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Louisiana, best known for the annual Mardi Gras and jazz festivals in New Orleans, is home to a culture, history, and landscape unlike anywhere else in the U.S. The varied foods, dialects, and customs found throughout Louisiana reflect its unique combination of French and Afro-Caribbean influences. The abundance of bayous, swamps, and wetlands, defined by the Mississippi River’s alluvial plains and the Gulf of Mexico, create a rich and fragile ecosystem. Armadillos, alligators, and myriad species of waterfowl draw nature lovers to the state.
Camping opportunities in Louisiana vary from backcountry tent camping to resorts packed with amenities. The funding, maintenance, and reputation of the state park system has had its ups and downs. However, new investments since 2018 have brought about improved infrastructure and development in the parks. Almost all state park campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, and sites that can accommodate big rigs with space to spare. The parks highlight natural and historical features around the state, with a focus on the water: Kayaking, swimming, tubing, fishing, and birding are all popular activities.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit louisianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/ or call 877-226-7652.
Reservations can be made from 13 months up to 2 days in advance. Reservations within 48 hours of arrival must be made with the campground directly. A minimum of 2 nights is required on all weekends.
Campsite sizes
All Louisiana state park campgrounds have sites that accommodate big rigs, although the number of sites vary and may be limited per park. You can search and book sites by maximum RV length in the reservation system.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible sites are searchable in the reservation system, but they must be booked through the call center. Proof of disability is required upon check-in. An accessible site can be reserved by any customer if there are no other available sites remaining that can accommodate an RV.
Hookups
Almost every campsite in the Louisiana state park system has water and electric hookups and are categorized as “improved sites.” “Premium sites” have water, electricity, sometimes sewer, and are often pull-through. Full hookup options are limited to about 5 campgrounds. Hookups by site are searchable in the reservation system.
Connectivity
Many Louisiana state parks offer WiFi. This information is included on the specific park’s website. The Louisiana State Parks FAQ also includes a current list of parks with WiFi, and notes parks with connectivity issues: lastateparks.com/louisiana-state-parks-frequently-asked-questions
Note that many parks are in remote areas without cell service. If connectivity is a priority, contact the campground in advance to ask about WiFi and cell service.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights. Campers must vacate for 7 nights before returning to the same campground. From October through March, unlimited nights are available at select campgrounds.
Additional facilities
Both improved and premium campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. Driveway surface (paved or gravel) and site length are specified under campsite details in the reservation system.
Most campgrounds have restrooms, a dump station, potable water, and a visitor center. Many have multi-use trails, playgrounds, water sports, disc golf, and gear rentals. Details about each campground are shared on its park’s website and in the reservation system. You can also search for a campground based on activity type.
Louisiana state parks offer a junior ranger program. Ask for a book at the visitor center or check-in desk.
Cost
Campsite fees range from $18 for a site with no hookups to $33 for a premium, full-hookup site over a peak season weekend. Rates are displayed per site / per date in the reservation system.
Additional Fees:
Park entrance fee: $3 per person
Nonrefundable reservation fee: $6
Cancellations or changes up until 14 days prior to arrival: $10
Cancellations or changes within 14 days of arrival also forfeit the first night’s fee.
There is no charge for adding nights to an existing reservation.
Pet policies
Pets are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 1 or 2 vehicles, 6 people (Approval from campsite required for immediate family groups exceeding 6 people.)
- Check-in time: 2 p.m. Check-out time: 1 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Permitted.
- Generator use: Permitted except during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Permitted, but contact the specific park in advance for any local restrictions.
Featured Campgrounds
Bogue Chitto State Park
17049 State Park Boulevard, Franklinton, LA 70438
Experience one of the most scenic river systems in Louisiana and a diversity of natural habitats at this sprawling state park. Kayaking and tubing are popular activities here, along with swimming and a water playground for the kids. Miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails let you explore the cypress tupelo swamps, forests, and wetland preserves. Boardwalks lead to an accessible viewpoint of unique and delicate sandstone spires at Fricke’s Cave. About 80 big rig friendly premium campsites with water and electric hookups are available between two campgrounds. The Upland RV Area provides sweeping views from atop a bluff, and the Bottomland RV Area has easy access to the water. The well-maintained and comfortable campgrounds allow visitors to enjoy the peace and beauty of the park after a full day of fun outdoor activities.
Grand Isle State Park
Admiral Craik Drive, Grand Isle, LA 70358
Located on a breakwater island between the Gulf of Mexico and bayou tributaries of the Mississippi River, Grand Isle State Park is both an impressive and a relaxing place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. While Grand Isle is a well-known deep-sea fishing destination, the swimming beach, nature trails, observation tower, and piers also provide opportunities for additional activities, from hiking to bird-watching and photography.
The campground features 40 premier pull-through sites, all with partial hookups and enough space for rigs over 40 feet. Two meticulously cleaned restrooms, a dump station, laundry, free WiFi, and decent cell service all make for a comfortable stay. Because of its location in the barrier islands south of New Orleans, Grand Isle is not a convenient overnight stop, but it’s worth planning for a few nights. Note that there is a toll bridge to access the park.
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
1500 Poverty Point Parkway, Delhi, LA 71232
Just a few miles north of I-20, Poverty Point Reservoir is a convenient overnight stop. It’s worth planning on more than one night, however, to enjoy the spacious and well-kept campground, beautiful surroundings, and nearby Poverty Point World Heritage Indian Park and Museum.
A 2,700-acre lake is the star attraction, popular for fishing, boating, and birding as well as hiking and biking. Beyond the artificial reservoir, nature trails wind along an offshoot of the Bayou Macon to show you another side of the natural landscape.
The park’s campground offers more than 50 sites, almost all of which have full hookups. The rest have partial hookups, and all sites are large, level, and well spread out between the trees and open areas. With clean restrooms, laundry, a playground, and a splash pad, visitors will quickly discover why this is a favorite camping spot among locals.
Louisiana state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Bayou Segnette State Park
Bogue Chitto State Park
Chemin-A-Haut State Park
Chicot State Park
Fairview-Riverside State Park
Fontainebleau State Park
Grand Isle State Park
Jimmie Davis State Park
Lake Bistineau State Park
Lake Bruin State Park
Lake Claiborne State Park
Lake D’Arbonne State Park
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
North Toledo Bend State Park
Palmetto Island State Park
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
Sam Houston Jones State Park
South Toledo Bend State Park
St. Bernard State Park
Tickfaw State ParkFor more information on Louisiana state park campgrounds, visit lastateparks.com/.
