Mae's Beach
Johnson Bayou, LA
Mae's Beach sits at the end of Jim Erbelding Road in the Johnson Bayou community, one of the westernmost named beaches in Cameron Parish. It doubles as a release point for rehabilitated Kemp's ridley sea turtles, which says something about how undisturbed this stretch stays. Trucks and ATVs are allowed on the sand, a Cameron Parish tradition that surprises first time visitors.
The sea turtle releases and truck access give it real local character, but it's remote even by Cameron Parish standards and offers nothing beyond the beach itself.
How we score beachesIf you see a scheduled turtle release announced locally, it's worth timing a visit around it. Otherwise this is a bring everything, expect nothing beach.
Drive to the end of Jim Erbelding Road off LA 82; vehicles are permitted directly on the sand in most areas, which functions as the parking.
Vehicle access right onto the beach makes this one of the easier stretches to reach for anyone who has trouble walking over soft sand, though there's no paved path or facilities of any kind.
Pets are welcome on Mae's Beach, with owners expected to keep them under control and clean up after them same as anywhere else in the parish.
Southwest Louisiana's hurricane season runs June through November, and this exposed stretch of coast takes it seriously. Spring and fall bring the mildest weather and the best odds of calm water.
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