Camping options near Hammond offer a mix of waterfront sites, wooded areas, and varied terrains across the Gulf coastal plain. Most campgrounds sit at elevations under 100 feet, making them susceptible to seasonal flooding after heavy rains. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity from May through September, while winter nights can occasionally drop below freezing between December and February.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing access: Tchefuncte River at Fairview-Riverside State Park provides calm waters perfect for paddling. "There's a beautiful boardwalk on the Tchefuncte River, though, with great fishing," notes Brandon R., who visited in April 2021.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for alligators, turtles, and diverse bird species at Tickfaw State Park Campground where multiple trails showcase southern Louisiana ecosystems. Sean S. commented, "Really impressed with the cleanliness of the grounds... Several miles of trails showcasing the beauty of southern Louisiana."
Swimming and water recreation: The splash pad and beach area at Bogue Chitto State Park Campground offer relief from summer heat. "The grandkids loved the splash pad/water slide and easy access to the river," writes Therese A., highlighting family-friendly water features.
What campers like
Holiday-themed events: Decorations and activities mark seasonal celebrations at many campgrounds. At Adventures RV Resort, Dennis H. reports, "4 days here and everyday was great. Their Halloween was this weekend and had a blast."
Shaded camping areas: Mature trees provide natural cooling during hot months. Sandy P. appreciated the atmosphere at Fireside RV Resort, noting, "The park is clean and I love the abundance of trees and shade. Beautiful pool, lazy river, and pond."
Diverse camping options: Campgrounds offer variable site layouts from primitive waterfront to full-hookup RV pads. At Indian Creek, a visitor found, "Primative sites are all by the water!! Awesome place," highlighting the appeal of waterfront sites for tent campers.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Low elevation means sites can flood during rainy periods. Dean and Dodie B. caution about Fairview-Riverside State Park, "They have a water problem. It doesn't take much rain to have standing water in many sites."
Wildlife precautions: Alligators frequent water bodies at many campgrounds. Cat R. warns about Bogue Chitto: "DON'T FEED THE GATORS. Literally, don't feed the gators. There were signs everywhere... When my hubby rustled a bag, several alligators swam right up to our site!"
Facility conditions: Maintenance varies between parks. One reviewer noted of Punkin Park, "There are derelict travel trailers laying around. Very muddy, when it rains, with ankle deep water," indicating potential issues during wet conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Holiday weekends fill quickly: Reserve holiday campsites far in advance. At Adventures RV Resort, Amanda B. advises, "Plan ahead, they do 3 weekends of Halloween in a row and they book crazy fast (we booked a full year in advance)."
Kid-friendly amenities: Seek campgrounds with dedicated play areas. Paula W. found Tickfaw State Park Campground "a great place to bring bikes" and highlighted that "during the summer months, there is a splash pad that kids really enjoy."
Nature learning opportunities: Several campgrounds offer educational programs. Mary S. recalled, "Tickfaw has provided myself and children with hours of fun, safe and informative hikes along the well maintained boardwalks through South Louisiana swamps."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore, Nancy W. advises, "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 price variations: Monthly rates offer substantial savings for extended stays. Nancy W. also noted, "Weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates are available and heavily discounted... Our monthly rate reduced the nightly cost from $60 to $22."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Hammond: Most campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash policies. Shaun B. found Hidden Oaks Family Campground accommodating, noting "The campground is split into 2 sides - primitive and RV" with "many trails to walk through," providing options for pet exercise areas beyond campsites.