout summer camp for nearly 60 years.

Keith Gonzales/Google If you were a Boy Scout, you probably have fond memories of this hidden gem.

Since acquiring the park in 2001, St. Tammany Parish has worked hard to ensure this unique landscape is preserved so future generations can enjoy it.

ratchel12345/Trip Advisor The park is perfect for recreational use, but it’s also an educational resource and a living museum, home to both restored historic properties and a vast collection of plants and animals which thrive in the habitat.

You’ll want to plan out an entire afternoon to really explore all the park has to offer.

Keith Gonzales/Google 130 acres of enchanting emeralds, bayou views, and more.

For little ones, the 5,334-square-foot playground is always a hit.

Camp Salmen Nature Park/Google More than 185 volunteers came out to help assemble this all-inclusive playground over the course of one week. This playground accommodates children with or without special needs, so kids of all backgrounds can enjoy this massive playground.

Of course, all of the ancient oak trees make great climbing trees.

Kelly Shortreed/Google They’re also perfect for escaping the sun on those hot Louisiana days.

Bring lunch for your crew and enjoy a picnic underneath the shade.

Nannette Brewer/Google There are several picnic benches peppered throughout the park.

There are also three nature trails to explore.

Camp Salmen/Google Each one is less than a mile long, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule.

Along the way, you’ll be met with beautiful flowers and even some wildlife viewing opportunities!

Christy Bigham/Google You never know what you’ll see here.

And considering you’ll be surrounded by both Bayou Liberty and Goldfish Bayou, you’ll have a hard time escaping those beautiful bayou views!

Camp Salmen Nature Park/Facebook Camp Salmen is open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

Have you ever visited Camp Salmen Nature Park? Let us know in the comments below!

Tactical Black Guy/Google

The address is 35122 Parish Pkwy, Slidell, LA 70460.

Keith Gonzales/Google

If you were a Boy Scout, you probably have fond memories of this hidden gem.

ratchel12345/Trip Advisor

The park is perfect for recreational use, but it’s also an educational resource and a living museum, home to both restored historic properties and a vast collection of plants and animals which thrive in the habitat.

130 acres of enchanting emeralds, bayou views, and more.

Camp Salmen Nature Park/Google

More than 185 volunteers came out to help assemble this all-inclusive playground over the course of one week. This playground accommodates children with or without special needs, so kids of all backgrounds can enjoy this massive playground.

Kelly Shortreed/Google

They’re also perfect for escaping the sun on those hot Louisiana days.

Nannette Brewer/Google

There are several picnic benches peppered throughout the park.

Camp Salmen/Google

Each one is less than a mile long, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule.

Christy Bigham/Google

You never know what you’ll see here.

Camp Salmen Nature Park/Facebook

Camp Salmen is open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

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Address: Camp Salmen Nature Park, 35122 Parish Pkwy, Slidell, LA 70460, USA