Set right on the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana makes for a unique camping trip.
Louisiana is known for its Cajun cuisine and French culture, but youâll find just much heart outside. Head beyond New Orleans to state parks, nature trails, and camping spots. Make a trip to St. Martinville and explore Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. Or, stick closer to the Mississippi River, where tent campsites and RV parks surround Baton Rouge. Further north, parks like Lake Bistineau State Park and Lake Claiborne State Park come just before the Arkansas border. No matter where you go, make sure to look up; youâre in the Pelican State, after all.
Head along Louisianaâs coast, where youâll find recreation areas, wildlife refuges, and, of course, beach campgrounds galore. Grand Isle State Park sits as close to the water as you can get, where RV sites are a fishermanâs paradise.
If you prefer the river to the gulf, stop in St. Francisville to get a taste of Louisianaâs local charm. The Mississippi River winds through Eastern Louisiana, and you can ride horses, hike, and fish throughout Tunica Hills. The peaceful blufflands house unique plants and animals, so you can birdwatch while cabin or tent camping.
Everythingâs bigger in Texasâbut not the Toledo Bend Reservoir, which hugs the border. On the Louisiana side, check out the RV campsite and cabin rentals at South or North Toledo Bend State Park. The area harbors some of the best Louisiana campgrounds, with picnic tables and group campsites. Cypress Bend State Park likewise overlooks the reservoir and offers unparalleled views.
You donât have to head toward the stateâs edge to appreciate Louisiana's beauty. Chicot State Park hovers in the stateâs central south, with more than 6,000 acres of rolling hills. Within the park, youâll find trails, cabins, and the Louisiana State Arboretum. Thereâs no better place to learn aboutâand seeâthe state's varied landscape.
Hurricane season runs between June and November. Save yourself the stress of unpredictable weather, and head to Louisiana between fall and spring. Remember that Mardi Gras celebrations pick up in February, so if you want a peaceful and secluded camping trip, keep the festivitiesâand their crowdsâin mind. Luckily, enough campsites pop up beyond Louisianaâs major cities. You can easily find the perfect campground year-round.