A good road trip in Louisiana doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Like we’ve all heard before, it’s about the journey, not the destination. Singing along to your favorite playlist with the windows down and snacking on your favorite road trip snacks with your loved ones is what it’s all about. As far as affordable trips in Louisiana go, this one might be the best. This road trip will take adventurers through Louisiana to some of the state’s most beautiful natural scenery without breaking the bank.

To keep the road trip to a day trip, we’re sticking to northern Louisiana, but stay tuned, and maybe you’ll see a southern Louisiana version pop up! The entrance fee for Louisiana State Parks is $3 per person, so keep that in mind as we make our way to these state parks.

Google Maps
From point to point, you're looking at about a 3.5-hour drive, but of course, you'll want to allow plenty of time at each location to hike the trails and check out the scenery. Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way. You can even add your own stops to make the trip one-of-a-kind.
1. Lake Bistineau State Park
Lake Bistineau State Park, 103 State Park Rd, Doyline, LA 71023, USA
Casey Habich/Google
Casey Habich/Google
Our first stop is Lake Bistineau State Park, one of the best parks for paddlers. There's an 11-mile paddle trail that will take you around the lake, giving you extraordinary views with each stroke.
2. Lake Claiborne State Park
Lake Claiborne State Park, 225 State Park Rd, Homer, LA 71040, USA
Nathan Wilson/Google
Zeromiles2empty/Google
From the sandy beach to the epic fishing, there’s a lot to love about this 643-acre state park. There are 12 miles of hiking trails to explore here, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the white-tailed deer that call Lake Claiborne State Park home.

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3. Driskill Mountain
Ray Caywood/All Trails
Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
Josh Portie/All Trails
The one-mile hike to the summit of Louisiana's tallest natural peak won't cost you a dime, just your time. The hiking trail is on private property, but the owners have graciously allowed the public to use the trail, so be sure to respect the land and leave no trace. Oh, and sign the guest book when you reach the top!
4. Lake D’Arbonne State Park
Lake D'Arbonne State Park, 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville, LA 71241, USA
Wanderer/Google
Susie Wheeler/Google
Tucked away in Union Parish, Lake D’Arbonne State Park is a nature lover's playground. The 655-acre park is full of lush greenery, rolling hills, nature trails, and of course, the crown jewel of them all: Lake D'Arbonne. The 15,000+ acre lake has some great fishing, and you might just catch yourself your record-breaking catfish or bass.
5. Jimmie Davis State Park
Jimmie Davis State Park, 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA 71226, USA
Sonja Washington/Google
Ashish Sharma/Google
Our final stop on the road trip takes us to the beautiful Jimmie Davis State Park. This picture-perfect park is nestled up along Caney Creek Lake, a massive 5,000-acre reservoir. Sink your toes in the sand, splash away in the refreshing water, and then sit back and wait for one of the most glorious sunsets over the water.

One of the best parts about these affordable vacations in Louisiana is that these state parks offer both cabin rentals and campsites, so if you decide to turn the day trip into a weekend adventure, go right ahead! You can book your cabin/campsite at the Louisiana State Park website.

What do you think about this collection of nearly free things to do in Louisiana? Would you tackle this road trip with friends or family? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section.

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More to Explore

Affordable Trips In Louisiana

Megan Todaro | February 10, 2023

What are the most affordable vacations in Louisiana?

The most affordable vacations in Louisiana include stopping at or enjoying:

  • Prehistoric Park
  • Grand Isle
  • Gators & Friends
  • Landry Vineyards
  • Poverty Point
  • Take A Swamp Tour
  • The Creole Trail
  • Ghost Hunts
  • Global Wildlife
  • Avery Island
  • Barataria Preserve
  • State Parks

 

These very inexpensive road trip destinations in Louisiana are perfect for a weekend away or an overnight exploration. The best part of all is that you won’t have to save up for months to enjoy it! Even some of these attractions canoe combined in order to make your very own road trip.

Are there any free things to do in Louisiana?

Yes, there are plenty of places to visit for free in Louisiana:

  • Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette, LA
  • R. W. Norton Gallery, Shreveport, LA
  • Bayou Rum Distillery, Lacassine, LA
  • Barataria Preserve, Marrero, LA
  • Festival International, Lafayette, LA
  • Driskill Mountain, Bienville Parish, LA
  • Take a Steel Magnolias Tour, Nachitoches, LA
  • Gator Chateau, Jennings, LA
  • Tabasco Factory Tour, Avery Island, LA
  • Louisiana Military Museum, Ruston, LA
  • Besthoff Sculpture Garden, New Orleans, LA

 

You don’t need to have a ton of cash on hand to explore these free things to do in Louisiana.

What are the most haunted attractions in Louisiana?

The most haunted attractions in Louisiana include:

  • The LaLaurie Mansion, 1140 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116 
  • The Manchac Swamp Bridge, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
  • Louisiana Old State Capital, 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 
  • Calcasieu Courthouse, 1000 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  • Diamond Grill Restaurant, 924 3rd St, Alexandria, LA 71301
  • Central Louisiana State Hospital, 242 W Shamrock Ave, Pineville, LA 71360
  • Magnolia Plantation, 5549 LA-119, Derry, LA 71416
  • Oakland Cemetery, 1100 Milam St, Shreveport, LA 71101
  • Holly Ridge Railroad Tracks, Holly Ridge, LA 71269
  • Green Light Road Ghost Bridge, Green Light Road, Green Light Rd, Louisiana

 

These Louisiana haunted attractions can all be found on this incredible haunted road trip. All the best scary spots are in one place.

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