Camping Near New Orleans :: A Guide to Family-Friendly Campgrounds

Guide to Camping Near New Orleans

At New Orleans Mom, we love to travel and share our best family travel tips! Sometimes we want to take a great road trip out of state (budget friendly ideas here), and sometimes we want to getaway for the weekend within Louisiana. When we want to enjoy the great outdoors, there is really nothing better than camping with the family in Louisiana. Fortunately, because we live in Louisiana and have generally mild weather, camping near New Orleans is possible virtually year round. Here is a great list to make camping near New Orleans possible.

Note :: here are tips for packing for your next camping adventure, as well as advice for camping with your kids in Louisiana.


Where to Camp Near New Orleans

Tangi Pines Family Campground :: 46049 Highway 445, Robert Tangi Pines Family Campground features 450+ wooded campsites, 75 cabin rentals available, swimming pools, fishing ponds, game room, mini golf, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals, RV storage, playground, wet “spray”ground, basketball court, baseball field, laundry facilities, store, and propane filling is available. Tangi Pines Family Campground also frequently hosts fun themed weekends and most have a live band or DJ. This is an always popular choice for camping near New Orleans.

**NOTE :: Effective February 2023, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is no longer a part of the Yogi system and has rebranded to Tangi Pines Family Campground. Recreational activities will continue as always without character interactions. Same staff and owners. Same level of Service.


Louisiana State Parks With Camping

Louisiana boasts a wealth of wonderful state parks, all within driving distance of New Orleans. The gorgeous state parks within Louisiana offer camping, hiking, fishing and other great outdoor activities. Fortunately, we have several that are within a 1-2 hour drive from the greater New Orleans area that offer up many great amenities whether you choose to camp primitively or even go glamping in an RV.

Fontainebleau State Park {62883 LA 1089, Mandeville} :: One of my family’s personal favorites, Fontainebleau boasts a large park covered in mossy oaks and cypress trees with several hiking trails, a beach, a summer spray park, and oodles of deer roaming for your observation. There are two playgrounds, both primitive and campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as some beautifully appointed cabins on the lake that are available to rent. Sunsets and sunrises over Lake Ponchartrain at Fontainebleau are some of the most beautiful you will see, and the park is a quick 45 minute drive across the Causeway from downtown New Orleans. You can even go for just the day, and we give you an idea of what to expect for a day at Fontainebleau and why it’s worth the drive right here. When we say camping near New Orleans, we really mean it with Fontainebleau!

Fairview Riverside State Park {19 Fairview Drive, Madisonville} :: A small yet beautiful park nestled along the Tchefuncte River, Fairview Riverside has approximately 80 campsites with water and electrical hookups and 20 primitive campsites. Amenities at Fairview Riverside also include a playground, bike trails, and fishing along the Tchefuncte, as well as beautiful views of sprawling oak and cypress trees curtained with Spanish moss and the Otis House Museum. It is also 5 minutes from quaint downtown Madisonville and offers a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere to bond with your family.Best places to go camping in Louisiana

Bogue Chitto State Park {17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton} :: Nestled in the hilly terrain of Franklinton, Bogue Chitto State Park is fairly new as it opened in 2010. This state park is beautiful and has plenty for visitors to explore, such as equestrian trails, hiking, a water playground, a beach along the Bogue Chitto River, and even Fricke’s Cave, which is a gorge with delicate sandstone formations. Camping amenities include campgrounds in both the upland forest and bottomland forest, with some sites along the Bogue Chitto River. All sites have electrical and water hookups, some in the Bottomland area also have sewer hookups. Also, there are cabins for rent as well as picnic pavilions, a meeting center, and a lodge overlooking the bluff among all that the park has to offer. Guided horseback riding is available through Bogue Chitto Horse Rentals.

Tickfaw State Park {27225 Patterson Road, Springfield} :: Deep in the swamp along the Tickfaw River, Tickfaw State Park offers over a mile of boardwalks  and many hiking trails through the natural setting of a cypress-tupelo swamp along with a playground, water playground, canoeing, and biking opportunities. Tickfaw offers 30 campsites equipped with water and electrical hookups as well as 20 campsites with just water hookups and also nicely appointed cabins and a group camp as well as picnic pavilions. Also, Tickfaw State Park is one of 110 sites included on the Louisiana Natural Registry for its well maintained natural habitat. Camping near New Orleans doesn’t get better than Tickfaw. Check out a local Baton Rouge mom’s thorough review here.

Bayou Segnette State Park {7777 Westbank Expressway, Westwego} :: A quick 30 minute drive across the river in Westwego, Bayou Segnette is a great park to experience the great outdoors of Louisiana without being too far from home. Bayou Segnette offers several playgrounds, hiking, picnicking, both saltwater & freshwater fishing, and a wave pool which is open during the summer months. Although it is near the city, Bayou Segnette is like a world all its own with its unique natural setting. Bayou Segnette offers 98 campsites with both sewer & electrical hookups, and the pools are opened from Memorial Day through August 1st for extra summer fun.

St. Bernard State Park {501 St. Bernard Pkwy, Braithwaite} :: Only 18 miles from the city of New Orleans and along the Mississippi River, St. Bernard State Park provides a natural atmosphere without having to be too far from the city. This is camping near New Orleans while still basically being in the city itself! The park includes a water playground, swimming pool, playgrounds, and hiking trails as well as nearby Jackson Barracks and the Chalmette National Historical Park are also nearby. Camping amenities include 50 campsites with both water & electrical hookups.

Grand Isle State Park {Admiral Cralk Drive, Grand Isle} :: Right along the Gulf of Mexico on the “Isle of Plenty,” Grand Isle State Park is a great location to camp for a beach visit, fishing, or just relaxing with a sea breeze and the sound of crashing waves. Featuring 49 campsites with both electric and water hookups, and 10 Beachside tent campsites, Grand Isle State Park is a great destination to spend time in the surf of the Gulf of Mexico. You can enjoy surf fishing, boating, a nice day playing the soft sand of the beach, or even dropping your crab traps for a delicious seafood dinner. CLOSED DUE TO HURRICANE IDA UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Palmetto Island State Park {19501 Pleasant Road, Abbeville :: Opened in 2010, Palmetto Island State Park is a fairly new and offers a beautifully appointed natural landscape for visitors. Amenities include a 7-mile hiking trail, biking, canoe rentals, a water playground,  fishing, and 96 spacious and wooded campsites with electrical and water hookups as well as 30 primitive campsites. There are also several cabins available for overnight stays in this beautiful park surrounded by its namesake, the dwarf palmetto.

Lake Fausse Point State Park {5400 Levee Road, St. Martinville} :: Once the home of the Chitimacha Indians, Lake Fausse State Park boasts a remote location, sure to fully connect you with the outdoors with little outside distraction. This state park is loaded with hiking, biking, and canoe trails and also offers great opportunities for fishing and bird watching. It is also near the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site and offers 50 campsites with both electric & water hookups, canoe and backpacking campsites, as well as well appointed 18 lakefront cabins.

Privately Owned Kid-Friendly Campgrounds in Louisiana

Tangi Pines Family Campground :: 46049 Highway 445, Robert Tangi Pines Family Campground features 450+ wooded campsites, 75 cabin rentals available, swimming pools, fishing ponds, game room, mini golf, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals, RV storage, playground, wet “spray”ground, basketball court, baseball field, laundry facilities, store, and propane filling is available. Tangi Pines Family Campground also frequently hosts fun themed weekends and most have a live band or DJ. This is an always popular choice for camping near New Orleans.

**NOTE :: Effective February 2023, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is no longer a part of the Yogi system and has rebranded to Tangi Pines Family Campground. Recreational activities will continue as always without character interactions. Same staff and owners. Same level of Service.

Indian Creek Campground {53013 W. Fontana Road, Independence} :: Not too far off Interstate 55, Indian Creek is an adorable small campground with loads of fun for the family. Throughout the year, their calendar includes theme weekends for holidays and other fun. Halloween is always a blast at Indian Creek where they feature 3-4 weekends of trick or treating, contests for costumes, campsite decorations, and even pumpkin decorating contests along with fun games like pennies in a haystack, an egg toss, and more. Other campground amenities include paddle boating, canoeing, bike riding, hiking, playgrounds, a spray pad and swimming pool along with campsites with electric, water, and sewer hookups OR primitive campsites. For even more adventure, you can hike down to the Natalbany River to cool off or collect so pretty cool rocks in the crystal clear water.

Land O’ Pines Family Campground {7145 Million Dollar Road, Covington} :: About an hour from New Orleans, Land O’ Pines Family Campground has oodles of family fun year round. Their calendar has themed weekends and activities all year featuring Easter egg hunts, July 4th fireworks, Halloween trick or treating, and more. Other campground amenities include a water slide, sandy beach along a shallow creek, a swimming pool, miniature golf, foam parties, a playground and more. Campsites include some with all major hookups, wifi and cable, and others are simplified with just water & electrical hookups. There are also cabins and RV’s for rent, and there is something for everyone at Land O’ Pines.where to camp in a tent in Louisiana

Sweetwater Campground & Ranch {57056 N. Cooper Road, Loranger} :: If you are interested in camping somewhere with a little touch of the Wild West, head on over to Sweetwater Campground! Sweetwater is a quiet family campground is also working ranch with horseback riding! Amenities also include a pool, free wifi, full hookups, a playground, a fishing pond and lots to explore.

Natalbany Creek Campground {30218 Highway 16, Amite} :: A little further north of Hammond, you can spend a weekend full of family fun at Natalbany Creek Campground where they have lots of family fun. Like many other campgrounds, Natalbany Creek also features themed events for holidays as well as amenities such as a pool, spray park, a stocked fishing pond, and their Great Xscape Arcade featuring current arcade games. All campsites include level concrete pads and full hookups for your RV.

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort {formerly Cajun Palms RV Resort} {1055 N. Barn Road, Henderson} :: Right off the Whiskey Bay Bridge in the heart of Cajun Country, you can head over to one of our favorite RV Resorts for the summer, which is the former Cajun Palms. Cajun Palms (now Camp Margaritaville) is a large, sprawling resort for RV campers that includes 3 large zero entry swimming pools, one with a tanning deck and a swim up bar, one with two large water slides, and a giant kid’s pool with many mini water slides and a shallow depth where parents can relax while their kids play to their hearts content. Other amenities include a hot tub, another bar, live music, a snack bar for the kiddos, a movie theater, playground, miniature golf, a stocked fishing pond and more. All sites include wifi, cable tv, and full hookups, and if you don’t have an RV, they also have 25 cabins for rent! “Our beach-style camping ground encompasses 452 RV sites, 91 luxury cabins, on-site dining, and countless family-friendly activities.”

Lake End Park {2300 LA 70, Morgan City} :: A beautiful park on Lake Palourde, Lake End Park offers a sandy beach, great fishing, and a beautiful atmosphere to spend a relaxing weekend in the outdoors. Campground amenities include a sandy beach for swimming, a beach, playground, and nearby attractions such as Brownell Memorial Park and the Carillon Tower. Campsites include full hookups; there are also tent sites and cabins available for rental.

Poche’s Fish n’ Camp {1080 Sawmill Road, Breaux Bridge} :: If you and your family love fishing, then Poche’s Fish N’ Camp will be a blast for your family. In Breaux Bridge, Poche’s boasts five ponds stocked with catfish, sacalait, bream, and catfish. Other amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, campsites with full hookups, and cabin rentals.

Frenchman’s Wilderness Campground {2026 Atchafalaya River Hwy, Butte La Rose} :: Located in the Atchafalaya Basin, Frenchman’s Wilderness is a campground that is sure to provide a relaxing and family oriented camping experience. Their events calendar includes many holiday celebrations, most notably, a Courir de Mardi Gras, along with Cajun cook-offs and more. Campground amenities include a pool, two playgrounds, miniature golf, and arcade and camp store. Campsites come with full hookups and there are also cabins for rent.the best places to go camping in Mississippi

Cajun RVera {713 NW Bypass, New Iberia} :: Near the Acadiana Fairgrounds and SugArena, Cajun RVera is another RV Resort that features a pool, lazy river and splash park for lots of family fun. They also offer live music shows on weekends and themed weekends with activities for holidays and other special occasions. Campsites are full hookups and also include wifi. There are also cabins available for rent. Camping near New Orleans with a lazy river? Yes, please!

Sun Outdoors New Orleans Northshore RV Resort {43234 Highway 445, Ponchatoula} :: Sun Outdoors New Orleans Northshore RV Resort (formerly Reunion Lake) is a great location to have a quick weekend getaway with your family. Amenities include campsites with full hookups, 2 pools, including one with a swim up bar; an amphitheater with evening movies, paddleboard rentals, fishing, a playground, and game room and it is only an hour from downtown New Orleans!

Fireside RV Resort {42053 Highway 445, Ponchatoula} :: Recently opened in 2021, Fireside RV Resort is located just one mile south of I-12 and is the perfect place for a weekend of family fun with all of the amenities of a resort campground with shade! They offer campsites with full hookups, as well as cabins available to rent. The lazy river is open from April through October with an adult pool and a swim-up bar, as well as a family pool overlooking the lake with kayaking, kids playground, and trivia and movie nights!

Bayou Wilderness RV Campground {600 North Wilderness Trail, Carencro} :: Centrally located, Lafayette is an ideal base for experiencing the heart of Cajun country. Bayou Wilderness rates include ALL advertised amenities. The sites all have full hook ups, pull through (water, sewer, cable, electricity, and Wifi). 

Camping in Mississippi and Alabama {Camping Near New Orleans}

Getaway Homochitto :: Within Homochitto National Forest, Getaway provides their guests the unique adventure of exploring nature without having to pitch a tent. “The Outpost,” as it is known, includes 40 tiny cabins, each one featuring a large picturesque window to make it feel like you are actually outdoors. The cabins come with everything you might need, including AC + heat, kitchen ware, a two-burner stove, plus a hot shower and private toilet. Getaway has both one and two bedroom cabins available. This is a great family-friendly option for camping near New Orleans, though you could also leave the kids at home.

Little Black Creek Campground {2159 Little Black Creek Road, Lumberton} :: Just an hour away from New Orleans, Little Black Creek is a well appointed campground with loads of family activities. Amenities include fishing, swimming or kayaking in their fully stocked lake; hiking, biking, a playground, zip line, equestrian trails, and disc golf. They also offer 100 RV campsites with full hookups or simple hookups along with primitive camping sites and 19 cabins for rent.

Flint Creek Water Park {1216 Parkway Drive, Wiggins} :: One of the first places I ever camped, Flint Creek is a great campground if you are looking for a true taste of the outdoors. The campground surrounds a 650 acre lake that includes opportunities for swimming, waterskiing, boating and fishing. Other amenities include the Splash of Fun Waterpark next door as well as hiking trails, bike riding, and scheduled events throughout the year.

Paul B. Johnson State Park {319 Geiger Lake Road, Hattiesburg} :: Just two hours north of New Orleans, Paul B. Johnson is a beautiful park on Lake Geiger full of beautiful pine forests. Activities are also widely available and include nature trails, playgrounds, a splash pad, a sandy beach and lake swimming, fishing and boating. The terrain is also hilly and is great for bike riding! They have over 100 campsites with full hookups, primitive camping options and also cabins for rent.

Percy Quin State Park {2036 Percy Quin Drive, McComb} :: The first place we ever camped as a family, Percy Quin is one of our favorite places to get away from it all. Just an hour and half from New Orleans, this park is a great place to enjoy nature. The campground surrounds beautiful Lake Tangipahoa, and there are lots of great activities that families can enjoy while visiting like boating, skiing, nature trails, tennis courts, and a swimming pool and playground. There is also an 18 hole golf course! All campsites come with full hookups and there are also many cabins for rent as well.

Lake Lincoln State Park {2573 Sunset Road NE, Wesson} :: A little over two hours north of New Orleans, this is another serene park that makes it easy to enjoy the great outdoors. The park surrounds its namesake,  Lake Lincoln which allows visitors to go fishing, boating, skiing, and even swimming on the lake’s sandy beach. Other activities include nature trails, biking, a playground, disc golf, and volleyball. Campsites include full hookups and there are also cabins available to rent.

Buccaneer State Park {1150 South Beach Blvd, Waveland} :: Just a quick drive from New Orleans in Waveland, Buccaneer State Park is a great place to escape to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a weekend getaway. Right on the Gulf of Mexico, Buccaneer has over 200 campsites with full hookups. Buccaneer also offers up great views of sunsets, a playground, pool, hiking trails, disc golf, and ample areas for bike riding. In the summer months, the Buccaneer Bay Water Park is also open for additional fun.

Gulf State Park {20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores, Alabama} :: A great place to enjoy the beach and the beginning of the Emerald Coast, Gulf State Park in Alabama is located right near the beach in Gulf Shores. Gulf State Park is our new favorite place to enjoy a beach vacation without spending a lot. Gulf State boasts a large pool, spray park, tennis courts, bike trails, hiking trails, and most importantly, private beach access. Campsites are large and equipped with full hookups; there are also cabins and cottages available. Gulf State Park is central to downtown Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and is a great way to enjoy a beach vacation while also enjoying the outdoors!

Have we missed anywhere else for camping near New Orleans?

4 COMMENTS

  1. I stayed at Yogi Bear in Robert two years ago,2014 and was not impressed.Pool area needs fixing and the cabins were awful.Poorly equipped and dirty .Will not return there.

  2. Want to camp near New Orleans the week after Christmas to visit the WWII Museum. Do you have recommendations for close proximity to New Orleans but we like to be out where we can enjoy nature, prefer being near water. Thanks!

  3. You didn’t mention Bay Hide Away in Mississippi. Just 40 minutes to the French Quarter and close to beaches and shopping

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