Family-friendly camping in Louisiana

Set right on the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana makes for a unique camping trip.

98% (272 reviews)

United States
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Louisiana

98% (272 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Louisiana

2 top campgrounds in Louisiana

97%

(182)

Snow White Sanctuary

21 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Vinton, LA

Learn more about this land: Pitch or park at our serene swampland oasis and wake up to the abundant wildlife across our 24 acre wild property with five ponds and an island of friendly goats. Frequently see aquatic birds, eat from fruit trees, hike with goats, and enjoy a landscape balanced with both manicured design and uninhibited nature. Booking includes a complimentary handmade goat milk soap, free use of our paddleboat and kayak, and unlimited kisses from our affectionate pack of rescue dogs and herd of elderly rescued horses. Gravel driveway leads the way to a flat waterfront solid grass parking spot with 30amp RV hookups and fire circle. Guests have private entry access to a recently renovated bathroom with shower and tub. Snow White Sanctuary is a gated private property at the end of a dead end road. Parks and river access within walking distance, 30 minutes from Lake Charles, 2 hours from Houston, and less than one hour from beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Some of our favorite local attractions include: Shangri-La Botanical Gardens, SPAR Waterpark, Delta Downs Racetrack, and Insane Sausages Cajun Food. We are a safe, inclusive, and welcoming campground.

99%

(166)

Big Branch Apiary

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Lacombe, LA

We are a honeybee and blueberry farm on 50 acres north of Lake Pontchartrain. We're bounded by the Big Branch Wildlife Reserve to the south and a Rails to Trails bike path on the north. We are 3 miles from Lacombe to the east, Mandeville to the west, about 3 miles from Fountainbleu State Park, and an hour from New Orleans. Most of the farm is a mixed hardwood forest with designated wetlands. Desert Bayou and East Branch Bayou meander across the property. The farm has deer, foxes, bobcats, owls, fireflies, otters, raccoons, turtles, and, well, about anything common to the wilds of the Gulf South. This includes a litany of snakes, mosquitoes, and deer flies in their season. About 8 acres are used to raise poultry, bees and organically farmed blueberries. Overall, the land feels primordial and pristine. We are a designated Monarch Waystation and in the spring and fall see many migrating butterflies. We cultivate a lot of flowers so almost year round you can see butterflies in profusion. We are part of the USDAs Conservation Stewardship Program, concentrating on protecting and increasing habitat for animals and pollinators. Pets are welcome but the chickens often run free and chasing them, or the deer, ducks, sheep, etc., is not acceptable so keeping your pup on a leash when near the farm animals is encouraged. Campfires are allowed except on rare occasions, and fires help keep the mosquitoes at bay. You can hunt for deadfalls in the woods on the farm, or we can provide firewood for a small fee. This is a rustic situation: think dry camping, outdoor (heated) shower, and outhouses. We have hookups for one small RV or camper close to the barn. In addition, we have a 10x10' treehouse, and several places to pitch a tent. The farm is pretty secure--someone is on-site most of the time, it's gated, and there are security cameras at access points. But it is a farm in a rural community--you may hear roosters crow, sheep bleat, dogs bark, and the mule bray along with the sounds of owls, hawks, coyotes, and other native wildlife. If this sounds like it suits you then come on!, stay and enjoy the farm life.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Family-friendly camping in Louisiana guide

Overview

Louisiana is known for its Cajun cuisine and French culture, but you’ll 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; you’re in the Pelican State, after all.

Where to go

Along the Gulf

Head along Louisiana’s coast, where you’ll 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 fisherman’s paradise.

Follow the Mississippi

If you prefer the river to the gulf, stop in St. Francisville to get a taste of Louisiana’s 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.

Toward the Texas Border

Everything’s bigger in Texas—but 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.

Central Louisiana

You don’t have to head toward the state’s edge to appreciate Louisiana's beauty. Chicot State Park hovers in the state’s central south, with more than 6,000 acres of rolling hills. Within the park, you’ll find trails, cabins, and the Louisiana State Arboretum. There’s no better place to learn about—and see—the state's varied landscape.

When to go

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 festivities—and their crowds—in mind. Luckily, enough campsites pop up beyond Louisiana’s major cities. You can easily find the perfect campground year-round.