Louisiana is known for its vibrant culture, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, and lively music scene. But the state also boasts some spectacular natural beauty, from cypress swamps to sandy beaches. Camping is a fantastic way for families to unplug and enjoy quality time together outdoors.
Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, Louisiana has many family-friendly campgrounds to choose from. To help you plan your next family camping trip, we’ve compiled this list of the top 5 camping spots in Louisiana suitable for the whole family.
Introduction
Camping with kids can be a daunting task if you don’t pick the right destination. You want a place that offers plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained, while also providing the peaceful natural escapes parents crave. Louisiana’s state parks and campgrounds offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
From hiking trails to beaches, many of Louisiana’s campsites allow you to experience the state’s unique ecosystems up close. Kids can splash in the water, build sandcastles, fish, spot wildlife, and more. Meanwhile, mom and dad can relax under the shade of cypress trees or stargaze by the campfire at night.
To help you find the best fit for your family, here are 5 of the top family-friendly camping destinations in Louisiana.
1. Fontainebleau State Park
Nestled on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain just north of New Orleans, Fontainebleau State Park offers family campers access to sandy beaches, fishing, and peaceful hiking trails. The park has over 200 campsites, including RV and tent sites.
Kids will love swimming and playing in the calm, shallow waters along the beach. There’s also a large playground area featuring slides and climbing structures. Junior ranger programs provide fun and educational activities for kids focused on the local ecosystem.
Activities for Families:
- Swimming at the beach
- Fishing for crappie, bass, catfish, and bream
- Paddleboarding, boating, and kayaking on Lake Pontchartrain
- Wildlife viewing – look for pelicans, herons, turtles, raccoons, and owls
- Hiking the Live Oak and Trey Gillman nature trails
- Playing on the playground
- Attending junior ranger programs
With amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station, Fontainebleau State Park makes camping with the comforts of home easily accessible. The nearby city of Mandeville also provides additional family entertainment options.
2. Cypremort Point State Park
Situated on a narrow peninsula surrounded by Vermilion Bay, Cypremort Point State Park is a quieter, more remote camping option perfect for families looking to relax in nature.
The park features beaches, salt marshes, and picturesque views making it feel worlds away from city life. You can camp in the live oak forest or right along the beach in an RV or tent.
Activities for Families:
- Beach combing
- Fishing for speckled trout, redfish, and flounder
- Bird watching – look for pelicans, spoonbills, herons, terns, and more
- Kayaking through the marsh and bayous
- Hiking over 7 miles of nature trails
- Attending ranger-led programs at Camp Karankawa
- Playing disc golf on 9 hole course
The park also offers a swimming pool, playground, dog park, and bath houses so families can enjoy basic amenities and comforts while camping. With two nature trails, guided adventures, and uncertained terrain, Cypremort Point offers exciting opportunities for older kids.
3. Lake Bistineau State Park
Nestled in the piney hills of Northwest Louisiana, Lake Bistineau State Park surrounds a beautiful 14,000 acre reservoir ideal for water recreation. Families can enjoy fishing, watersports, swimming, and boating along this “Sportsman’s Paradise.”
Pine forests and sandy beaches surround the lake, creating the perfect environment for camping. The park offers over 200 campsites for tents and RVs. Some sites even come with electricity and water hookups.
Activities for Families:
- Fishing for largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie
- Boating, waterskiing, and jet skiing on the lake
- Splashing and swimming at the sandy beach
- Hiking and biking the 7+ miles of trails
- Birdwatching for herons, owls, woodpeckers, and more
- Attending interpretive programs at the nature center
- Playing mini golf, volleyball, and horseshoes at the recreation area
With a restaurant, convenience store, dump station, laundry facilities, and playground, Lake Bistineau State Park provides great amenities while you and your family enjoy the beautiful outdoors. The lake and sandy beach provide endless entertainment for kids young and old.
4. Chicot State Park
Nestled amidst cypress and tupelo swamplands, Chicot State Park offers beautiful bayous, lakes, and backwater areas perfect for families who enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming.
Over 100 campsites surround scenic Lake Chicot, the largest oxbow lake in North America. The park also features comfy cabins, 18-hole golf course, and arboretum.
Activities for Families:
- Fishing for crappie, catfish, bream and bass
- Boating, kayaking, and canoeing along bayous and backwater
- Swimming and playing at the beach and swim area
- Disc golf on an 18 basket course
- Mini golf at the recreation area
- Hiking over 15 miles of nature trails
- Biking through Spanish moss covered forest
Educational programs, sports courts, playgrounds, laundry, and hot showers provide extra family-friendly amenities. The park’s variety of ecosystems guarantees kids will stay engaged as they explore wetlands via boat, traverse hiking trails, and walk across suspension bridges.
5. Jimmie Davis State Park
Nestled on Caney Creek Reservoir in North Louisiana, Jimmie Davis State Park offers gorgeous scenery and family-friendly recreation.
Shady hardwood forests surround a 70 acre lake perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. The park provides 117 campsites for both RV and tent camping. Some waterfront sites even come with electricity and water hookups.
Activities for Families:
- Fishing for bass, bream, catfish, and crappie
- Paddling scenic Caney Creek Reservoir by boat, kayak or canoe
- Splashing and swimming from sandy beaches and swim platforms
- Hiking over 4 miles of nature trails and backcountry camping
- Biking the excellent path around the lake
- Geocaching and scavenger hunts
- Disc golf on the 9 hole course
With a bathhouse, laundry facilities, playground, and recreation hall, Jimmie Davis State Park has great amenities to make camping with kids even easier. The park also offers interpretive programs and guided lake tours so your family can fully appreciate the local wildlife.
foto: https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/jimmie-davis-state-park
Plan Your Next Family Camping Trip in Louisiana
Louisiana offers a wealth of options when it comes to family-friendly camping destinations. The state parks on this list allow you to experience Louisiana’s natural beauty up close while keeping the kids engaged.
From water activities to hiking trails, wildlife viewing and educational programs, there’s something for every family. Carefully review the amenities and recreation options for each park to decide which is the best match for your family’s interests and camping style.
Pack up the tent or RV and get ready for a fun outdoor adventure exploring all that Louisiana has to offer. Making lasting memories has never been easier camping at one of these top family destinations. The kids will sleep soundly after days packed with outdoor activities.
Now get out there and claim your perfect campsite this season! The sounds of birds, smells of nature, and unforgettable adventures await your family in the great outdoors.
