Louisiana has a lot of natural beauty to offer, and the best way to see that is by camping. There’s something nostalgic about pitching a tent with your family or friends, building a fire, and roasting marshmallows. There’s something to be said for cutting off technology and just admiring Mother Nature around you, don’t you think? Primitive camping in Louisiana is still all the rage – like it always has been – and what better time than right this very moment?

After all, sometimes you get a wild hair and decide that you’re going camping at a moment’s notice (like right now). Luckily, there are several campgrounds in Louisiana that would love to have you spend a few days with them, and we’ve featured a few of them below. While the campgrounds below usually will have a spot for you, keep in mind that during peak times and holidays, it’s best to call ahead and make a reservation.

1. Land-O-Pines Campground
17145 Million Dollar Rd, Covington, LA 70435, USA
Land-O-Pines Family Campground/Facebook
Because of its iconic water slide attraction, Land-O-Pines Campground has been a favorite of kids for generations. There’s also a game room with a pool table, foosball table, and old school arcade games. They’ve also got a family of goats that would love for you to visit them!
2. Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
privatemarked / Google
Immerse yourself in nature in this 6,400-acre state park. Lake Chicot offers great fishing for bass, crappie, and bluegill. There are also three boat launches and a boat rental facility. There’s a beautiful hiking trail that encircles the lake and you’ll see several campsites along the way. The trail is great for mountain biking, so bring your bike and enjoy the rolling hills of Chicot State Park.
3. New Orleans RV Resort & Marina
6001 France Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126, USA
Sabrina M./Yelp
You’ll think you’re in a tropical resort at New Orleans RV Resort & Marina, which is only 15 minutes away from the French Quarter. The gated resort has several RV sites as well as many cottages you can rent, which offer beautiful water views. There aren’t any primitive campsites at this location, so just be aware of that if you drop in.
4. Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
Poverty Point, Louisiana 71266, USA
Sandy G. / Google
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park is situated right on the water and features eight cabins, four lodges, and over fifty campsites, so you can be pretty confident that if you roll in unannounced, they'll be able to accommodate you. The park has great hiking trails, a water playground, even a beach area. Locals will tell you it’s the perfect spot to catch some largemouth bass, black crappie, and channel catfish. The reservoir also lends itself to being a popular spot for migrating birds, so keep your eyes peeled.
5. Sam Houston Jones State Park
Sam Houston Jones State Park, 107 Sutherland Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70611, USA
crt.state.la.us
Pitch your tent right along the waterline here at Sam Houston Jones State Park. The 1087-acre park features three hiking trails, a boat launch, and numerous chances to see wildlife. Depending on the time of year that you visit, there could be up to 200 species of migratory birds.

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6. Grand Isle State Park
Grand Isle State Park, 36 E Shore S, Grand Isle, VT 05458, USA
Doug S. / TripAdvisor
Editor's note: Unfortunately, Grand Isle State Park received significant damage from Hurricane Ida and is closed until further notice. Visit the Louisiana State Parks website for the most up-to-date information regarding this park.

The best part about Grand Isle State Park is camping right on the beach! Even if you’re in an RV, you’re not too far away from the water. What a lovely way to wake up, listening to the sounds of the crashing waves. Magnificent sunrises and sunsets, too!
7. Indian Creek Recreation Area
Ultra Rider / Google
Indian Creek Recreation Area, 100 Camp Ground Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Nikki Carter / Google
Perhaps the best little hidden gem in central Louisiana, the Indian Creek Recreation Area is located just south of Alexandria in the tiny town of Woodworth. Tiny but mighty, this park offers more than 100 campsites, three beaches, a boat launch, and excellent views of the Indian Creek Lake.
8. Tangi Pines Family Campground
Tangi Pines Family Campground, 46049 LA-445, Robert, LA 70455, USA
Jellystone Park Camp Resort/Facebook
With over 450 RV & Tent Campsites, you’re sure to find a place to stay at Tangi Pines Family Campground. If tent/RV camping isn’t your thing, there are over 70 cabin rentals to choose from. Guests can enjoy fishing ponds, swimming pools, splash pads, a basketball court, and a baseball field just to name a few things. You can also rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle boat and go out on your own water adventure.
9. Kisatchie National Forest
Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana 71433, USA
Brett Foster/AllTrails
There are five districts to Kisatchie National Forest: Calcasieu, Caney, Catahoula, Kisatchie, and Winn. Each offering their own campgrounds. Those looking to enjoy a quiet and peaceful setting underneath the shade of the tall pine trees will find these districts perfect for their needs. There are some campsites that are more glamorous than others, though all of them are fairly primitive (you are in the middle of the forest, after all).

If you have an RV, we’d highly recommend checking out Reunion Lake Campground, located in Tangipahoa Parish. Have you ever stayed overnight at any of these campgrounds in Louisiana? Where’s your favorite place to go primitive camping in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Primitive Camping in Louisiana

Jackie Sutherlin | June 18, 2019

What are some of the best campgrounds in Louisiana?

With 21 state parks and scores of private campgrounds in Louisiana, it’s safe to say you’re never too far away from a decent campground in Louisiana. If you prefer to stay in a cabin, we’d recommend one of the many state parks like Chicot State Park, Poverty Point State Park, or even Berry Creek Cabins in Franklinton. If primitive tent camping is your plan, you can’t go wrong with camping on the beach over at Grand Isle State Park.

Are you allowed to camp in state parks?

Camping is allowed at the majority of state parks in Louisiana. Each state park offers different camping accommodations, such as RV sites, primitive campsites, and/or cabins that are available for rent. It’s always a good idea to call the preferred destination ahead of time to make a state park camping reservation for your specified dates.

What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip?

When you decide to go on a camping trip, it’s best to remember all of the things you will need for the duration of your camping excursion. In addition to the basic necessities you may need like medication, food, and water, it’s also important to remember to bring bug spray, a first aid kit, and anything that might make your stay as comfortable as possible.

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