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Best Tent Camping near Baton Rouge, LA

187 Reviews

Tent camping near Baton Rouge offers a mix of primitive and established sites within a 90-minute drive of the city. Notable options include Tunica Hills Campground, which provides walk-in tent sites in a unique Louisiana landscape featuring unusual hill terrain, and the Richard K. Yancy Sand Levee Campground, offering more primitive tent camping experiences. Attakapas Wildlife Management Area also maintains basic tent campsites south of the city with free access but requires proper permits.

Most tent sites in the region feature minimal amenities appropriate for primitive camping. Tunica Hills Campground requires campers to walk approximately half a mile to reach tent sites, though the camp host sometimes offers transportation of gear via ATV. Potable water access varies significantly between locations - Attakapas WMA has questionable water quality, so bringing your own supply is recommended. The region's primitive sites typically offer picnic tables, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally due to Louisiana's humid climate. Public lands tent sites generally require self-registration or online permits, particularly at Wildlife Management Areas.

The tent camping experience near Baton Rouge provides access to unique Louisiana ecosystems not typically associated with the state's flat terrain. Tunica Hills offers secluded tent sites separated by natural ravines, providing privacy rarely found at more developed campgrounds. The area features hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels suitable for day trips from your tent site. Wildlife observation is common, with numerous nocturnal visitors frequently noted at primitive sites. At Richard K. Yancy, tent campers should prepare for mosquitoes, which one visitor described as "insane" despite the excellent tent sleeping conditions. Attakapas WMA provides peaceful tent camping with beautiful sunsets over open fields, and as one camper noted, "stayed here 16 days over the Christmas/New Year's holidays and had the place to ourselves."

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Best Tent Sites Near Baton Rouge, Louisiana (6)

    1. Lamar Dixon Expo Center

    5 Reviews
    Prairieville, LA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (225) 621-1700

    "Great location. This is a great central location to the baton rouge and even new orleans area. Lamar Dixon is huge, and usually has some type of event happening."

    "Lamar Dixon outside Baton Rogue but not far from New Orleans either. This is a good in between spot to pitch your tent and visit all the very cool places roun'cher."

    2. Tunica Hills Campground

    12 Reviews
    Angola, LA
    42 miles
    Website

    $20 - $110 / night

    "Brenda is doing it right. 1/2 mile hike in or Ms Brenda giving you a ride back to the sites on her alterian vehicle. No vehicles allowed."

    "Be wary of arriving at night, as there are no lights and it is pretty difficult to get set up. Visitors can choose to hike into the campground or be driven in by ATV if available."

    3. J & W Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Springfield, LA
    26 miles
    +1 (225) 294-8961

    4. Attakapas Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    Franklin, LA
    45 miles
    Website

    "Permit and sign-in/out required on Louisiana WMA website. Close to a boating launch that has a bathroom and water. The site has 3 picnic tables with plenty of room for tents or rvs."

    5. Richard K. Yancy Sand Levee Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lettsworth, LA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (337) 948-0255

    "Nice nature feel to the campgroud..its primitive but does offer potable water for cleaning equipment and such..had a great time camping here"

    6. Tunica Hills WMA Campground

    1 Review
    Tunica, LA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (985) 543-4777

    $7 / night

    "This campground is in a Louisiana Wildlife Management Area in Tunica Hills. Did not get to spend a night but spent an hour checking out this site. Basically an open field."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Baton Rouge, LA

18 Photos of 6 Baton Rouge Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Baton Rouge, LA

187 Reviews of 6 Baton Rouge Campgrounds

  • Patrick R.
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Farr Park RV Camground

    Great for horse people

    Not bad. It's connected to an equestrian center. If horses are your thing it's perfect. 2 miles from LSU, 3 miles from Baton Rouge, biking trails along Mississippi River levee. Water and electric, dump station, and a bathhouse. The bad... not many trees or wildlife other than horses. The bathhouse could use some work.

  • Mike V.
    Jun. 29, 2016

    Lake Fausse Pointe State Park Campground

    CCU#4, unimproved canoe campsite #4, at Lake Fausse Point State Park, Louisiana

    Nice primitive campsite on an island that you get to by boat (motor boat/canoe/kayak). Site is also known as Highland Waters campsite. Nice big flat area under trees including large live oaks to set up your tents or hammocks under. Has a fire ring, but no toilets, no water, no electrical. Does have a covered wooden table to serve as a rough kitchen kiosk. Wooden dock by waters edge also has a picnic table. Must call the state park to reserve this site.

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 11, 2017

    Tickfaw State Park Campground

    True Louisiana atmosphere, fun for every age!

    Every time we visit this park (which is a lot) we are able to have a new and fun adventure!

    When my children were very young. This was one of the first places in the area to have a splash park for my children to run and play while staying cool in the south Louisiana heat.

    Move up a few years, Tickfaw has provided myself and children with hours of fun, safe and informative hikes along the well maintained boardwalks through South Louisiana swamps.

    As my children have grown we have still been able to explore the park further by utilizing the campgrounds! The tent camping section has defined/ private tent sites with picnic tables, and parking next to each site. The Rv park also boost a fun and family atmosphere, with fishing ponds, bike riding, canoeing, and primitive hiking. All with clean and air conditioned restroom facilities easily accessible to all sites.

  • D
    Jan. 7, 2022

    Farr Park RV Camground

    One of the better RV parks in BR Area

    One of the better RV parks in the BR area (there's not many close to town).  Has electric and water hookups, but no sewer hookup.  The Mississippi River is nearby. There is a paved bike path on top of the river levee that you can ride all the way to downtown Baton Rouge.  It is only 3 miles from LSU campus.  Some people stay here to tailgate for LSU football games.

    Farr Park is part of the Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation system.  It is also an equestrian (horse) center.  There are stables and riding arenas near the campground.

    There is a dump station available.  The dump station connection for your sewer hose is at a 45 degree angle and a bit above ground level.  This creates sags in your hose.  Also, there is no way to secure or screw in your connection to the sump station.  The station does have a concrete pad and non-potable water.  You can use the dump station for free if you are a camper.  Non-campers can pay a $10 fee to dump.

  • Paula W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2017

    Lamar Dixon Expo Center

    Events are key

    Great location. This is a great central location to the baton rouge and even new orleans area. Lamar Dixon is huge, and usually has some type of event happening. If you camp there during these events, it is very convenient. There is a public fishing pond with a very nice solar lighted, paved track around it. Scouts often tent camp in that area but it is big enough to accommodate everyone.

  • Jacqueline A.
    Mar. 28, 2024

    Farr Park RV Camground

    Very close to LSU

    Pull through site. On grass. Level. With water and 59 amp. Easy to get to. First come first serve so you can come as early as you like and then spend a full day exploring LSU and Baton Rouge. Friendly staff. Wifi at the recreation center. Horses grazing in near by paddock. Easy to bike on the levee to LSU and Baton Rouge.

  • Olivia W.
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Farr Park RV Camground

    Safe and Clean

    Needed a placed to stay in Baton Rouge for a weekend and didn’t want to pay $300 for a hotel so I decided to car camp.

    Plenty of spaces open in April, was a perk to be able to see the animals too.

    Quiet area, well kept. I only paid $10 per night since I didnt use any hookups.

    Would definitely stay again.

  • Paula W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Tickfaw State Park Campground

    My family go to park

    This park is VERY family friendly.

    Camping - There are 2 loops - 1-primative tent only camping, 1-RV/tent camping. There is a nice bathhouse in a central location to both loops. There is a bit of privacy between tent spots because of the trees. My favorite spots are 47,49,50. I have had a few of my reservations cancelled by the park when the river is high because the camping areas will flood.

    Park - there are few different hiking trails - check Tickfaw River levels (or call park) because when the river is high, 1 or 2 of the trails could be under water. There is a ADA boardwalk trail that is very nice (especially for the kiddos) with a covered picnic area. The park offers a nature center that is really nice and they have animal demonstrations where you are able to really learn about Louisiana wildlife and touch the animals as well. This park is a great place to bring bikes as well. During the summer months, there is a splash pad that kids really enjoy. This is also a great park to rent canoes (or bring your own) for a day out on the waterways.

  • Michael T.
    Apr. 18, 2021

    Farr Park RV Camground

    Close to LSU

    I would suggest BREC Farr Equestrian RV Park if you are interested in being close Baton Rouge or LSU. A typical fairgrounds type camping area. Sites have electric and water. Remote dump site available. Bike path trailhead is there, with extensive pathways on the levee.

Guide to Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region's natural beauty and local attractions.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • The Lamar Dixon Expo Center is a great base for exploring nearby attractions, with events often taking place that enhance the camping experience.
  • Tunica Hills Campground provides access to scenic hiking trails and a beautiful creek, perfect for those who enjoy nature walks and outdoor adventures.
  • The Attakapas Wildlife Management Area is close to a boating launch, making it ideal for campers who want to enjoy fishing and water activities.

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

  • At Lamar Dixon Expo Center, campers can enjoy features like electric hookups, showers, and a sanitary dump station, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Tunica Hills Campground offers unique amenities such as a communal outdoor kitchen and a dishwashing station, enhancing the camping experience.
  • The Richard K. Yancy Sand Levee Campground provides a primitive camping experience with the added benefit of being pet-friendly, allowing for a more inclusive outdoor adventure.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Baton Rouge

  • When staying at Tunica Hills WMA Campground, be prepared for a primitive experience with no drinking water or electric hookups, making it essential to bring your own supplies.
  • At J & W Campground, it's advisable to communicate your needs clearly to the staff to avoid any misunderstandings during your stay.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Attakapas Wildlife Management Area, where you can enjoy the sounds of nature and beautiful sunsets while camping in a tranquil setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping sites near Baton Rouge?

Tunica Hills Campground is a standout tent camping destination near Baton Rouge with level tent sites and a unique hike-in experience. The campground offers a rustic, old-school camping feel with the owner providing cart service to help transport gear. For a more primitive experience, Attakapas Wildlife Management Area features spacious sites with picnic tables that can accommodate multiple tents, located just 2 miles from town and near a boat launch. Both locations provide an authentic outdoor experience while remaining accessible from Baton Rouge.

When is the best season for tent camping in the Baton Rouge area?

Fall through spring offers the most comfortable tent camping conditions near Baton Rouge. October through April typically provides pleasant temperatures with less humidity and fewer insects, making it ideal for enjoying the outdoors. Richard K. Yancy Sand Levee Campground campers have reported enjoyable tent camping experiences during cooler months, with good access to fishing opportunities. Summer camping is possible but prepare for hot, humid conditions and bring plenty of water, especially at primitive sites. Wildlife Management Areas like Richard K. Yancy may have seasonal restrictions or special permits required during hunting seasons, so check regulations before planning your trip.

What amenities do Baton Rouge campgrounds offer for tent campers?

Lamar Dixon Expo Center provides tent campers with a convenient central location to both Baton Rouge and New Orleans, featuring a public fishing pond with a paved, solar-lit track. The center regularly hosts events, making it a good option for campers who want activities nearby. At Tunica Hills WMA Campground, tent campers will find basic facilities including porta-potties and open field camping in a natural setting. While amenities are limited at many area campgrounds, their proximity to natural attractions and recreational opportunities makes up for the simplicity.

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