One of Louisiana’s “lucky” blue herons
Photo by: Pam Roth (Stock Exchange)

Howdy, AllCampgrounds fans! As promised, here’s a look at the best digs for tent camping around Louisiana.

Remember, all campsites throughout the state are currently open for business, so don’t be afraid to visit – you’ll be more than welcome! Last time, we did a whole slew of RV parks and campgrounds, so this time it’s on to tent camping.

And there are plenty of choices here, too!

Jellystone Park: The park named for the home of that famous talking bear is a wild wonderland for kids. During the summer camping season, you can get all day unlimited use of pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks, not to mention continuous access to the mini-golf course. With almost 400 individual camp grounds and nearly 100 cabins to rent, you’ll never be lonely or want for something to do at “Jellystone.” Kids can enjoy the Yogi Bear Fan Club or learn about social responsibility with the Jr. Ranger program, which encourages youngsters to get involved volunteering. As you can see from the official calendars, pretty much every day has events, with new themes every week!

Tchefuncte Campground: A great camping park with a funny name, Tchefuncte (chuh-FUNK-tuh) is found right on the 48-mile river called by the same handle. The center of camp life here is the terrific recreation center that often plays host to live bands. Between thrilling live shows, the place has much to offer hikers, swimmers, and anglers of all experience on the river. It’s also convenient to Fairview-Riverside State Park, with 100 campsites on just about as many acres. From Fairview-Riverside, you can get a close look at Louisiana’s precious wetland habitats.

Hidden Oaks Family Campground: Another top choices for families and campers of all ages, providing a full docket of weekend bands with a bayou flavor and week-long events rocking local and national holidays around the calendar. Come by for the Mardi Gras celebration, annual H.O.G. rally, the Strawberry Festival, or a delicious crawfish boil, among many more. Tent camping abounds no matter your preference, with sites offering electrical hookups or plain “primitive” camping year ‘round. RVs are welcome, too!

Kinkaid Lake at Kisatchie National Forest: With a beautiful lakeside setting nestled within the 604,000 acre pine-covered hills of Kisatchie National Forest, Kinkaid Lake is one of the most inviting public camp grounds in the state of Louisiana. There are plenty of sites to choose from whether you want to enjoy miles and miles of forested hiking trails, equestrian riding, or fishing. Kisatchie is peppered with lakes serviced by totally modern camp grounds with equally modern flush toilets for your “camping bathroom.” Planning a reunion or get-together? Kisatchie is a perfect choice for group use.

One of Louisiana’s iconic residents, the local gator
Photo by: Pam Roth (Stock Exchange)

Good morning, campers! In an earlier post here on AllCampgrounds, we discussed the ongoing oil spill situation in the Gulf states. As a Florida resident, this means a lot to me and so, I’d like shine the spotlight on some prime camp grounds around the Gulf, starting with Louisiana.

This state sure has overcome some troubles in the last few years, but the locals’ resilience, spirit, and humor has seen them through it all. And now, they could sure use a visit from all of us campers! Just to shake things up a bit, we’ll start with RV camp grounds.

Tent camping? You’ll get to see your home away from home next time!

Betty’s RV Park: Betty’s RV Park prides itself on the cozy, community atmosphere that it offers visitors, with 17 RV sites. Found in south central Louisiana, it stands at the crossroads of some of the best Cajun country restaurants in the state. Beware, though, that Betty’s is an “adults only” establishment; it’s one of the only RV parks I’ve seen that offers “happy hour” in an enclosed lounge with top local cuisine. With plenty of great galleries and testimonials on the website, you can really get the flavor of the place.

Lakeside RV Park: Claiming the title of “south Louisiana’s favorite RV park”, Lakeside offers more than just RV camping grounds. With fishing, swimming, activity pavilions, and playgrounds for both kids and pets, travelers have everything they need for a great vacation. There are 139 RV sites here with total 30 and 50 amp hookups; and if you happen to swing by without your trusty rig, you can also choose from a selection of fully stocked cabins. Sightseeing opportunities include Civil War-era estates, world-class golf courses, casinos, and the one-of-a-kind city of Baton Rouge.

Abbeville RV Park: Located around the same vicinity as Betty’s above, Abbeville RV benefits from the same exposure to Cajun culture and hospitality. The park offers 55 sites in a shady, secluded setup that’ll make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a wilderness paradise – even though it’s only two short miles from its namesake city. You can also enjoy a mile-long nature trail. Staying at Abbeville, Betty’s, or any other south Louisiana camp grounds? You should also check out the Vermillion Parish tourism website (“The Most Cajun Place on Earth!”) for local events and festivities, which are plentiful!

Cajun Palms RV Resort: Are you a fan of camping RV resorts? Cajun Palms, out of St. Martin Parish in southwest Louisiana, might be for you. With 300 “deluxe” sites for RVs, you’ll enjoy full hookups and special features like digital cable, fishing pond, hot tub, exercise room, an arcade, and a pool complete with beverage service. Twenty “themed” cabins run the gamut of tastes from Harley-Davidson and NASCAR to safari, crawfish, and even Disney themes. Once again, take a peek at the St. Martin Parish tourism site for things to see and do while you’re based in Cajun Palms.