Take a Last-Minute Louisiana Camping Trip

Fall and winter in Louisiana tend to be milder in temperature, not too hot and not too cold, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Even better, Louisiana’s state parks become more available once the spring and summer seasons are over. Put these two factors together, and you have a perfect opportunity for a last-minute camping trip on the water!

Starting up north, Poverty Point Reservoir State Park(link is external) lies on a 2,700-acre, man-made lake offering a scenic backdrop for a variety of water sports. Anglers can fish the lake year-round for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill and channel catfish. Overnight guests can choose from two-bedroom waterfront cabins, spacious lodges with loft bedrooms, or RV camping. Take a leisurely stroll on the nature trail and keep an eye out for a Louisiana black bear! Just a short drive away, pay a visit to the Poverty Point World Heritage Site(link is external), which features massive 3,000-year-old mounds and a museum filled with ancient artifacts that give a glimpse into the lives of those who lived there.

Along Louisiana’s western border, South Toledo Bend State Park(link is external) is located on several small bluffs that extend over and into the Toledo Bend Reservoir – offering a scenic, waterfront view from many vantage points. Get out on the water at the boat ramp area, cast a line, and enjoy a freshly-caught meal. While the reservoir is nationally recognized as a destination for bass fishing tournaments, visitors to the park can also enjoy other outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, cycling, birding, camping and more. Check out the park’s 3,000-foot surfaced nature trail and explore the area!

Across the state on the eastern border is Lake Bruin State Park(link is external). With over 3,000 acres of water surface on Lake Bruin, visitors to the park will enjoy unrivaled freshwater fishing, water sports and outdoor living. Rental boats, three large fishing piers, a year-round boat launch, and a boat shed for docking make things convenient for the casual or serious fisherman. Water sports and pleasure boating are also popular activities at Lake Bruin. Light up the barbeque grills and let the kiddos run wild on the playground areas.

On the southern tip of the state, Palmetto Island State Park(link is external) is located on the Vermilion River. A boat launch provides access to the river for fishing and boating, while the interior lagoons are perfect for a peaceful day of canoeing or kayaking. Overnight guests can stay in one of six vacation cabins, each sleeping up to 8 people comfortably. The cabins are outfitted with a full kitchen and bathroom, fireplaces for chilly winter evenings and a screened-in porch for listening to the sounds of Louisiana’s wildlife. 96 campsites are available for RV camping, with 20 sites including an extra tent camping pad for those who like to get a little closer to nature.

Pack up the family or grab a great group of friends and explore Louisiana’s great outdoors! Learn more at LouisianaTravel.com(link is external).

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