Where to Camp in the Pelican State
Louisiana is known for its diverse population, flavorful food, great jazz music, festivals, swamps and humid, coastal weather. Its blend of American, African and French influences gives this state a unique culture like no place else on earth, and cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans have become popular tourist destinations, particularly in the Mardi Gras season.
Louisiana has no shortage of natural scenery and great fishing and hiking. For these reasons and more, it’s a perfect destination for those seeking an outdoor adventure. Here are our picks for the 10 best places to camp in Louisiana.
1. Chicot State Park – Ville Platte
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The park covers over 6,400 acres of rolling hills and water in South Central Louisiana. The cool, clear waters of Lake Chicot have yielded record freshwater catches of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and red-ear sunfish. Fishermen will enjoy the convenient boathouse, three boat launches and boat rental facilities. Learn more.
2. Grand Isle State Park – Grand Isle
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Off the coast of Louisiana. A beach ridge created by the action of the waves of the Gulf, Grand Isle serves as a breakwater between the Gulf and the network of inland channels that connect to the bayou tributaries of the Mississippi River. It is also the launching point for excellent deep-sea salt-water fishing adventures. Learn more.
3. Atchafalaya River Basin – Opelousas
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Numerous camping opportunities are available in this beautiful area, including primitive sites throughout the Wildlife Management Area as well as well-endowed RV campgrounds that include such amenities as mini-golf and hot tubs. Learn more.
4. Lake Bistineau State Park – Doyline
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Situated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, this park offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat launches, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, camping, cabins and excellent fishing! Learn more.
5. Lincoln Parish Park – Ruston
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Rated as one of the best mountain bike trails in America, Lincoln Parish Park is a treasure for mountain bike lovers and noncyclist too. The ten mile trail offers a challenging and exciting course for not only the advanced rider, but beginners alike. Campground- RV (Full hookups include water, sewage, and electricity at each site) – $25.00 (tax included) per night. Primitive Camping (tents only) – $17.00 (tax included) per night. Beach with lifeguards offered from Memorial day to Labor Day. Learn more.
6. Caney Lakes Recreation Area – Minden
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Caney Lakes Recreation Area, located in the Kisatchie National Forest north of Minden in Webster Parish in northwestern Louisiana, offers opportunities for bicycling, hiking, picnicking, camping, swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, and hunting. A triathlon is held annually in August. Learn more.
7. Fairview-Riverside State Park – Madisonville
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Scattered throughout the park beneath a canopy of huge oak trees, you will find numerous picnic tables, as well as a group pavilion, a playground, and comfort stations. Spend a relaxing afternoon on the river or venture out into the water for lively outdoor recreation. If you prefer to stay on land, the park’s nature trail will take you by the river where you can enjoy the view. Then, cap off the perfect day by staying overnight in the park’s campground. Learn more.
8. Bayou Bodcau Reservoir – Bellevue
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Bayou Bodcau Dam and Reservoir was built and is operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There are 33,500 acres of land open to the public for recreational purposes. It is a unique area in northwest Louisiana that provides outdoor enthusiasts a wide variety of recreational experiences. Included in these opportunities are hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, biking and horseback riding, just to name a few. Whether it be camping and picnicking with your family and friends, sightseeing or canoeing down a moss laden cypress swamp, we hope that you will find visiting Bayou Bodcau a very enjoyable experience. Learn more.
9. Hodges Garden State Park – Florien
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Over 700 acres of wild and cultivated beauty, Hodges Gardens State Park, located in Sabine Parish, is a unique member of the State Parks system. Originally designed and opened to the public in 1956 by oil and gas businessman A.J. Hodges Sr., the site’s gardens consist of a variety of plants and flowers, from a formal rose garden to bushes of that colorful Southern standard, the azalea. Learn more.
10. Lake Bruin State Park – St. Joseph
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There are over 3,000 acres of water surface on Lake Bruin, and the visitors to Lake Bruin State Park have access to every acre for incomparable freshwater fishing, superb water sports and fine outdoor living. The 53-acre site was originally established in 1928 as a fish hatchery. Learn more.
Do you have a favorite camping spot in Louisiana that wasn’t included on this list? Let us know in the comments!
And be sure to check out the rest of our Best Campgrounds in the US series.