The Laplace area offers camping options across a flat, alluvial terrain with elevations averaging just 10 feet above sea level. Sites near Lake Pontchartrain and surrounding waterways provide water access while inland locations feature more wooded settings. Most campsites around Laplace stay open year-round despite seasonal flooding risks, with late fall through early spring offering the most comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Pontchartrain: Fontainebleau State Park Campground provides beach access and water recreation opportunities. "The beach is lovely and the water felt great. There is also a splash pad," notes a camper who visited in April 2022.
Bike trails and pathways: Several campgrounds offer dedicated biking routes. At Fontainebleau State Park, visitors appreciate the "Great paved bike trail that you can get to from the campground" with connections to nearby towns. Another camper mentions "riding our bikes around the campground and the trails in the park. We also, took the trace to town and rode along the lake."
Swamp exploration: Tickfaw State Park Campground features multiple trails showcasing Louisiana swampland. One visitor recommends: "Took a few hikes around the river as well as some late night walks along the boardwalk hoping to see a gator (no such luck). Saw some cool wildlife none the less though."
What campers like
Security features: French Quarter RV Resort provides exceptional security for urban camping. "Easily spotted from atop Highway 10... you'll enter a fortified encased stone wall fortress complete with a key-coded security entrance that provides both increased privacy as well as a solid measure of 24/7 security," states one reviewer. Another mentions feeling "very safe and secure" despite the urban location.
Proximity to New Orleans: Camps serving as New Orleans basecamps receive consistent praise. At Bayou Segnette State Park Campground, campers value the "short drive to French Quarter" and note it's "a good campground for day trips into NOLA." A February 2021 visitor called it a "Nice state park pretty close to New Orleans."
Waterfront views: Several parks feature water access. At New Orleans RV Resort & Marina, a camper enjoyed "walking and sitting along the water in the mornings" while another mentioned "We picked a deluxe waterside plot which was opposite one of the spare moored up river steam boats."
What you should know
Approach conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. At New Orleans RV Resort & Marina, a visitor cautions: "When you first get off the Interstate, the area looks abandoned and a little sketchy, but it is ok. Apple Maps guided me right to the park."
Weather impacts: The region's low elevation means rainfall creates challenging conditions. At Fairview-Riverside State Park, one camper observed: "They have a water problem. It doesn't take much rain to have standing water in many sites. Lots of the pads are old and narrow. You find yourself stepping out your coach into sloppy mud."
Noise levels: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At French Quarter RV Resort, "I-10 is across the street and a bit loud during the daytime, but less so at night." Similarly, at Bayou Segnette State Park, visitors noted "Some ambient traffic noise" but didn't find it distracting.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Tickfaw State Park Campground provides safe wildlife observation. "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," a repeat visitor explains. Another notes the park is "VERY family friendly."
Water features for children: Multiple campgrounds offer water recreation specifically for kids. Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore has "multiple swimming pools(with swim up bars), lazy river, pool cabanas, putt putt golf" and more. A visitor mentioned "My boys enjoyed the fishing" at Bayou Segnette State Park.
Playground access: Most family-oriented campgrounds include play areas. Bayou Segnette features "playground well kept" according to visitors, while Fontainebleau State Park visitors note there "are playgrounds and a beach" making it ideal for family camping.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore, careful site selection matters. "All sites are 30/50 amp, full hook-up, with wifi and cable. There are pull-thru and back-in sites. Sites, roads, and patios are paved and level and come with a picnic table and fire pit. There are two and three-rig 'buddy sites' which are great for camping with friends."
Seasonal rate advantages: Several campgrounds offer significant discounts for longer stays. At Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore, "Weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates are available and heavily discounted and there are discounts for Good Sam, senior citizen, and military. Our monthly rate reduced the nightly cost from $60 to $22."
Laundry facilities: Free laundry services are available at some parks. Tickfaw State Park offers "FREE laundry, elevation 6 ft., dump station, electric, water, showers, flush toilets" according to a visitor. Another camper at Fontainebleau noted "The bathhouse facilities at the campground were well maintained and cleaned."
