Best RV Parks & Resorts near Gardner, LA

I was out looking for a place to camp. I drove around the park. Some RV’s had dug in their sewer hoses for a more permanent living arrangement. There were other clues that verified some were living here very long term. You could tell some sites were set up like the people had been living there longer than a year.

While the owner was very nice and friendly, I just would not feel comfortable camping around people who live there long term.

I have since found out that this happens around Military Bases frequently. The reason is because it makes more financial sense for Military Personnel to not stay in base housing. Permanent Base Housing sucks their housing allowance away quickly. However, purchasing an RV and getting into a campground enables them to keep more of that money in their pockets.

This campground is near Fort Polk. I was told by one of the Army People that works there, this is what is happening with all of the RV resorts/campgrounds in the area. I understand what’s happening better now.

However, camping in a campground around a majority of the people that live in a place long term is more like moving into an old neighborhood. It’s equivalent to going to camp in a residential trailer park. That’s not camping. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Beautiful tall pines amongst the level, for the most part, campsites. Electric & water at sites, but no sewer. Full hook up sites are being built. Senior discount got 10% off. Only stayed one night for about $26.00. We lucked into the primo spot on the lake point and super level. Highly recommend this park, but undestand that it fills up fast, especially on the weekend. The best park we came across on our Louisiana trip.

Gator Grounds is a great private RV park near Bunkie, LA. We stayed two nights. Most of the sites are not shady. The park streets are concrete and sites are small crushed limestone. The park was clean and the staff was friendly, except for the manager. We went to the pool/slide area after setting up camp the evening of July 2. The big slide was closed. A staff person said they were short handed. We tried the yellow slide. My kids had no trouble, but I got stuck several times. My kids continued to slide while I went to the lazy river. Unfortunately we didn't have much time because we didn't realize the outside pool area closes at 7pm. Bummer! Really? Fourth of July weekend and you close down at 7pm! As we left my kids told me the manager was rude. She yelled at them for going down the slide doubled up. Ok, maybe that's against the rules, but there was no lifeguard at the top of the slide and the slide is not dangerous. Many kids were doing the same thing. The manager argued with my kids there was a lifeguard, even though I personally saw there wasn't. She also argued with them that they had been there for hours even though we only arrived less than 30 minutes ago. The fireworks show July 2nd night was very good. I was surprised how good and long it was. Included music, too. The rest of the weekend was great. Had a lot of fun playing beach volleyball with another family we met. Fortunately, the big slide was open July 3rd. But the outside pool area closed at 7pm again. One nice feature is they let you bring your own ice chest to the pavilion area by the pools. I didn't use the restrooms myself, but my kids said they were not clean. 

Amenities include pools, water slides, lazy river, hot tubs, volleyball pool, indoor pool/slide/splash pad, beach volleyball court, basketball court, hay bale"obstacle course", pond, camp store, mini restaurant, trash pickup, and golf cart rental. There is a zip-line area, but it didn't look open and we didn't ask about it. Stayed in back-in campsite#116 which was not shady but level. It was a crushed limestone site with some landscaping on either side and grass in the back. There are some trees planted between the sites, but it will be some years before they provide significant shade. There was enough parking for my 34 ft TT and truck. Neighbors are close by not crammed in. The site included: picnic table and fire ring. Utilities: 20/30/50A electric in middle of site. Water in middle of site, good pressure. Sewer in middle of site with 4-in screw-on fitting. 

AT&T had 2 bars of LTE. AT&T Speedtest: 7.6 Mbps down, 1.07 Mbps up. Did not use the WiFi service. Would probably stay here again, especially with a group. We camped at Gator Grounds RV Resort in a Travel Trailer.

A few miles from Natchitoches, LA and the nicest RV park in the area. Well spaced concrete pad level RV Sites with gated access. Combination pull through sand back in that accommodated our 45 ft. motorhome and Jeep towed. Rich with grassy areas and trees. Each site has a fire pit/BBQ and picnic tables. Next to boat launch that takes you to the Red River. Nice activity center available to all campers. Very organized concrete surrounded hookups next to pads. Playground and activity building with full kitchen open to all campers.

We stayed in site 109, which is a full hook up site. Slightly unlevel, needed blocks on the right side. There was some trash left in the burn barrel, a few beer caps, and cig butts on the ground, but otherwise, basically, ok. There is a beautiful lake for kayaking, boating, and fishing. A nice playground area, a laundry facility, and shower room.

     I was looking for a Louisiana location for an extended stay, I wanted to find a riverside, quiet location with large sites. A place where there was room for my travel trailer, boat, and truck. I found that and much more at Jones' Riverside Marina & RV Park.

     It is in the country but not that far from the charming city of Natchitoches. The staff members are always friendly and helpful. There is a well-stocked store along with a carry-out restaurant (sit down part is closed due to covid-19). They have a free boat ramp and docks (very handy for me). The fishing is always good from the bank or a boat. My travel trailer is small but this facility is big rig friendly. I like the laid-back atmosphere and southern hospitality that is present here. This is not a huge, fancy, "resort", but those are not for me. I don't care for the crowds, noise, price, and many restrictions of those places. This RV Park emulates the real Louisiana!

PRODUCT REVIEW BANNER AND OAK T-SHIRT As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - today I am testing a Banner and Oak T-shirt. https://bannerandoak.com/products/camp-navy?variant=441825624068&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwtO7qBRBQEiwAl5WC2_0XqYiJxOuate5OBrZoqMXBxOQJYNVPo5C4gRHVLoRXmsNnkAvO9BoCA78QAvD_BwE This shirt is fantastic! My husband is very tough on clothes, but after several washes, it still maintains it's size and shape! The shirt is super soft and held up well in the extreme heat of Louisiana summer. Thanks for the honor of trying this out, and I hope you all do as well! You won't be disappointed! CAMPGROUND REVIEW: PARAGON CASINO RESORT AND RV PARK When my sons suggested that we all go camping here, I was leary at first. I thought since it was a Casino that it would be all concrete and flashing lights. I am a woods and water type of girl so I really didn't want to go, but am glad I did! There was ample room for our camper which is 32 feet. Our site number 3, had full hookups and room for a couple of canapies. (Very little shade!) Also had a concrete picnic table and lots of space between campers. The kids were able to go swimming in the large outdoor pool. There's also one inside! There is a walking trail, golf course and of course, if you gamble the casino. If it rains there's also a movie theater. I didn't use the showers or laundry facilities but they had those provided, too.

I was impressed with this place. They spared no expense in developing and maintaining this park. I was there in late March and the place was only about 25-30% full. We had ample privacy. The only thing I didn’t like was the lack of bathrooms in the park. There was only one in the office building. I like to rely on park bathrooms as much as possible. This place is designed for self-contained RV camping. I needed cash so I went into the casino and used an ATM. I was charged a$5 fee. Grrrr.  You can't beat the price for a full hookup.

Bundick Lake RV Park is a nature lover's dream come true! Nestled in a lush forest by the lake, the fresh air and scenic views make it a perfect getaway. The park offers a fantastic blend of outdoor and indoor activities, from mini golf and pickleball to a well-equipped game room. Whether you're into nature walks or competitive games, this place has it all. The friendly staff adds a personal touch to the experience, making Bundick Lake RV Park a five-star destination that guarantees a memorable and enjoyable stay.

This is a really nice RV park, and you get a multi day Passport America 1/2 off discount, which is nice (usually the discount is only for one night). Sites are tight, as most RV parks are. Staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. Nice showers and laundry rooms. Hot tub was fun but kind of awkward to use, it was out on the marina side, just kind of on the sidewalk.

We did not eat at the restaurant on site but the store was really nice. They have a daily Katrina documentary playing.

There is no shuttle to downtown anymore. A free shuttle would have made our stay perfect. We don't have a tow car, so getting downtown was a little bit of a hassle. We took the city bus, which was fine, and cheap (something like $1.25) but the bus stop was a mile away and the ride downtown took about an hour. We took Lyft, which came to almost $20 each way. They gave us the name of a guy who will pick you up and bring you back, but that would have come to more than the Lyft.

This was a really nice, beautiful, clean, quiet, peaceful place but next time we're in NOLA we're going to see about staying at the RV park that's right near the French Quarter.

Park located about 10 minutes from Natchitoches, LA. Think park is operated by Red River Waterway Commission and they do a good job. Very spacious with some shady spots and lots of green grass. Roads are easy to navigate and concrete pads. I was able to park my 44 foot motorhome with a towed Jeep without unhooking. Full hookups and great WiFi. Boat launch next door.

This campground has large paved pull through sites with full hookups (electricity, water, and sewage). There are picnic tables, a playground, a swimming pool, a clubhouse and laundry facilities. There is also a camp store with RV essentials with name brands like Camco and they are reasonably priced. The casino has a shuttle service to take you back and forth to the casino and it runs all day and most of the night. The casino itself has a movie theater, spa, entertainment venues, an arcade for families, restaurants and a coffeehouse. My boys loved playing the basketball game in the arcade. The most amazing thing about the casino (since I am not a gambler) is their lobby. It has live alligators, fish and turtles in there. There’s also a boardwalk that connects the casino, campground and Tunica Indian museum and powwow ceremonial grounds and is also great for walking for exercise. They also have little cabins and chalets for rent at the back of the campground. They also accept Passport America.

This is a quiet park right on the Red River. Sunsets are amazing over the river. The facilities are well maintained and clean. The sites are spaced nicely and tucked into the trees. All spots are full hookup and 50 amp service. The water pressure is a little low, but sufficient. The only drawback is there is a large warehouse next door that is very well lit all night

We enjoyed our stay at Chicot! We had a large group that tent and RV camped. The park is rather large with seclusion between a lot of the campsites due to trees. The lake is nice, but we did not try to hiking trails.

A few things to note are that the maps are not drawn to scale, so bathrooms and lakes aren’t as close at they appear on maps. The raccoons are next-level smart here, so protect your food. And be prepared for mosquitos! The roads are narrow and winding. We didn’t see any personnel (besides check in and trash pickup) the 3 days we were there. That struck me as odd.

I love to camp and we did enjoy this campground, but it’s not quite a 5 Star in my book.