10 Scenic Places To Camp In Louisiana This Summer

Grab the tent and cooler, because summer is calling for a few nights under open skies.

Louisiana makes camping wonderfully varied with lakes, forests, coastal escapes, wildlife, paddling, and inviting waterfront settings.

Some destinations make fishing the star of the weekend, while others offer trails, swimming, or relaxing days near camp.

Cabins and RV facilities also give travelers different ways to enjoy the outdoors. That flexibility makes planning easy for families, couples, and groups with different camping styles.

Every location brings its own reason to stay an extra night. Pack the outdoor essentials and choose your favorite setting.

A refreshing summer escape could be closer than you expected.

1. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville

Have you given any thought to trading traffic noise for the sound of water lapping a sandy shore? A short drive across the causeway drops you into oak shade and gentle breezes.

Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville sits right on Lake Pontchartrain, complete with a sandy beach for swimming. Deer wander casually through the camping loops, often pausing to stare back at you.

Massive live oaks wear Spanish moss like curtains, creating natural canopies over picnic tables. More than 400 bird species have been recorded inside the park boundaries. Bring binoculars, because birding here rewards patience.

Brick ruins of a sugar mill from 1829 still stand near the trails. The land was once a working plantation before it became public parkland. A section of the paved Tammany Trace runs through, so cycling to nearby towns is easy.

The lake is technically an estuary, mixing fresh and salty water. That means anglers catch a surprising variety of fish from the same shoreline. Paddlers enjoy calm mornings before the wind picks up.

Nature trails include interpretive signs naming local trees and shrubs. An all-inclusive playground keeps younger campers busy for hours.

Overnight choices run from tent pads to RV sites with full hookups. Deluxe cabins perch above the water, some with stairs leading straight down.

Set your compass toward 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, and let history and shoreline share the weekend.

2. Chicot State Park, Ville Platte

I am still trying to wrap my head around how much water one park can hold. Two thousand acres of lake spread out between rolling woodlands, and it never seems to end.

Chicot State Park near Ville Platte ranks as the largest state park in Louisiana. The Louisiana State Arboretum sits inside its boundaries, showing off native plants along labeled walking paths.

Those paths make plant identification simple, even for beginners. Golf cart rentals help families cover more ground without wearing everyone out. Seasonal shifts bring new wildlife, including bald eagles during cooler months.

An 8-mile canoe trail is the real showstopper. Paddlers weave through cypress and tupelo gum trees wrapped in moss. Alligators sun themselves on logs, and wading birds stalk the shallows.

Anglers do well here too. Largemouth bass and crappie are steady catches from boat or bank.

Twenty miles of hiking trails ring the lake, so you can walk a short loop or plan a multi-day trek. Backcountry sites along the shoreline work on a first-come basis.

Cabins sit close to the water, and several include central air conditioning, which matters in July. A water playground runs seasonally from April through October and cools kids down fast.

The address is 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte. Pack your paddle and let the cypress swamp show you its quiet side.

3. North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle

Imagine for a second casting a line while a bald eagle circles overhead. That combination happens often on this stretch of northwest Louisiana shoreline.

North Toledo Bend State Park near Zwolle rests in rolling pine forest along the enormous Toledo Bend Reservoir. Eagle nests sit within sight of the campground, and the birds feed on the reservoir’s abundant fish.

The park covers more than 900 acres, leaving plenty of room to roam. Hiking and biking trails thread through the pines and open onto shoreline views.

Anglers get serious support here. A double-ramp boat launch speeds up mornings, boat rentals help travelers without a trailer, and a fish cleaning station handles the rest. Toledo Bend consistently ranks among the top bass fisheries in the country.

Camping includes 63 sites suited to tents and RVs. Many are well shaded and tucked apart for privacy, with water and electric hookups available.

Log cabins bring extra comfort, complete with fireplaces and loft sleeping areas for the kids. The visitor center complex adds an Olympic-size swimming pool, which is welcome relief in August.

A laundry facility makes longer stays practical, especially for road-tripping families.

You will find the entrance at 2907 N Toledo Park Rd, Zwolle. Come for the fishing, stay for the pine-scented quiet that settles in after dark.

4. South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco

Call me crazy, but I would drive hours just for these evening colors on the water. The sky goes orange, then pink, then a deep purple that lingers.

South Toledo Bend State Park in Anacoco sits on low bluffs above Toledo Bend Reservoir. Campsites rest under mature trees, so shade arrives early and stays late.

Bald eagles nest in the surrounding woods, so keep your eyes on the treetops. Largemouth bass and catfish are plentiful, and tournaments draw anglers from across the region.

A two-lane boat ramp keeps launches smooth, and a cleaning station handles the day’s catch.

Improved campsites include water and electrical hookups, while primitive tent sites keep things simple. Several waterfront sites include large wooden decks, ideal for morning coffee with a lake view.

A 3,000-foot nature trail loops near the visitor center, where exhibits explain local wildlife. Hiking, cycling, and birding fill the hours between fishing trips.

Riders can tackle nearly 10 miles of designated off-highway vehicle trails across rocky terrain. Helmets are required, so pack accordingly.

Deluxe cabins sleep up to eight, making group weekends easy to organize. A few sit close enough to the shoreline for quick paddling access.

Point your GPS to 120 Bald Eagle, Anacoco. Bring a camera, because those sunsets deserve more than a phone snapshot.

5. Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline

Lake Bistineau State Park in Doyline occupies the lake’s western shore, backed by upland mixed hardwood forest. Cypress and tupelo trees create a wild, shadowy atmosphere near the waterline.

Here is a fun bit of history. The lake formed over 200 years ago thanks to a massive log jam, and a permanent dam later shaped what you see now. Average depth hovers around seven feet.

Nearly 10 miles of woodland trails, including Willis Homestead and Koasati, wind through varied tree species. Bird populations shift with the seasons, which keeps birding interesting.

An 11-mile canoe trail invites longer paddles, and canoes or flat-bottom boats are available to rent.

Fishing starts strong as early as January. Black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, and bluegill all show up on stringers. Two boat launches spread out the crowds.

A waterfront disc golf course adds something different, and picnic areas come stocked with grills and tables.

Camping includes 61 sites with hookups, plus premium locations closer to the water. Seven deluxe cabins and a larger lodge round out the choices.

Head to 103 State Park Rd, Doyline, and let the swamp trees do the talking.

6. Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, Delhi

What if your cabin porch hung right over the water? Step outside, drop a line, and breakfast might catch itself.

Poverty Point Reservoir State Park in Delhi delivers exactly that setup, with waterfront cabins tucked among trees. The park circles a man-made 2,700-acre lake surrounded by Mississippi Delta bottomlands.

Fishing runs all year for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. Two boat launches and a marina simplify boating, and a pier plus cleaning station cover the details.

Because the park sits in the Mississippi Flyway, cormorants, ducks, and geese pass through in impressive numbers.

Rural farmland means very little light pollution. Night skies here go inky dark, revealing planets, moons, and the occasional meteor streak. Sunset watchers should linger for the afterglow before the stars take over.

Accommodations include deluxe cabins, lodges, and RV sites with full hookups. A water playground gives kids a cool break during hot afternoons.

A nature trail follows Bayou Macon, where Louisiana black bears occasionally roam. Bear-proof containers are provided, so use them for every scrap of trash.

The nearby Poverty Point World Heritage Site adds ancient earthen mounds roughly 3,000 years old to your itinerary.

Look for 1500 Poverty Point Pkwy, Delhi. Few campgrounds in the state serve up starlight quite this generously.

7. Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles

My jaw dropped the first time a trail curved and the river opened up beside me. Pines, lagoons, and slow brown water all sharing the same view.

Sam Houston Jones State Park north of Lake Charles spreads across 1,087 acres of woodlands, rivers, and lakes. The Calcasieu River forms its border, and wildlife takes full advantage.

The Riverwalk Trail stretches 1.6 miles along the river, offering shade and steady scenery. Hikers can also follow an old stagecoach road, watching for deer, squirrels, and the occasional alligator.

Birders count nearly 200 species here, many passing through on migration. Bald eagles show up regularly, especially during winter months.

Restoration work covers more than 70 acres of longleaf pine forest, protecting an iconic Southern tree.

Two boat launches open up the Calcasieu River system, and kayak rentals let you explore without hauling gear. Fishing stays popular from bank and boat alike.

Thirty RV sites include full hookups, all shaded enough for comfortable sleeping. Ten deluxe cabins suit families or groups, each with a screened porch and fireplace.

A path from every cabin leads down to a river dock, which makes early morning fishing almost too convenient. A new disc golf course is on the way. Find the gate at 107 Sutherland Rd, Lake Charles, and let the river set your pace.

8. Grand Isle State Park

Grand Isle State Park on Grand Isle in Jefferson Parish holds the state’s only Gulf beach inside a state park. You can pitch a tent close enough to hear the water all night.

Swimming stays comfortable much of the year, and surfers occasionally find rideable waves. More than 300 fish species live in these waters.

A 900-foot public fishing pier reaches out into the Gulf, the only one of its type in Louisiana. A cleaning station sits nearby for convenience.

Dolphins surface just past the dunes, and brown pelicans dive with total confidence. Birders regularly spot plovers, terns, and herring gulls along the sand.

Over three miles of hiking trails cross the dunes, and an observation tower reveals Grand Terre island plus the ruins of Fort Livingston.

Camping includes 49 premium pull-through RV sites with full hookups, plus 14 tent sites right on the beach. Fall and spring bring milder air and thinner crowds.

Dogs are not permitted on beach areas, so plan ahead. Every July, the Tarpon Rodeo fills the island with anglers. Salt-sprayed adventure waits at 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle.

9. Kisatchie Bayou Campground, Provencal

I had to do a double-take at the sight of rapids in Louisiana. Clear water tumbling over pale limestone ledges, with white sand beaches on both banks.

Kisatchie Bayou Campground near Provencal hides inside Kisatchie National Forest, offering secluded riverside camping. Natural swimming holes form between the small rapids, and the water runs surprisingly clear.

Kayaking and tubing work well on the gentle drops. Swimmers claim the deeper pools, while anglers pull catfish and bass from shaded bends.

Camping stays primitive, which is part of the appeal. Seventeen walk-in tent sites plus one drive-in site each include a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table. Vault toilets are the only restrooms.

Important detail: there is no potable water on site. Bring every drop you plan to drink and cook with. Trash receptacles sit near the parking area.

Old-growth hardwood and pine forest surrounds the campground, throwing shade across most sites. More than 30 miles of multi-use trails start nearby, good for hiking and biking.

Heavy vegetation creates a real wilderness feeling without requiring a full backpacking trip. Spring often shines brightest, with wildflowers blooming and migratory birds returning.

Summer works too, as long as you plan for heat and pack plenty of ice. Look for this rustic retreat at 229 Dogwood Park Road, Provencal, and leave the crowds far behind.

10. Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego

Let me be real for a second, camping near a big city rarely means swamp views. Yet here you are, minutes from a ferry ride into downtown New Orleans.

Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego mixes swamp and marsh ecosystems into one compact park. Alligators, turtles, and countless birds keep the scenery moving.

Boating and canoeing top the activity list, and a large launch opens access to the bayou. Because both salt and freshwater mingle nearby, catches vary widely.

Bass, catfish, redfish, trout, and perch all swim these waters. Anglers should pack tackle for a bit of everything.

A nature center features interactive displays covering local plants and animals. Three short hiking trails cut through the woods for quiet wildlife watching, while a paved loop suits bikes and strollers.

Camping includes 98 improved sites, each with a 50-foot slab, water and electrical hookups, a picnic table, grill, and fire ring.

The floating cabins steal the show. Built directly on the canal, they include screened porches and fishing stations, so you can cast from your own doorstep.

A wave pool normally operates during summer months, though it is currently closed for maintenance. Check ahead before promising the kids.

The park sits at 7777 Westbank Expy, Westwego. Swamp mornings and city evenings in one trip is a rare combination worth chasing.