Best Campsites in Louisiana
Louisiana, also referred to as the Cajun country is a state in the US, which features huge deltas and large areas of bayous and marshes that are home to moss-covered trees, tree frogs, and alligators. Also known as “Sportsman’s Paradise” the state sure does live up to its name. Louisiana boasts some of the most beautiful boating, hiking, fishing and camping opportunities in the nation. No matter your means of camping, whether a tent or VR camping, Louisiana offers an incredible adventure, unlike any offered in any other of the 50 states of the United States. This state has so many camping sites that it can be mind-boggling to choose one worth your desires, but don’t worry we have recommendations. Below we have highlighted 15 of the best camping sites in Louisiana.
1. Chicot State Park
If you are looking for a fishing adventure while camping in Louisiana, look no further than Chicot State Park. It is a 6400-acre park located in Ville Platte in the southern central part of Louisiana. The main draw of this park is lake fishing and they allow campers to bring their boats or rent one at the park. Chicot also features a 20-mile long hiking trail and an 8-mile canoe trail. The campgrounds are available in several options; one primitive, group campground cabins and campers with kids can select the on-site-water playground. The park also hosts the Louisiana State Arboretum, which is home to the beech-magnolia forest. The arboretum showcases Louisiana’s rich plant life.
2. Lake D’Arbonne State Park (Farmerville), LA
This state park can be found nestled among the pine forests and rolling hills on the shores of Lake D’Arbonne. The Lake D’Arbonne State Park offers campsites and cabins, which are ideal for boating and fishing. The park is considered a fishing haven as it has the highest recorded number of freshwater catches of the crappie, bream, bass and catfish fish variety. It also provides bike trails and a tennis court to add to the list of available activities present in the park.
3. Grand Isle State Park (beach camping)
The Grand Isle State Park is found off the coast in Grand Isle, Louisiana. The park is one of the best places for saltwater fishing and enjoying a fresh and delicious seafood delicacy that you have caught and prepared yourself. The park is home to some beautiful and scenic lagoons, and beach areas, which are perfect for crabbing, fishing, swimming, and relaxing. The park boasts a unique ecosystem that attracts various bird species making it ideal for bird watching. Grand Isle also features a half-mile nature trail and parking space for RVs.
4. Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
Located in Delhi Louisiana, the Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is one of the best places to indulge in fun water activities. Do not let the name deceive you, this camp is very popular and rated as first-class by the people who have visited. The main point of attraction is the 2700-acre lake found stark in the middle of the park. The lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and jet skiing. It features on-site canoe and boat rental, a half-mile walking trail and 50 campsites well equipped with electricity and water hookups. Poverty Point also provides deluxe cabins and lodges available for rent.
5. North Toledo Bend State Park
Set along the shores of one of the biggest artificial reservoirs in the USA, the North Toledo Bend State Park features a beautiful lake with pristine cool waters from the North Toledo bend. It offers 900 acres of land for canoeing, fishing, biking, and camping. It also offers well-equipped campsites with beautifully furnished and climate-controlled cabins, which are available for rent to the visitors.
6. New Orleans West KOA
If you are looking for a New Orleans experience from the state of Louisiana, be sure to visit the New Orleans West KOA campground, which is located just outside the French Quarter, River Ridge. At the camp, you are bound to come across the famous pleasures of New Orleans, which include the food, jazz music, Bourbon Street all the while camping at the campground. This park also offers amenities such as laundry service, a business center, and a pool. To move from one spot to another, the park offers shuttles, which are available to all campers.
- Instant 60 Second Setup; Sleeps 9 people; Fits two queen air mattresses
- CORE H20 Block Technology and adjustable ground vent
- Features room divider and wall storage pockets keep items neat and off the tent floor
- Electrical cord access port (port is fully closable when not in use)
- Includes rain fly, tent stakes, and carry bag
7. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park (St. Martinville), LA
Located along the edge of the Atchafalaya Basin, the Lake Fausse Pointe State Park offers its visitors a variety of camping options, which include waterfront cabins, a boat dock, nature trails, a canoe trail, campsites, and a conference center. You can combine your outdoor adventure with a tour of the historically rich nearby areas such as the Longfellow Evangeline State Historic site and the city of St. Martinville, which showcase the impressive diversity of South Louisiana.
8. Lake Claiborne State Park
Also referred to as the “Hidden Paradise” this state park is located in Homer Louisiana. Lake Claiborne State Park is a 6400-acre lake that is a great place for fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish, which range from perch, bluegill, bass to sunfish. The lake also offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking as well as on-site boat rentals. Lake Claiborne features one large primitive camping ground as well as 87 RV sites fully equipped with water and electricity. Besides the lake, the park has six walking and hiking trails, several spots set aside for bird watching as well as a disc golf course.
9. Lincoln Parish Park
The Lincoln Parish Park is home to a 10-mile trail that is considered the best mountain bike trail in the US. If you are a cyclist, this Park is the ideal place for you to enjoy spending time outdoors as well as get a memorable camping experience. The park has a lake on its premises, which provide many opportunities such as kayaking and fishing, and a lovely beach from where campers can swim or lounge about sunbathing. Lincoln Parish offers both RV and primitive campsites with a playground that is suitable for children of all ages. This quiet and tranquil place even has free Wi-Fi. If you happen to own a pet, do carry it along with you as the park has an open pet policy.
10. Tickfaw State Park
The Tickfaw State Park Is one of the smallest parks in Louisiana, with only 30 sites set aside for camping set up. It is, however, the most interesting park as it features four different and unique ecosystems. The park is so interesting that when you visit, you are not only going to experience the ambiance of the magnificent Tickfaw River, but also a tupelo and cypress swamp, a mixture of hardwood and pine forests as well as hardwood and bottomland forests. Tickfaw is also home to an 800-gallon aquarium that showcases the fish from the Tickfaw River. For campers with children, there is a kid-friendly section with a water playground and a gift shop.
11. Palmetto Island State Park (Abbeville), LA
This state park situated along the Vermillion River is the best camping destination to have the real Louisiana outdoor experience. Palmetto Island State Park features a boat launch to provide access to boating and fishing grounds. The interior lagoons of the river provide for kayaking and canoeing as well as an opportunity to marvel at Louisiana’s native flora and fauna. If you are a day-use visitor, be sure to visit the Visitor Center Complex for the bathhouse and water playground.
12. Lake Bruin State Park
Located in the picturesque St, Joseph, North of Louisiana, the Lake Bruin State Park is made up of 3000 acres of water. It provides the perfect opportunity for outdoor, water-based activities such as swimming, fishing, and water sports. The park features numerous picnic tables and grills set up, on-site boat rental and a pavilion to shelter campers in extreme weather conditions. The kids are also catered for by the water playground set aside in the park. If you intend to fish, you should visit Lake Bruin between April and June or September and October.
13. Kisatchie Ranger District Wilderness Area
The Kisatchie Ranger District Wilderness Area is a popular campground in Louisiana, which features 8700 acres of wilderness with amazing sceneries such as the bluffs, rolling hills, and sandy bottomland natural features. This landscape makes the park ideal for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. The Dogwood campground located in the ranger district is a favorite to many, offers campsites for groups, and is great for RVs, trailers, and tents. The area also features amenities such as fire pits and clean drinking water.
14. Indian Creek Campground
Nestled deep in the Alexander State Forest in Woodworth, southern Louisiana, this campground offers 250 acres of the primitive camping ground, 2250 acres of water-Indian creek lake and 100 acres of modern recreational activities. If you stay at the RV campsite, you will get access to amenities such as electricity and water hookup, Wi-Fi, five bathrooms, a playground, and various walking/hiking trails. Watching wildlife is also a favorite pass time activity as there numerous bird species that dwell in the park.
15. South Toledo Bend State Park (Anacoco), LA
Located at the most southern side of Toledo Bend Reservoir, the South Toledo Bend State Park is the access point to the most nationally recognized fishing grounds. The park features campsites and cabins for overnight visitors and 12 miles of an off-highway vehicle trail for riding or running. Helmets are mandatory for those who may wish to ride the trail. South Toledo Bend also features a visitor center with walkways that lead to an observation deck with a majestic view of the nearby islands as well as the reservoir lake.
Conclusion
These may be 15 of the best campsites in Louisiana, but the state offers a lot more camping possibilities. These campgrounds are well equipped with amazing facilities to cater to the needs and wants of the visitors. Whether you are an RV camper, a primitive camper, or a cabin enthusiast, Louisiana cannot lack a campground that can cater to you and your family’s needs. Louisiana is truly an amazing camping destination. Next time you want to have an outdoor camping adventure, do not overlook this great state.
