A Budget-Friendly Glamping Vacation: Bogue Chitto State Park
There’s nothing quite like trading the traffic and to-do lists for tall trees, winding rivers, and the simple joy of watching your kids actually relax. Our little family recently spent a long weekend at Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton, LA. It’s a short, scenic drive from the Northshore and only about 90 minutes from New Orleans, and I’m still feeling the glow.
This trip was budget-friendly, stress-free, and packed with those small, soul-soothing moments that remind you what really matters. Bogue Chitto offers accommodations for Tent Camping, RV Camping and Cabin Rentals overlooking the bluffs. We booked a cozy RV through the Outdoorsy app, which I HIGHLY recommend. It was super easy, like Airbnb but for campers and RVs, and gave us a comfortable home base with some of the best privacy and pond views I’ve seen in a LA State Park.
Our RV was stocked with a Keurig, plates, bowls, utensils, towels and all the necessities that a condo or Airbnb would provide. The RV owner parked it, hooked everything up and left the key in a storage box before we even arrived. Check out this listing that is similar to the one we booked here.
Nature as Therapy (for all of us)
There’s something about being surrounded by trees that instantly slows everyone down. It felt like the forest wrapped its arms around us and whispered, “relax.”
Alana, who is often overwhelmed by noisy environments, was completely zen by the water. Watching her giggle as she threw rocks and sticks into the river, for what had to be an hour straight, was one of my favorite moments. The water has always calmed her, and here, it felt like the world melted away and it was just her, the ripples, and peace.
Wyatt brought along his sketchpad and watercolors this trip. He spent one morning perched outside the RV at the picnic table, happily drawing the view in front of us. He drew trees lining the pond, dragonflies zipping by, and the bright blue sky above. He called it his “camping masterpiece,” and honestly, I agree.
Bogue Chitto is known for its 14 mile bike trails, but we decided to take more of a family stroll. We all hiked an easy trail that led to a serene pebble beach along the river. We crossed over an aged wooden bridge and passed by tall trees and diverse wilderness on a well maintained path.
At sunset, Grant and Wyatt gathered wood to built a fire together. Of course the nights weren’t complete without making and devouring s’mores that we melted using coat hangers. The camping way of life is so simple, yet full of moments that teach, encourage and build confidence for the kids.
My Simple Nature Rituals
Even though it was a family trip, I made sure to carve out a few sacred moments for myself. Nature has always been healing for me, especially as a special needs mom. I kept things simple:
Guided Journaling in the morning after breakfast, coffee in hand and dew on the ground. Around sunset, a gentle self-care ritual with stretches, essential oils, and quiet time to reflect on the day.
These little practices anchor me. And doing them surrounded by nature? Magic.
Splash Pad & Playground Fun
Of course, it wasn’t all zen and nature sounds. Bogue Chitto has an awesome splash pad and playground area that the kids adored. Think big water slide, obstacle course, and plenty of covered picnic tables for everyone to cool off and hang out. It was one of those “everyone’s happy” kind of afternoons.
A Trip Worth Taking Year Round
We’ve already decided that our next trip there will include river kayaking, fishing in some of the 11 stocked lakes and exploring Fricke’s Cave. If you’re looking for a reset that doesn’t require plane tickets, complicated packing, or a massive budget, Bogue Chitto might be just what your soul needs. Sometimes, the best vacations are a tank of gas, a bag of marshmallows, and a front-row seat to your kids falling in love with the natural world around them.
