The 21 Best Campgrounds In Louisiana: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems
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Jackie Ann
Author
What’s your favorite style of camping? Do you prefer a waterfront cabin with all the bells and whistles? Or do you prefer to pull up in an RV with all of your creature comforts in tow? Or maybe you’re a backcountry camper, leaving the house with nothing more than a tent and a sleeping bag. No matter what your preferred method of camping is, there is a campground in Louisiana that’s perfect for you. We’ve compiled an extensive list of all the best places to go camping in Louisiana, all you need to do is pack your bags and make the reservation.
Best State Park Campgrounds in Louisiana
With 21 state parks in Louisiana, you can bet you’re never too far away from one. State parks are some of the best places to go camping. They’re safe, have everything you need (like bathrooms, showers, etc.), and you’ve got endless hiking trails, lakes, and rivers as your backyard. What more could you ask for? Here are some of the best state park campgrounds in Louisiana:
Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
- Location: 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586
- Popularity: Busy on weekends
- Park Info: This is the largest state park in Louisiana, and includes the Louisiana State Arboretum too. A 20-mile hiking trail loops around the entire lake, and there’s also an 8-mile paddle trail that’s popular with visitors.
- Price: $20+
With 6,400 acres of beautiful rolling hills to enjoy, you can bet you’ll never run out of things to do within Louisiana’s largest state park. Much of the park is centered around Lake Chicot, a popular spot to do a little fishing, kayaking, and gator-watching. The Louisiana State Arboretum is also part of this park, giving you access to even more nature trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and more. The waterfront cabins are very popular, but there are plenty of RV slots and primitive campsites available, too.
Bogue Chitto State Park, 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438, USA
- Location: 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438
- Popularity: Busy on weekends and summertime
- Park Info: Accommodates both tent and RV campers and also has several Tentr sites and cabins.
- Price: $25+
Bogue Chitto State Park may be my favorite state park in Louisiana, but I’m a little biased since I grew up not too far away from it. This 1,786-acre park boasts cypress-tupelo swamps, a hardwood forest, upland forests, and plenty of waterways to navigate. The hiking trails here will lead you through the various ecosystems in a rolling landscape that’s fairly rare for this southeastern part of Louisiana. One of the coolest attractions to this park is Fricke’s Cave, a gorge-like area with sandstone spires that are created as the water erodes the surface. The park has installed boardwalks all over the area, so you can see these cool structures from above.
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Fontainebleau State Park, 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
- Location: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448
- Popularity: Busy on weekends
- Park Info: Fontainebleau State Park was badly damaged by Hurricane Ida in 2021. While the park was able to reopen fairly soon after the storm, the cabins took a major hit and remain closed, but RV slots, primitive campsites, and Tentr glampsites are available.
- Price: $25+
You’ll find this 2,800-acre state park nestled along Lake Pontchartrain in Mandeville, Louisiana. Fontainebleau State Park is easily accessible from New Orleans, and many locals flock to this scenic state park for its waterfront views, hiking trails, and lovely little stretch of beach. As you’re driving in, you’ll see the ruins of a sugar mill that was built in 1829 by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, who also founded the city of Mandeville. He owned and operated the sugar mill as a plantation until 1852, and he even named the surrounding area Fontainebleau to honor his favorite forest in France. This is one of the most unique state parks in Louisiana where history and nature merge together. Also, the sunset views over the water are incredible. Easily one of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Louisiana.
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North Toledo Bend State Park, 2907 N Toledo Park Rd, Zwolle, LA 71486, USA
- Location: 2907 N Toledo Park Rd, Zwolle, LA 71486
- Popularity: Busy on weekends
- Park Info: Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes at this state park, and there’s a double-ramp boat launch within the park to get you out on the water.
- Price: $25+
Separating Texas and Louisiana, the Toledo Bend Reservoir is known for its epic fishing opportunities, so be sure to bring your rod and reel. As one of the largest man-made bodies of water in the country, you could easily spend the entire day on the water and still not feel like you’ve seen it all. This is one of the Louisiana state parks with the highest concentration of bald eagles, so keep your eyes peeled and you might just catch an eagle swooping down to snag a snack out of the water! As for lodging, take your pick: North Toledo Bend State Park offers Tentrr campsites, RV hookups, primitive tent sites, and several cabins.
Jimmie Davis State Park, 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA 71226, USA
- Location: 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA 71226
- Popularity: Busy during the summer and weekends
- Park Info: Beautiful lake beach, family-friendly, and awesome for birdwatching.
- Price: $20+
Jimmie Davis State Park sits on a peninsula overlooking Caney Lake, and might be one of the best freshwater fishing spots in the Pelican State. When you’re not fishing, snag a spot on the beach and catch some rays in between taking a dip in the cool refreshing waters. Many Louisiana state parks have several water playgrounds and regular playgrounds, and this park is no different. It’s a great getaway for families and offers some of the best camping in northern Louisiana.
- Location: 103 State Park Rd, Doyline, LA 71023
- Popularity: Popular with locals, but still flies under the radar
- Park Info: Offers primitive camping spots, RV slots, and cabins
- Price: $25+
Overlooking Lake Bistineau, this beautiful state park is a favorite for locals in Northern Louisiana. It’s less than an hour away from Shreveport, which is perfect for a weekend getaway where you can still easily drive over for any big-city amenities you need. There are nearly 10 miles of hiking and biking trails here, plus an epic disc golf course. Oh, and this state park also has a 6-mile equestrian trail, just in case you want to bring your gentle giant along for the adventure!
Best Beach Camping in Louisiana
Even though Louisiana is a Gulf Coast state, we aren’t known for our beaches. Don’t get me wrong, Louisiana has several beautiful beaches if you know where to look. Here are some of the best spots for beach camping in Louisiana:
Holly Beach, LA, USA
- Location: Cameron, Louisiana
- Popularity: Busy on weekends and holidays
- Park Info: Tent camping only
- Price: free
Holly Beach is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s one of the stops along the scenic Creole Nature Trail, but few know you can camp right on the beach. Heck, you can even drive right onto the beach! Both Holly Beach and Rutherford Beach (the next one on this list) offer the chance to pitch a tent and spend a night camping right on the beach. Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore with millions of stars above you. Sounds dreamy, right?
Rutherford Beach, Gulf of Mexico, Creole, LA 70632, USA
- Location: Creole, Louisiana
- Popularity: Busy on weekends and holidays
- Park Info: Very similar to Holly Beach in that you can drive and camp right on the beach.
- Price: Free
Located about 25 miles east of Holly Beach, Rutherford Beach is another lovely little Gulf Coast beach where you can drive and camp directly on the beach. This beach is right where the Mermentau River meets up with the Gulf of Mexico, giving you the best of both worlds. Both of these beaches are awesome for finding seashells, so you may want to bring a little bag in case you find some keepers!
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Grand Isle State Park, 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358, USA
- Location: 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358
- Popularity: Busy on weekends and summertime
- Park Info: Hurricane Ida smashed Grand Isle and this state park in 2021, and through the hard work of countless individuals, Grand Isle State Park was finally able to open back up to the public in June of 2023.
- Price: $18+
Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island is worth a road trip from any corner of the state. Grand Isle was hit especially hard when Hurricane Ida hit in 2021, and the park has remained closed until very recently. While there’s still work to be done in this part of Louisiana, a visit to Grand Isle State Park will give you a new love for the coastal side of the Bayou State. Enjoy the beautiful nature trails, do a little bird watching, and then pitch a tent on the beach and spend the evening stargazing. They also have RV slots (not on the beach, but very close) if that’s more your style!
Lake Claiborne State Park, 225 State Park Rd, Homer, LA 71040, USA
- Location: 225 State Park Rd, Homer, LA 71040
- Popularity: Fairly popular. Busy on weekends
- Park Info: Cabins are also available to rent. This state park has the #1 and #2 disc golf course in Louisiana, so bring your competitive spirit!
- Price: $18+
Nestled around a 6,400-acre lake, Lake Claiborne State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Sure, freshwater fishing here is a main attraction, but so is the beautiful beach! After you’ve soaked up the sun and swam a few laps, head over to one of the two disc golf courses, they are the top two in the state! You can rent a disc at the main office if you don’t have your own, but trust me... You may find your new favorite hobby after playing a few rounds! Technically, you won’t be camping on the beach, but you’ll still be waterfront.
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Top Glamping in Louisiana
Over the last few years, a new, hybrid style of camping has emerged, called glamping. This style of camping is perfect for folks who aren’t a huge fan of sleeping in a tent on the ground but don’t necessarily need or want the comforts of a cabin. It’s the perfect middle ground, and here are some of the best places for glamping in Louisiana:
Lake D'Arbonne State Park, 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville, LA 71241, USA
- Location: 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville, LA 71241
- Popularity: Busy on weekends
- Park Info: This park also has tennis courts, a swimming pool, a disc golf course, and six miles of hiking trails
- Price: $14+
Farmerville is a tiny little town in Union Parish that’s home to fewer than 5,000 residents, making Lake D’Arbonne State Park perfect for a secluded weekend camping trip. The state park clocks in at 655 acres, and it’s chock full of scenic views, piney forests, rolling hills, and more. The crown jewel of this family campground is Lake D’Arbonne, a massive 15,250-acre lake that’s perfect for fishing, swimming, boating, jet skiing, and all your favorite aquatic activities. This particular state park has some wonderful bike trails, too, and these gentle rolling hills will make your biking adventure more challenging than you’d expect.
God's Country Resort, 7781 LA-1, Shreveport, LA 71107, USA
- Location: 7781 Hwy 1 North, Shreveport, LA 71129
- Popularity: Not super crowded, a bit of a hidden gem
- Park Info: Offers cabin rentals, teepee camping, covered wagon camping, and full hookup RV spots
- Price: $40+
God’s Country Resort is one of the most unique places to go camping in Louisiana. This little slice of paradise in Shreveport offers several different ways to stay, and my pick is the covered wagons. These authentic covered wagons can sleep four people and have both a king-sized bed plus a set of bunk beds, and easily one of the best views in town. This family campground has a lake where you can rent paddle boats, a swimming pool, a dog park, a 9-hole disc golf course, free WiFi, an arcade... the list goes on and on. The covered wagons do have electricity, so you can charge your devices, and they do have a mini fridge, but that’s about it! Each campsite has its own fire pit and picnic table, so you can roast marshmallows by the fire, and when nature calls the bathrooms are just a short walk away.
Best RV Camping Sites in Louisiana
RV camping and van life are becoming more and more popular methods of camping. Whether you own your own or rent an RV, these are some of the best places to go RV camping in Louisiana.
Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge, 1055 N Barn Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, USA
- Location: 1055 N Barn Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
- Popularity: Busy
- Park Info: Buddy slots, covered slots, premium slots, and waterfront RV spots are available with full hookup.
- Price: $45+
Conveniently located between Lafayette and Baton Rouge, this is one family-friendly campground that’s great for folks who want to explore Cajun Country. Formerly known as Cajun Palms, Margaritaville Breaux Bridge underwent a facelift in 2023, and now includes even more awesome amenities. The beach-themed campground features 452 RV sites and 91 luxury cabins (no primitive tent camping), so it’s safe to say this is a rather large resort. In addition to the water playground, splash pad, and hot tub, there are three oversized swimming pools to enjoy, plus a swim-up bar for the 21+ crowd. Margaritaville is also home to the largest arcade in Acadiana, with a go-kart track, laser tag, and more. More athletic adventures include a new basketball court, pickleball court, and everyone’s favorite camping game: corn hole. Pets are welcome here, and your pup will love getting to play at Barkaritaville, the resort’s dog park.
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Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore, 43234 LA-445, Ponchatoula, LA 70454, USA
- Location: 43234 LA-445, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
- Popularity: Fairly popular. Make reservations in advance
- Park Info: Premium waterfront RV slots, family-friendly, close to New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
- Price: $49+
Formerly known as Reunion Lake, Sun Outdoors New Orleans is an RV resort located in Ponchatoula that will have you thinking you’re on a tropical island. There’s an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, a lazy river, a mini golf course, an outdoor amphitheater, beach volleyball, pickleball, and a private lake that’s stocked with fish and a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. This is one campground you’ll find yourself returning to year after year, that’s for sure!
- Location: 6001 France Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126
- Popularity: Busy on weekends and holidays
- Park Info: Waterfront RV slots, 12 miles from the French Quarter
- Price: $61+
New Orleans RV Resort & Marina gives you the best of both worlds. You’re still far enough from the city so you can feel like you’re in your own little world, but you’re just 12 miles away from the French Quarter and all of the major attractions in New Orleans. There are boat slips in case you travel with your boat, and also waterfront cabins and floating villas you can rent. The RV resort has a fitness center and a convenience store for any last-minute items, plus a restaurant and bar, so you really never have to leave the resort!
- Location: 1500 Poverty Point Pkwy, Delhi, LA 71232
- Popularity: Less popular than other state parks
- Park Info: Great for water sports
- Price: $20+
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is located in a tiny little town in northeastern Louisiana, but don’t worry, you’ll never run out of things to do. The waterfront cabins offer lovely views, but this is one state park where the RV is king. The 2,700-acre reservoir is ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing, and nature lovers will have a blast exploring the park. The state park is right on the Mississippi Flyway, so keep your eyes to the skies and you’ll probably see dozens of different birds soaring overhead. On the ground, you’ll want to watch out for Louisiana black bears. This is one area of Louisiana where they dominate, so you want to make sure you’re using bear-proof containers and use the trash receptacles peppered around the park. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Poverty Point World Heritage Site, one of the coolest and most historic areas in the entire state.
Best Primitive Tent Camping in Louisiana
For many nature lovers, nothing beats pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars. The majority of the campgrounds we’ve featured in this article are also wonderful for tent camping, but there are a few campgrounds that really cater to the primitive camper, and these Louisiana campgrounds are some of the best for tent camping:
Indian Creek Recreation Area, 100 Camp Ground Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
- Location: 100 Camp Ground Road Woodworth, LA 714853
- Popularity: Busy on weekends
- Park Info: There are more than 100 campsites available, and camping is available year-round
- Price: $24+
Central Louisiana is great for tent camping, and the Indian Creek Recreation Area offers year-round tent sites and RV sites. Don’t confuse this campsite with the Indian Creek Campground. While they share a similar name, they’re located at completely different parts of the state and I wouldn’t want you to make reservations at one and then show up at the other. That being said, Indian Creek Campground (in Independence) also offers tent sites plus a few cabins, too! The Indian Creek Recreation Area (in Woodworth) puts you in the heart of the Alexander State Forest with canoe and kayak rentals, plenty of BBQ grills, a playground, and bathhouses. It's an excellent spot to go camping in Louisiana far away from city noise and get back to a more natural setting.
Land-O-Pines Family Campground Inc., 17145 Million Dollar Rd, Covington, LA 70435, USA
- Location: 17145 Million Dollar Rd, Covington, LA 70435
- Popularity: Busy on weekends, popular with school field trips
- Park Info: Family-friendly, secluded, sometimes has live music performances
- Price: $50+
As a Girl Scout in grade school, I remember visiting Land O Pines Campground often and am always delighted when I get to return to this hidden gem in St. Tammany Parish. Possibly the most family-friendly, locally-owned campground in Louisiana, this place really is magical. There are beaches along the river you can enjoy, a swimming pool, and a water slide. The campground really does a wonderful job with scheduling events the whole family will enjoy. Whether it’s a Halloween costume party or a local band playing for a few hours, there’s always something to look forward to at Land O Pines. The tent sites are secluded and you have the option of a paved pad or a grassy spot.
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Cypremort Point State Park, 306 Beach Ln, Cypremort Point, LA 70538, USA
- Location: 306 Beach Ln, Cypremort Point, LA 70538
- Popularity: Busy on weekends
- Park Info: Very secluded state park with both campsites and cabins
- Price: $18+
Cypremort Point State Park is one of Louisiana’s most remote state parks, even just driving down to it will have you double and triple-checking your GPS. But when you finally arrive and get to see the extraordinary views of Vermilion Bay, you’ll be glad you made the extra effort. There’s a half-mile stretch of beach to enjoy, and since this is a popular area for sailing, you might get to see folks windsurfing or sailing around the Bay. A boat launch nearby gives you access to go fishing in the Bay, or you can try your luck out in the deeper Gulf waters. This is one state park you’ll want to make sure you’re around for sunset because the sky puts on quite the show!
Valentine Lake, Louisiana 71409, USA
- Location: 616 Old Valentine Rd, Elmer, LA 71424
- Popularity: Busy on weekends
- Park Info: The Pegasus North Campground can be found near a trailhead at the northern end of the park. Accommodates both tent and RV campers.
- Price: $22+
The Kisatchie National Forest has some of the best primitive camping in Louisiana, and Valentine Lake Northshore Campground is perfect if you’re new to the area. The 26-acre lake is ideal for kayaking, but if you prefer to get your steps in then I highly recommend taking the Valentine Lake Trail, a three-mile trail that’ll lead you all around the lake. Actually, the Kisatchie has some incredible hiking trails, and if that's up your alley be sure to get AllTrails Plus so you can download trail maps offline, the signal out here can be pretty hit or miss.
There are 14 campsites here, with 6 of them being right on the water. If you want a quiet, scenic spot to pitch a tent for a few days you just can’t beat this spot.
Kisatchie Bayou Campground, Provencal, LA 71468, USA
- Location: Provencal, LA 71468
- Popularity: Not very busy usually
- Park Info: There are 17 sites available here, but keep in mind that there is no water available at this campground.
- Price: $2.00
For the true outdoor enthusiast, a few nights camping at the Kisatchie Bayou Campground is a must. There are no bells and whistles here, just pure natural beauty. You’ll be surrounded by old-growth hardwood and pines, the beautiful Kisatchie Bayou, and that’s about it. There are hiking trails nearby, and each campsite has a tent pad, barbecue pit, and lantern post, but you’re really stripped down to the basics here. Remember to pack in your own water, since there’s no water here. There are vault restroom facilities.
Did any of your favorite campgrounds make the list? Where’s your favorite place to go camping in Louisiana? Share it with us in the comments below!
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More to Explore
Camping in Louisiana
- What are the most popular state parks in Louisiana?
The most popular state parks in Louisiana are:
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- Chicot State Park: Louisiana's largest state park, clocking in at 6,400 acres.
- Fontainebleau State Park: A 2,800-acre state park near New Orleans nestled along Lake Pontchartrain
- What time of year is best for camping in Louisiana?
- The best time of year for camping in Louisiana is during the spring and fall. Summer in Louisiana can be rather brutal and can be incredibly uncomfortable for primitive tent camping.
- Where can I find secluded campgrounds in Louisiana?
Some of the most secluded campgrounds in Louisiana include: