January 2012. Heaven for Hardy Souls

“I love it during the winter. It’s very quiet. If you just want a peaceful experience on the beach this is the time,” said Nicholas Neyland. “Right now there are a lot of birds on the beach. There are just no people out there so it’s a lot more animal-friendly.”

The beach Neyland is talking about is the one at Grand Isle State Park, for which he is the park manager. And on which, beginning January 6, you’ll be able to tent camp once again.”

Beach camping has been closed since early 2005 due to damage caused by erosion. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, along with Hurricane Gustav in 2008, caused further erosion problems despite Corps of Engineers stabilization projects. The most recent Corps erosion project expanded the existing breakwater barriers at the east end of the island and stabilized the beach area to a level that allows camping.

But only on a narrow sliver.

“One of the things we’re going to be talking to people about is the very specific place where they can camp,” Neyland explains. “The Least Terns nest in an area south of the levee in the dunes.  We want to keep [campers] away from there, but also where the tide isn’t going to get them.”

Campers also need to be prepared to haul in their equipment by foot, because no vehicles are allowed, and for winter weather. “It can be pretty cold when you cross the levee and the wind hits you,” Neyland notes. “Only the hardiest souls are going to beach camp this time of year in a tent.”

But plenty of hardy souls are out there. Neyland says that they get up to ten requests a week to camp on the beach, even this time of year.

If you’re among them, campsites can be reserved for $12 per night, by calling (877) 226-7652 or visiting ReserveAmerica.com. Additional campsites may be added in the future, depending upon space availability and environmental concerns.

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