Grand Isle sits at the southern tip of Louisiana as a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, with an average elevation of just 7 feet above sea level. The subtropical climate creates hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 45°F. The island's position makes it vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes, with most campgrounds designed to withstand seasonal flooding and high winds.
What to do
Fishing from docks and piers: Grand Isle State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with two dedicated piers. According to visitor Paula W., "There are 2 piers for saltwater fishing as well as a dock for inlet fishing. There are other small marshy areas to fish depending on the tide."
Wildlife spotting along trails: Bayou Segnette State Park Campground features boardwalks and nature trails where wildlife is abundant. Crystal C. notes, "Boardwalks cross throughout the camp for those walking through from one side to the next to allow them bayou views without the swampy feeling grass under their feet." Some visitors have spotted "small rabbits hopping around camp and birds singing to wake you as early as 5:30."
Beach activities and swimming: While beaches may not be pristine, they offer unique Gulf Coast experiences. Visitor Ber M. shared about Grand Isle State Park Campground: "The beach was very clean, but the ocean was a little dirty from the flooding. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises. We saw baby dolphins and crabs."
What campers like
Easy water access: Bobby Lynn's Marina & RV Park provides direct water access for boaters and anglers. Bobby G. explains, "All the RV sites and cabins are waterfront with easy access and free launching. There are lots of space and docks for kids to fish off of and the campground is very clean."
Clean facilities and free amenities: St. Bernard State Park Campground maintains high standards for its facilities. Nicholas S. reports, "Clean bathrooms with private showers. Laundry available. Two good sized playgrounds for kids and a really huge splash pad." Multiple campgrounds in the area offer free or low-cost laundry facilities.
Spacious sites: St. Bernard State Park Campground provides ample room between campsites. According to Paula W., "nice and roomy sites with electric, water, grill, fire pit, picnic table and shade trees. There is 1 bath house and around 50 sites. The grounds are very clean and very well kept."
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes are persistent throughout the region, especially after rainfall. Ray & Terri F. warned about Grand Isle, "It was rainy and very windy most of our stay, as two major winter storms raged across the country." Lee D. added, "The only thing I didn't like were the vicious mosquitoes!"
Hurricane recovery impacts: Some campgrounds are still recovering from recent storms. At Swampman RV Paradise, Stephanie D. observed it was "one of a handful of private campgrounds in operation after hurricane last August. Largely occupied by long-term stays, but had a few sites available when I needed something on short notice."
Wildlife hazards: Exercise caution around water areas. Chris L. from Military Park New Orleans Joint Reserve Base noted an important safety concern: "There are gators in the water filled ditch along the sites." Keep children and pets away from drainage ditches and standing water.
Tips for camping with families
Playground and splash pad access: For families with children, Catfish Cabins and Campground provides family amenities. Anna C. shares, "There are cabins and RV sites with FULL HOOKUPS, WiFi, cable, fish cleaning stations, a pool, and a washer and dryer."
Structured outdoor activities: Some campgrounds organize seasonal events. Krissy J. mentions about Grand Isle State Park: "This is a wonderful place to go. Me and my family went when they had the boat blessing and had a blast."
Easy beach access for children: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Grand Isle offer convenient beach access. Kristina M. notes at Grand Isle State Park: "Great access to the beach, lots of shorebirds and skimmers, spectacular sunrise and sunset." Sites vary in proximity to water features.
Tips from RVers
Site selection based on needs: For RVers seeking pet-friendly options around Grand Isle, look for sites with adequate space. At Grand Isle State Park, Kristina M. advises, "The electric sites are $30 a night and it's an RV park with manicured lawns covered in tiny mammal poops and lawn trimmings and 1-2 palm trees per site."
Water pressure considerations: When staying at pet-accommodating campgrounds near Grand Isle, watch for high water pressure. One camper at St. Bernard State Park recommends, "Bring a pressure regulator as it seems to be higher than normal pressure. Each site has a picnic bench, fire pin and grill. Asphalt parking area for camper."
Connectivity options: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. Ray & Terri F. report from Grand Isle State Park: "AT&T coverage was 'fair', generally with 3 Bars and up to ~9 MB/s, but usually around or less than 0.4 MB/s. Although the campground is supposed to have WiFi, I was unable to get a connection to it."
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