Best Campgrounds in Louisiana

Louisiana, with its mysterious swamps, cypress forests, and vibrant cultural heritage, offers camping experiences unlike anywhere else in America. From the tranquil shores of Toledo Bend to the wild bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin, the Pelican State’s campgrounds invite outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in its unique natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking the comfort of full-hookup RV sites or the adventure of primitive camping, Louisiana’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable outdoor experiences. Let’s explore some of the best campgrounds this southern state has to offer.

Fontainebleau State Park

Number of Campsites: 157
Reservation Website: ReserveLouisiana.gov
Address: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448

Nestled along the peaceful shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau State Park stands as a testament to Louisiana’s natural splendor. Moss-draped oak trees create a canopy of green above, their twisted branches reaching toward the sky like ancient guardians of the land. The morning light filters through this verdant ceiling, casting dappled shadows across the well-maintained campsites scattered throughout the park.

The campground offers a perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. RV enthusiasts will appreciate the full-hookup sites, while tent campers can find their own slice of paradise with plenty of level spots to pitch their temporary homes. As the sun sets, the chorus of cicadas and frogs creates nature’s soundtrack, a lullaby unique to southern Louisiana.

What truly sets Fontainebleau apart is its accessibility to both natural wonders and cultural experiences. A short hike from your campsite leads to remnants of an old sugar mill, its brick skeleton a reminder of the area’s rich history. The park’s beach area invites campers to dip their toes in Lake Pontchartrain’s waters, while the fishing pier extends like a finger into the vast lake, promising patient anglers a chance at speckled trout or redfish.

Trails wind through the park, offering glimpses of white-tailed deer, armadillos, and countless bird species. The nearby Tammany Trace, a 31-mile paved trail, beckons cyclists to explore beyond the park’s boundaries. And when the call of civilization beckons, the charming town of Mandeville lies just minutes away, offering cafés, restaurants, and shops steeped in local flavor.

Kisatchie National Forest – Beaver Dam Campground

Number of Campsites: 67
Reservation Website: Recreation.gov
Address: Forest Road 386, Kisatchie National Forest, Winnfield, LA 71483

Deep in Louisiana’s only national forest lies Beaver Dam Campground, a hidden gem for those seeking solitude among towering pines and hardwoods. Here, the modern world feels distant as the forest embraces visitors in its green embrace. The campground sits along Beaver Dam Creek, its clear waters a rarity in a state known for its murky swamps and bayous.

Morning brings a mystical quality to the forest as tendrils of fog weave between tree trunks and dissipate with the rising sun. The campsites, spacious and well-designed, offer privacy without isolation. Each site features a fire ring and picnic table, essential elements for evening gatherings beneath the stars that shine with surprising brilliance in this remote location.

The surrounding Kisatchie National Forest offers over 600,000 acres of outdoor playground. Hikers can lose themselves (figuratively) on the network of trails that showcase the region’s diverse ecosystems. The nearby Longleaf Vista provides panoramic views of the forest’s rolling hills, a surprising topographical feature in a state often characterized by its flatness.

Wildlife abounds here—listen for the distinctive call of the red-cockaded woodpecker, watch for wild turkeys strutting through clearings, or glimpse the flash of a white-tailed deer disappearing into the underbrush. For water enthusiasts, the creek offers opportunities for fishing and wading, its gentle current a soothing backdrop to days spent in nature’s embrace.

The campground’s relative isolation means minimal light pollution, making it a paradise for stargazers. As night falls, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, a celestial highway guiding dreams of tomorrow’s adventures.

Grand Isle State Park

Number of Campsites: 49
Reservation Website: ReserveLouisiana.gov
Address: 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358

At Louisiana’s edge, where land surrenders to the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Isle State Park offers a coastal camping experience unlike any other in the state. Here, the rhythmic sound of waves replaces the usual symphony of swamp creatures, and salt-tinged breezes carry the promise of maritime adventures.

The campground stretches along a beautiful beach, with sites positioned to capture stunning views of the gulf. Watching the sun rise over the water becomes a morning ritual, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange that reflect off the gentle waves. Beach camping comes with its unique challenges—the omnipresent sand and occasional strong winds—but the reward of falling asleep to ocean sounds makes any minor inconvenience worthwhile.

Grand Isle serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers, especially during spring and fall migrations. The park’s observation tower provides an elevated vantage point from which to spot pelicans, frigatebirds, herons, and countless other species that find sanctuary on this barrier island.

Fishing enthusiasts consider Grand Isle hallowed ground, with opportunities for surf fishing steps from your tent or a short drive to one of several fishing piers. The annual Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo draws anglers from across the country, but any day can yield impressive catches of speckled trout, redfish, or flounder.

Despite feeling worlds away from urban life, the small community of Grand Isle offers restaurants serving fresh seafood and markets where campers can purchase the day’s catch to prepare over their campfire. This blend of wilderness and accessibility makes Grand Isle State Park a unique destination for those seeking coastal adventures without venturing far from civilization.

Chicot State Park

Number of Campsites: 198
Reservation Website: ReserveLouisiana.gov
Address: 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586

Centered around a 2,000-acre artificial lake, Chicot State Park provides a lush, verdant retreat in central Louisiana. The park’s diverse ecosystem encompasses hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, and bottomland hardwoods, creating a mosaic of habitats that support an incredible variety of plant and animal life.

The campground wraps around portions of Lake Chicot, with many sites offering direct views of the water. Waking up to mist hovering over the lake’s surface becomes a magical daily occurrence, the quietude broken only by the occasional splash of a fish or call of a waterfowl. Both developed and primitive camping options exist, catering to various comfort levels and wilderness preferences.

What truly distinguishes Chicot is its extensive trail system, including the 20-mile hiking trail that circumnavigates the lake. This path takes adventurous hikers through diverse terrain, from upland pine forests to lowland cypress swamps, with footbridges spanning water features and boardwalks traversing wetlands. Along the way, interpretive signs explain the ecological significance of different areas, turning a hike into an educational experience.

The Louisiana State Arboretum, located within the park boundaries, adds another dimension to Chicot’s appeal. This 600-acre preservation area showcases native trees and plants, with well-marked paths allowing visitors to develop a deeper appreciation for Louisiana’s flora.

Lake Chicot itself serves as the park’s centerpiece and primary recreation area. Anglers can pursue largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, while paddlers explore the lake’s numerous coves and inlets. Boat rentals are available for those without their own equipment, making aquatic adventures accessible to all visitors.

As evening approaches, the campground comes alive with the scent of campfires and the sounds of families gathering after days filled with exploration. The stars emerge overhead, perhaps not as brilliant as in more remote locations but beautiful nonetheless, a fitting end to days spent connecting with Louisiana’s natural wonders.

Lake Claiborne State Park

Number of Campsites: 87
Reservation Website: ReserveLouisiana.gov
Address: 225 State Park Rd, Homer, LA 71040

In northern Louisiana, Lake Claiborne State Park offers a different perspective on the state’s outdoor opportunities. Here, away from the swamps and bayous that dominate Louisiana’s southern regions, piney woods surround a 6,400-acre reservoir known for its clear waters and excellent fishing.

The campground features spacious sites nestled among tall pines that provide welcome shade during hot summer months. Many sites offer views of the lake, its blue waters contrasting beautifully with the green forest. The well-maintained facilities include modern bathhouses and full hookups for RVs, while still maintaining a natural setting that feels removed from everyday concerns.

Morning comes gently to Lake Claiborne, with sunlight filtering through pine needles and the occasional deer wandering between campsites. The lake beckons water enthusiasts with its clean, clear waters—a rarity in Louisiana—providing ideal conditions for swimming, water skiing, and fishing. The park maintains a designated swimming area with a sandy beach, perfect for families with children who want to splash in safety.

Anglers revere Lake Claiborne for its populations of largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and bream. Fishing piers provide access for those without boats, while a launch ramp accommodates those who bring their own vessels. The lake’s numerous coves and inlets create diverse fishing environments, increasing chances for a successful day on the water.

Hiking trails meander through the woods surrounding the lake, offering glimpses of wildlife and seasonal wildflowers. Mountain biking is permitted on designated trails, adding another recreational option for active visitors. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, bird watching proves rewarding with woodpeckers, warblers, and waterfowl making frequent appearances.

Evening brings a sense of community to the campground as the scent of grilling food mingles with pine-scented air. Campers gather to share stories of the day’s adventures while watching spectacular sunsets paint the sky over Lake Claiborne, a perfect end to days spent in this northern Louisiana paradise.

Bogue Chitto State Park

Number of Campsites: 81
Reservation Website: ReserveLouisiana.gov
Address: 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438

In the northeastern corner of Louisiana’s “toe,” Bogue Chitto State Park showcases a side of the Pelican State many visitors never experience. Here, small streams cut through rolling hills, creating a landscape more reminiscent of neighboring Mississippi than typical Louisiana lowlands. The Bogue Chitto River, with its sandy shores and gentle current, serves as the park’s central feature and primary attraction.

The campground offers a mix of premium RV sites with full hookups and more rustic options for those seeking a closer connection to nature. Unique to Bogue Chitto are the park’s deluxe cabins and distinctive “treehouses”—elevated cabins built on stilts amid the forest canopy, providing an unforgettable accommodation experience for those seeking something beyond traditional camping.

Mornings in the park begin with sunlight streaming through the forest, illuminating the understory and welcoming early risers to a new day of adventure. The park’s 14 miles of equestrian trails invite horseback riders to explore, while hikers and mountain bikers have their own designated paths winding through diverse ecosystems.

Water defines much of the Bogue Chitto experience. The park features a water playground for children, but the natural waterways provide the true aquatic highlights. Tubing down the river has become a signature activity, with visitors floating lazily along, perhaps spotting turtles sunning themselves on partially submerged logs or herons stalking fish in shallow waters.

For nature enthusiasts, the park’s bottomland hardwood forests harbor diverse wildlife and plant species. Naturalist programs offered regularly help visitors identify animal tracks, understand forest ecosystems, and appreciate the subtle interactions between species that keep these environments thriving.

As daylight fades, the forest canopy frames the emerging stars, and the soothing sounds of flowing water accompany campers into dreams of tomorrow’s adventures. Bogue Chitto’s unique blend of upland and lowland features creates an outdoor experience that defies typical Louisiana stereotypes while showcasing the state’s surprising ecological diversity.

South Toledo Bend State Park

Number of Campsites: 55
Reservation Website: ReserveLouisiana.gov
Address: 120 Bald Eagle Rd, Anacoco, LA 71403

Perched along the shores of massive Toledo Bend Reservoir, South Toledo Bend State Park offers campers access to a world-class fishery and stunning water views. The reservoir, stretching along the Louisiana-Texas border, holds the title of largest man-made body of water in the South and fifth largest in the United States. Its vastness creates horizons where water meets sky, producing sunsets that seem to set the world ablaze with color.

The campground sits atop a bluff overlooking the reservoir, providing spectacular views from many sites. Pull-through RV spaces with full hookups satisfy those seeking comfort, while tent sites allow for a more traditional camping experience. Modern bathhouses and laundry facilities add convenience without detracting from the natural setting.

Fishing dominates activities at Toledo Bend, with bass tournaments regularly drawing competitors from across the country. The reservoir’s reputation for producing trophy largemouth bass is well-deserved, but crappie, white bass, and catfish also thrive in its waters. For campers without boats, fishing piers extend into the reservoir, while serious anglers appreciate the well-maintained boat launch facilities.

When not fishing, visitors enjoy the park’s hiking trails that wind through forests of pine and hardwoods, occasionally emerging at scenic overlooks offering panoramic views of the reservoir. Birdwatchers find paradise here, particularly during winter months when bald eagles nest in the area, their majestic forms soaring against blue skies or perched in tall pines along the shoreline.

As evening approaches and the day’s heat dissipates, the campground comes alive with activity. Children ride bikes along paved roads, families gather for meals at lakeside picnic areas, and couples stroll along the water’s edge. Night brings a profound silence broken only by the occasional splash of a jumping fish or call of a night bird, a peaceful end to days spent enjoying one of Louisiana’s premier outdoor destinations.

Final Thoughts About Camping in Louisiana

Louisiana’s campgrounds offer diverse experiences, from coastal beaches to pine forests, cypress swamps to rolling hills. Each provides a unique window into the state’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re seeking solitude, family adventure, or a base for exploring Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage, these campgrounds deserve a place on your camping bucket list. Pack your gear, embrace the adventure, and discover why Louisiana’s outdoor spaces continue to captivate visitors year after year.