The 5 Best Places to Camp in Louisiana this Summer

Written by Cindy Rasmussen
Published: August 22, 2022
© iStock.com/Norm Lane
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For some of the best camping this summer in Louisiana you have to check out campgrounds in the Kisatchie National Forest, or the Atchafalaya River Basin. You could also stay right in Baton Rouge or maybe you prefer to stay in New Orleans with a marina to access the Gulf. There are lots of amazing options to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are the 5 best places to camp in Louisiana this summer.

1. Kisatchie National Forest: Dogwood Campground

Kisatchie National Forest
Kisatchie National Forest is the only national forest in Louisiana. There are multiple campgrounds located in the park.

©William Dillingham/Shutterstock.com

The Kisatchie district is known as the “Little Grand Canyon” where you can hike to see sandstone bluffs, visit the sandy shores of the Kisatchie Bayou and venture out on ATV’s along the Sandstone Multi-use Trail. There are multiple campgrounds in the Kisatchie district including the popular Dogwood Campground which serves as a great home base for visiting everything in the area. It has RV, trailer and tent camping available with restrooms and drinking water. Each site has its own fire pit for some late night s’mores. If you love horseback riding there are miles of trails for riding and two campgrounds that can accommodate your horse, Cane Camp and Oak Camp.

Dogwood Campground
LocationBeginning of the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway
Nearest City4 miles NW of Glenmora , about 100 miles NW of Baton Rouge
RV/Tent Sites16 drive-in sites for small RV’s, trailers, tents
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, drinking water
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestRight in the heart of the Kisatchie district!

2. Farr Park RV Campground and Equestrian Center

best horse saddles
Farr Park RV Campground has an equestrian center right on site. Go for a trail ride or try a English or Western Riding lesson.

©pirita/Shutterstock.com

For the best camping right in Baton Rouge, stay at the Farr Park RV Campground and Equestrian Center. It is located right on the Mississippi River with 108 full hookup sites with 50 amp electrical and water. The peaceful campground is surrounded by pastures, bike trails, and the horse riding facility. You can bring your own horse and have them stay at the “horse hotel” or go for a guided trail ride. You could also try a English or Western riding lesson right onsite. The campground is only three miles from a grocery store and laundry facility and only two miles to LSU. You can also head into downtown Baton Rouge for a night out, only 10 miles away.

Farr Park RV Campground
LocationIn Baton Rouge, along the Mississippi River
Nearest CityBaton Rouge
RV or Tent Sites108 sites with 50 amp, water, mostly pull-throughs
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, pavilion, equestrian center, trails
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestRight on the Mississippi River!

3. Atchafalaya River Basin Camping

Alligator near cypress trees
It is likely you will see alligators as you paddle through the Atchafalaya River Basin. For peaceful, primitive camping the Basin area is the best.

©jaimie tuchman/Shutterstock.com

For a more rustic, primitive camping experience, you can explore the Atchafalaya River Basin.  The Atchafalaya is the largest swamp/wetland area in the U.S. covering more than a million acres. Admire the large Cypress trees, be sure to see some alligators and watch for some of the most amazing birds like herons and egrets. Load up your canoe with your camping gear and the list of GPS locations of suitable campsites. Most are very primitive with some the only “amenity” is a welcome sign. But having the option to float for days in much of untouched, natural beauty is worth the trip.

Atchafalaya River Basin
LocationAtchafalaya River Basin, SE Louisiana
Nearest CityMorgan City, LA
Tent SitesMultiple sites spread out throughout the Basin,
you can get a list of the GPS coordinates on the website
RV SitesThere are multiple RV Campgrounds on the outskirts
of the park, some are even on the Atchafalaya River
Picnic Tables at each siteNo
Fire Pit at each siteNo
AmenitiesNo real amenities, most have cleared sites for tents but
some you may need to clear your own site or use a hammock
Pet FriendlyNo
ReservationsNo
What makes it one of the bestRemote, peaceful camping with wildlife viewing.

4. Jimmie Davis State Park

smallmouth vs largemouth bass
For excellent bass fishing make your way out on the Caney Creek Reservoir. Definitely one of the best places to camp in Louisiana this summer.

©Ryno Botha/Shutterstock.com

If you want a relaxing lakeside vacation, then camping at Jimmie Davis State Park is the place to go. Right on the Caney Creek Reservoir, the sandy beach is a great place to set up some beach chairs, go for a swim or take a boat out for some great fishing. Some of the best largemouth bass, crappie and catfish fishing can be found along the shores of the peninsulas. At the campground there are many camping options including 68 paved campsites, 17 deluxe cabins, 2 lodges, 4 group camp dorms with a conference center. There is a playground and splash pad for the kids. Restrooms, showers and laundry are available for all guests and there is a large pavilion with grills for larger groups. One of the best places to camp in Louisiana this summer!

Jimmie Davis State Park
LocationNorth central Louisiana
Nearest City10 miles SW of Chatham, LA, SW of Monroe
RV/Tent Sites68
Deluxe Cabins 17 (2 bedroom w/kitchen and screened porch, sleeps 8)
Lodges2 (4 bedrooms, kitchen, screened porch, sleeps 14)
Group Camp Dorms 4 (8 bedrooms each, dining room with commercial kitchen, can sleep a total of 124 people)
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, Showers, Laundry,
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestLake life at its best, sandy beach and great fishing!

5. New Orleans RV Resort and Marina

Lake Pontchartrain Louisiana
Lake Pontchartrain is a beautiful spot to vacation and camp. The New Orleans RV Resort and Marina has floating villas and RV sites with hot tubs!

©iStock.com/Idylle Images

Located on the northern end of New Orleans the New Orleans RV Resort and Marina is gated RV park on Lake Pontchartrain. Enjoy the central location that is only 12 minutes away from the French Quarter. With a marina right there you can bring your own boat or rent one to spend time on the water. Look for manatee or otters that enjoy this estuarian area. The resort has both RV sites (waterfront!) and waterfront villas to rent (3 are floating villas!). It really is more than just a campground with a swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant & bar and convenience store on site. Bring your pets because there is a fun dog park as well.

New Orleans RV Resort and Marina
LocationNorth end of New Orleans
Nearest CityNew Orleans
RV Sites160 full service, with 30 or 50 amps (some with your own
hot tub!)
Villas 35 (Variety of options from 3-bedroom units to 400 sq
foot tiny houses)
Floating villas 3 (2 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen)
Picnic TableYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, showers, laundry, restaurant, bar, swimming
pool, hot tub, playground, dog park
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestAll the amenities of a fancy resort with a camping feel!

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Bayou D’Arbonne Lake Louisiana
Bayou D’Arbonne Lake is one of the best crappie fishing lakes in the US and also home to a vast array of wildlife in the nearby Nearby D’Arbonne State Park and Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
© iStock.com/Norm Lane

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About the Author

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".

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