Tent campsites near Plaquemine, Louisiana range from simple clearings to designated areas with basic facilities. The region experiences high humidity year-round with average summer temperatures reaching 91°F and winter lows around 41°F. Most camping areas sit at low elevations of 10-25 feet above sea level, resulting in poor drainage during Louisiana's frequent rain events.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Attakapas Wildlife Management Area offers access to numerous waterways where campers can fish for bass, catfish, and other freshwater species. According to one camper, "About 2 miles from town, with decent service. Beautiful sunsets over the fields."
Explore nearby events: Lamar Dixon Expo Center frequently hosts regional events that campers can attend. As Paula W. notes, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Morning hours provide the best opportunities for spotting native wildlife at camping areas. Birdwatchers can observe waterfowl, songbirds and raptors throughout the year at most tent campsites near Plaquemine.
What campers like
Central location: The tent camping options around Plaquemine provide convenient access to major Louisiana destinations. Shelly S. appreciates that Lamar Dixon Expo Center is "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."
Solitude during off-seasons: Winter camping provides more privacy at most locations. A camper at Attakapas WMA reports, "Stayed here 16 days over the Christmas/New Year's holidays and had the place to ourselves."
Affordable options: Several camping areas offer no-cost or low-cost tent sites. At Attakapas Wildlife Management Area, Alicia A. notes the camping is free but requires "Permit and sign-in/out required on Louisiana WMA website."
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Alligators and snakes are present in many camping areas near Plaquemine, especially near water. One camper at Lamar Dixon admits, "I always worry whenever we are anywhere with possible gators so we didn't go looking and were careful at night."
Water availability: Potable water access varies significantly between campgrounds. A recent visitor to Tunica Hills WMA Campground reports it is "Primitive only" with no drinking water available, while other sites may have questionable water quality, as one camper at Attakapas WMA warns: "The water is questionable, bring your own."
Site configuration: Many campgrounds lack designated individual sites. Tyler H. describes Tunica Hills WMA Campground as "Basically an open field. There are porta-potties on site and a deer cleaning rack for hunting season. No dedicated spots, just basically pop your tent anywhere you can find a spot."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Keep children supervised at all times, especially near water. Most camping areas have uneven terrain and potentially dangerous wildlife. Bring proper footwear for muddy conditions.
Amenities for kids: Lamar Dixon Expo Center offers more developed facilities suitable for families with young children. According to one visitor, "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."
Weather preparation: Summer camping with children requires extra precautions against heat and insects. Pack portable fans, cooling towels and sufficient water. Spring camping typically offers more comfortable temperatures but increased chance of rainfall.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup configurations: At many campgrounds with shared utilities, access can be problematic. Jonathan L. notes that at Lamar Dixon Expo Center, "the hookups are shared between 4 sites. Think the center of a rectangle made of 4 rectangles. However, the electrical at each hookup is a large electrical breaker panel with the receptacles on the sides of the panel. There were only 2 50A receptacles at my station."
Arrival timing: Arriving during daylight hours improves setup experience at all locations near Plaquemine. Many campsites lack adequate lighting for nighttime setup, and insects are typically less active during daytime hours.
