Waterside camping in Louisiana
Set right on the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana makes for a unique camping trip.
- Louisiana
Popular camping styles for Louisiana
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside 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.
