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
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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 | |
|---|---|
| Location | Beginning of the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway |
| Nearest City | 4 miles NW of Glenmora , about 100 miles NW of Baton Rouge |
| RV/Tent Sites | 16 drive-in sites for small RV’s, trailers, tents |
| Fire Pit at each site | Yes |
| Amenities | Restrooms, drinking water |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Reservations | Yes |
| What makes it one of the best | Right in the heart of the Kisatchie district! |
2. Farr Park RV Campground and Equestrian Center
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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 | |
|---|---|
| Location | In Baton Rouge, along the Mississippi River |
| Nearest City | Baton Rouge |
| RV or Tent Sites | 108 sites with 50 amp, water, mostly pull-throughs |
| Picnic Tables at each site | Yes |
| Fire Pit at each site | Yes |
| Amenities | Restrooms, pavilion, equestrian center, trails |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Reservations | Yes |
| What makes it one of the best | Right on the Mississippi River! |
3. Atchafalaya River Basin Camping
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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 | |
|---|---|
| Location | Atchafalaya River Basin, SE Louisiana |
| Nearest City | Morgan City, LA |
| Tent Sites | Multiple sites spread out throughout the Basin, you can get a list of the GPS coordinates on the website |
| RV Sites | There are multiple RV Campgrounds on the outskirts of the park, some are even on the Atchafalaya River |
| Picnic Tables at each site | No |
| Fire Pit at each site | No |
| Amenities | No real amenities, most have cleared sites for tents but some you may need to clear your own site or use a hammock |
| Pet Friendly | No |
| Reservations | No |
| What makes it one of the best | Remote, peaceful camping with wildlife viewing. |
4. Jimmie Davis State Park
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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 | |
|---|---|
| Location | North central Louisiana |
| Nearest City | 10 miles SW of Chatham, LA, SW of Monroe |
| RV/Tent Sites | 68 |
| Deluxe Cabins | 17 (2 bedroom w/kitchen and screened porch, sleeps 8) |
| Lodges | 2 (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 site | Yes |
| Fire Pit at each site | Yes |
| Amenities | Restrooms, Showers, Laundry, |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Reservations | Yes |
| What makes it one of the best | Lake life at its best, sandy beach and great fishing! |
5. New Orleans RV Resort and Marina
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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 | |
|---|---|
| Location | North end of New Orleans |
| Nearest City | New Orleans |
| RV Sites | 160 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 Table | Yes |
| Fire Pit at each site | Yes |
| Amenities | Restrooms, showers, laundry, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, hot tub, playground, dog park |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Reservations | Yes |
| What makes it one of the best | All the amenities of a fancy resort with a camping feel! |
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