Avery Island sits on a salt dome that rises 163 feet above the surrounding wetlands. The area receives 62 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation around the Gulf Coast marshland. Campgrounds near Avery Island maintain operating hours year-round, though summer conditions can be extremely humid with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Fausse Pointe State Park Campground offers multiple water access points where visitors can catch bass and other freshwater species. One camper noted, "We were able to kayak through a lot of water areas as well! The park rents canoes for people to use if you don't have your own."
Hiking trails: Palmetto Island State Park Campground features multiple walking paths through bottomland hardwood forest. According to a reviewer, "The hiking trails are well maintained and easy to follow! We were able to kayak through a lot of water areas as well!" Trails range from 0.5 to 2 miles in length and are rated easy to moderate.
Wildlife observation: Cypremort Point State Park Campground provides birding opportunities along Vermillion Bay. A visitor mentioned, "Birding is good. VERY quiet in off season. Locked gate and feels safe." The park features a fishing pier extending into the Gulf of Mexico waters.
What campers like
Level, spacious sites: At Palmetto Island State Park Campground, the camping areas offer exceptional privacy. A camper reported, "All the spaces have electric, water and sewer. The spaces are nice and wide, are on gravel, and very level. Nice privacy between them as well."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-serviced amenities. As one visitor to Palmetto Island noted, "The showers were very nice and clean and there was a laundry facility with a book exchange. Inexpensive laundry $1.75 for each wash and dry."
Natural landscape: Lake Fausse Pointe State Park Campground preserves the native ecosystem. A reviewer explained, "We were able to kayak through a lot of water areas as well! The hiking trails are well maintained and easy to follow!" The park contains cypress trees and aquatic vegetation typical of Louisiana wetlands.
What you should know
Weather conditions: Summer months bring intense heat and humidity. According to a Lake Fausse Pointe visitor, "May try again when it cools down." Temperature regularly exceeds 90°F between June and September.
Insect activity: Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout camping areas. A Lake Fausse Pointe camper advised, "Was unable to go far on walk due to the thick blanket of mosquitoes. I'm sure its nice once they arent so bad."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. At Palmetto Island State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "I guess the only negative thing I can say which really isn't the park's fault is the road getting into the park is in pretty poor shape for the last 3-4 miles."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. A Lake Fausse Pointe camper observed, "Also had absolutely no service with verizon, except for one or two spots (one on the trail and one in the canoe after paddling for an hour)." Many campgrounds have limited or no WiFi access.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Isle of Iberia RV Resort offers recreational amenities beyond standard campgrounds. A visitor shared, "The pool is great. The lazy river has a great current, the best I've experienced so far, RV campground wise."
Entertainment options: Palmetto Island State Park includes facilities specifically designed for younger campers. According to a reviewer, "Nice hiking trails and there is a splash pad and great playground for the kids. There's also a little lake for fishing."
Swimming areas: Cypremort Point State Park Campground has designated swimming beaches. A visitor explained, "There are 3 swimming beach areas (all connected but separate). Only beach 1 was usable today." The beaches are maintained and graded regularly.
Security features: Gated campgrounds provide additional safety. As one Cypremort Point camper noted, "Locked gate and feels safe." Most parks lock entrance gates after designated hours, typically 10pm.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Parkside RV Park offers modern connections for recreational vehicles. A camper noted, "Our site was paved and level and had 20-50 amp hookups and fresh water. The campground manager, Eddie, was very friendly and helpful."
Site dimensions: RV pads vary in size and layout. According to a Parkside RV visitor, "The spaces are all level, paved, and long and wide enough to fit your RV and two vehicles."
Utility placement: Hookup locations may require additional equipment. One camper at Parkside RV explained, "You'll need a long sewer hose; the sewer hook ups are at the very back of the site."
Seasonal considerations: Maxie's Campground provides shade protection during hot months. A visitor commented, "There are plenty of shaded spots and windbreaks from all directions." Summer temperatures consistently exceed 90°F from June through September.
