9 Glorious Campgrounds In Louisiana Where No Reservation Is Required
Louisiana has a lot of natural beauty to offer, and the best way to see that is by camping. There’s something nostalgic about pitching a tent with your family or friends, building a fire, and roasting marshmallows. There’s something to be said for cutting off technology and just admiring Mother Nature around you, don’t you think?
Well, sometimes you just get a wild hair and decide that you’re going camping at a moment’s notice. Luckily, there are several campgrounds in Louisiana that would love to have you spend a few days with them, and we’ve featured a few of them below.
While the campgrounds below usually will have a spot for you, keep in mind that during peak times and holidays, it’s best to call ahead and make a reservation.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Because of its iconic water slide attraction, this campground has been a favorite for kids for generations. There’s also a game room with a pool table, foosball table, and old school arcade games. They’ve also got a family of goats that would love for you to visit them!
Address: 17145 Million Dollar Road, Covington, LA, 70435
Immerse yourself in nature in this 6,400-acre state park. Lake Chicot offers great fishing for bass, crappie, and bluegill. There are also three boat launches and a boat rental facility. There’s a beautiful hiking trail that encircles the lake and you’ll see several campsites along the way. The trail is great for mountain biking, so bring your bike and enjoy the rolling hills of Chicot State Park.
Address: 3469 Chicot Park Road, Ville Platte, LA, 70586
You’ll think you’re in a tropical resort at this campground, which is only 15 minutes away from the French Quarter. The gated resort has several RV sites as well as many cottages you can rent, which offer beautiful water views. There aren’t any primitive campsites at this location, so just be aware of that if you drop in.
Address: 6001 France Road, New Orleans, LA, 70126
This lovely state park is situated right on the water and features eight cabins, four lodges, and over fifty campsites, so you can be pretty confident that if you roll in unannounced, they'll be able to accommodate you. The park has great hiking trails, a water playground, even a beach area. Locals will tell you it’s the perfect spot to catch some largemouth bass, black crappie, and channel catfish. The reservoir also lends itself to being a popular spot for migrating birds, so keep your eyes peeled.
Address: 1500 Poverty Point Parkway, Delhi, LA, 71232
Pitch your tent right along the waterline here at Sam Houston Jones State Park. The 1087-acre park features three hiking trails, a boat launch, and numerous chances to see wildlife. Depending on the time of year that you visit, there could be up to 200 species of migratory birds.
Address: 107 Sutherland Road, Lake Charles, LA, 70611
The best part about this state park is camping right on the beach! Even if you’re in an RV, you’re not too far away from the water. What a lovely way to wake up, listening to the sounds of the crashing waves. Magnificent sunrises and sunsets, too!
Address: Admiral Craik Drive, Grand Isle, LA, 70358
Perhaps the best little hidden gem in central Louisiana, Indian Creek Recreation Center is located just south of Alexandria in the tiny town of Woodworth. Tiny but mighty, this park offers more than 100 campsites, three beaches, a boat launch, and excellent views of the Indian Creek Lake.
Address: 100 Camp Ground Road, Woodworth, LA, 71485
With over 450 RV & Tent Campsites, you’re sure to find a place to stay at this unique camp ground. If tent/RV camping isn’t your thing, there are over 70 cabin rentals to choose from. Guests can enjoy fishing ponds, swimming pools, splash pads, a basketball court, and a baseball field just to name a few things. You can also rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle boat and go out on your own water adventure.
Address: 46049 Highway 445, Robert, LA, 70455
There are five districts to Kisatchie: Calcasieu, Caney, Catahoula, Kisatchie, and Winn. Each offering their own campgrounds. Those looking to enjoy a quiet and peaceful setting underneath the shade of the tall pine trees will find these districts perfect for their needs. There are some campsites that are more glamorous than others, though all of them are fairly primitive (you are in the middle of the forest, after all).
If you have an RV, we’d highly recommend checking out Reunion Lake Campground, located in Tangipahoa Parish. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Have you ever stayed overnight at any of these campgrounds in Louisiana? Where’s your favorite place to go camping? Let us know in the comments below!
What are some of the best campgrounds in Louisiana?
With 21 state parks and scores of private campgrounds in Louisiana, it’s safe to say you’re never too far away from a decent campground in Louisiana. If you prefer to stay in a cabin, we’d recommend one of the many state parks like Chicot State Park, Poverty Point State Park, or even Berry Creek Cabins in Franklinton. If primitive tent camping is your plan, you can’t go wrong with camping on the beach over at Grand Isle State Park.
Are you allowed to camp in state parks?
Camping is allowed at the majority of state parks in Louisiana. Each state park offers different camping accommodations, such as RV sites, primitive campsites, and/or cabins that are available for rent. It’s always a good idea to call the preferred destination ahead of time to make a state park camping reservation for your specified dates.
What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip?
When you decide to go on a camping trip, it’s best to remember all of the things you will need for the duration of your camping excursion. In addition to the basic necessities you may need like medication, food, and water, it’s also important to remember to bring bug spray, a first aid kit, and anything that might make your stay as comfortable as possible.
