Camping sites near Cameron, Louisiana feature varying terrain from coastal beaches to wooded parks with access to waterways. The area sits just a few feet above sea level on Louisiana's southwestern Gulf Coast, with a humid subtropical climate subject to seasonal tropical storms. Year-round availability with peak seasons falling between March and October makes planning flexible for campers.
What to do
Water activities on the Gulf Coast: Sea Rim State Park Campground offers direct beach access for swimming and water recreation. "Sea Rim State Park is a strange but nice place. Having to pass by the refinery on the way in to the state park, the campgrounds make up for it by being right along the water with every camping necessity for a night on the beach!" notes reviewer Maximille G.
Wildlife observation: Take advantage of the diverse ecosystems at Sam Houston Jones State Park to spot native wildlife. "If you like Louisiana Wildlife this is the place for you! I saw a couple of lounging alligators, egrets, snapping turtles, deer, and a chipmunk!!! I was kind of scared when I saw a sign on the trails warning of the gators!" shares Cat R.
Kayaking and canoeing: The waterways around Sam Houston Jones State Park provide excellent paddling opportunities. According to Mike V., "SHJSP is surrounded by water on 2 or 3 sides, and has low water areas within the park. Thus, it is a popular place to go for fishing, canoeing, kayaking." The park features clearly marked water trails with ranger recommendations.
What campers like
Rustic waterfront settings: Visitors at Myers Landing and RV Park appreciate the natural lakeside environment. Jackson C. comments, "Clean well kept. Extremely friendly staff beautiful location." The park offers both RV sites and glamping options with direct water views.
Free laundry facilities: Practical amenities make extended stays more comfortable at Sam Houston Jones State Park. As Meandering Life notes, "There is a very nice laundry room that is free. That was a great perk. There are 3 washers and 3 dryers. Several of the units seemed brand new."
Privacy and space: Some campsites at Sea Rim State Park offer more seclusion than others. Angela F. reports, "We camped here last week right off the beach. They had the BEST staff. Clean facilities. Tons of privacy. Storms came in and left it was beautiful." Sites 50-53 at Sam Houston Jones State Park tend to feel more isolated than others.
What you should know
Mosquito precautions essential: Gulf Coast camping requires serious bug protection, especially at coastal parks. Vanessa L. warns about Sea Rim State Park: "We covered ourselves with deet, had a bug zapper, I even fogged the area with an essential oil blend for bugs. But nothing kept them away. And it wasn't just a few...they swarmed."
Gate closing times strictly enforced: Some parks have rigid entry rules. Katie M. cautions about Sea Rim State Park: "I've been camping around the country for four months straight now and this is the only park - national, state, regional or otherwise - that I've encountered that literally locks their gate at night... There is no way in, no way out until the next morning."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have inconsistent water supply. At Myers Landing, Andrea notes, "However the water smelled very badly like metal and we had to turn it off and use our own tank water since it smelled so yucky. Not sure if that's the case on every camp site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Little Lake Charles Resort offers multiple child-friendly amenities. According to Rozina G., "The first month was kinda rough bc of stupid COVID nothing was open. But the second month changed everything. We had great time." The resort features a pool, water slide, and water play area specifically designed for children.
Beach camping with children: Sea Rim State Park offers family beach camping opportunities with bathroom facilities nearby. "Don't forget your bug spray because the mosquitoes do come out sometime during the day and make sure to bring enough stuff to tie everything down because there will always be a coastal breeze," advises Joshua H.
Weather contingency plans: Gulf weather can change quickly, affecting camping conditions. Kelly E. notes about Sea Rim State Park: "Not a great beach to camp on in stormy weather. No rock/sea wall to slow the surge or wave action." Have indoor activities planned or portable shelters for unexpected rain.
Tips from RVers
Levelness considerations: Be prepared for uneven sites at some parks. Meandering Life comments about Sam Houston Jones State Park: "Most of the campground is not level, but nothing bad enough that you can't get level with blocks." Bring leveling blocks even if staying at Jean LaFitte RV Park.
Site selection strategy: When glamping near Cameron, Louisiana at Sam Houston Jones State Park, choose your site carefully. "We were in spot #53 and I would highly recommend that spot. We only had one neighbor to one side, and it felt a bit more isolated than the others."
Off-peak pricing advantages: Consider timing your visit to save on camping costs. Stephen D. notes about Sam Houston Jones State Park, "$20 night with senior discount." Off-peak rates apply during winter months at most area campgrounds with significantly reduced weekend surcharges.
