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Best Campgrounds near Lake Charles, LA

139 Reviews

The wetlands and forests around Lake Charles, Louisiana, have camping spots that range from basic to well-equipped. Sam Houston Jones State Park sits among trees with sites near the Calcasieu River and includes both RV and tent camping areas with bathrooms and shower facilities. Frog City RV Park has full hookups for RVers, plus a pool and clubhouse where campers can relax. Sea Rim State Park Campground puts you right on the coast, which works well for fishing trips and watching coastal birds. Gulf Coast RV Resort has bigger camping spots with good facilities, including a fitness room and a place for dogs to run. You should reserve ahead of time, particularly in busy months when spots fill up fast. Most places let you book online now, which makes planning easier. Some camping spots give you more distance from neighbors than others. Trees cover many of the sites, helping block the hot Louisiana sun. Lake Charles camping includes both public parks and private grounds depending on what you're looking for.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Charles, Louisiana (68)

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Charles, LA

33 Photos of 68 Lake Charles Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Charles, LA

139 Reviews of 68 Lake Charles Campgrounds

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    Great free camping right on the beach

    We were able to camp in our camper van right on the beach, the sand is very hard packed, so we had no trouble even in our two-wheel drive.

    Unfortunately the bacteria was so high, so you are not able to swim, but the beach itself was really wide and had a lot of seashells to peruse. It is also very dog friendly, and my dog really enjoyed romping around in the sand as we did our long walks.

    There are four porta potty is near the entrance, which is nice that a dispersed place has some facilities. There is also a water spigot with a hose for Philips.

    So far there's a couple of other camps at the beach, but it is big enough that there is probably 50 yd between each person, which is really nice. I stayed Sunday to Wednesday, so I don't know if it gets busier during the weekends. But through the week, it seems fairy chill

  • I
    May. 7, 2025

    Bundick Lake Retreat and RV Park

    Sad

    The park definitely has potential, beautifully situated, green and shady. The description on the homepage no longer corresponds to reality. The pool is dirty, mini golf unusable, playground dangerous. Toilets are dirty. There is no staff to take care of them. Really sad

  • Annette L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    On the beach

    The first few days were awesome. There was always a nice breeze that kept the bugs away. Then the wind picked up and didn't stop! We had to leave because it got so bad! The sand was whipping it was crazy! There was a lot of trash washed up on the beach . I cleaned up around where we were camped but once the waves started crashing in because of the wind more trash! The beach had lots of shells which was fun! And surf casting was a big thing ! Lots of people catching fish!

  • Annette L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Intracoastal Parish Park Campground

    On the river

    This campground has water and electric at the site and a dump station for all campers. We loved this park! It is very clean and has a bathroom with a nice shower, there is a covered fish station to clean your catch right on the pier and a boat launch. It was great to watch the tugs push barges all day . 5 ⭐ for us! We will be back!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Snow White Sanctuary

    A real animal sanctuary

    Very interesting menagerie of rescue and domestic animals roam the picturesque property beside a pond and woodlands. Night critters sing with enthusiasm; if this disturbs your sleep, bring earplugs.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2025

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    Excellent

    I don't have much to add to what previous reviewers have said. This is a great place to boondock. It's free, there's trash service here, portapotties, and a water spigot at the entrance.  I definitely would not swim here.

    Our visit was cut short by an incoming storm. We were planning to ride it out but as we watched all the other campers leave one by one until it was just us left, we decided maybe they knew something we didn't and didn't want to be the dummies washed away in a storm, so we left.

  • R
    Apr. 18, 2025

    Bayou Marino Rv Park

    Great stay big level concrete

    Spoke to park mgr. She sent everything necessary. Paid on line, she sent map to spot & passwords to bathrooms, Laundry & WiFi. Park has 24/7 live video.

  • Sheila L.
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Vinton RV Park

    Best Ameneties and Affordable Price!

    Free laundry, Wi-Fi, a pool, and an awesome rec room everything you need for a comfortable stay. I absolutely love it here!

  • Abby F.
    Mar. 26, 2025

    Vinton RV Park

    Vinton RV Park is a fantastic stay!

    Clean, quiet, and well-kept with great amenities like a pool, rec center, and Wi-Fi. Friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere make it a top choice. Highly recommend!

Guide to Lake Charles

Camping near Lake Charles, Louisiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the outdoors: Check out the hiking and biking trails at Village Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great staff. Clean bathrooms. Good hiking and biking trails."
  • Enjoy the beach: Head to Rutherford Beach Campground for some beach time. A camper shared, "Easy access with lots of beach space to choose from."
  • Wildlife watching: Visit Wild Ivy Sanctuary for a chance to see various animals. One reviewer said, "Woke up to a pig grunting which we found utterly adorable."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Sam Houston Jones State Park. A visitor noted, "Bath house is close by but we honestly didn’t use it."
  • Friendly staff: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. At Frog City RV Park, one guest said, "The first thing you encounter is the super friendly and helpful staff."
  • Spacious sites: Campers at Gulf Coast RV Resort appreciate the roomy spots. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are very narrow and pretty close to fellow campers but it was all good."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: If you're camping at Sea Rim State Park Campground, be prepared for mosquitoes. One camper warned, "We had RV campground reservations for 3 nights but left after one because of the mosquitoes."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Campgrounds like Pickled Pelican RV Park have few amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Rates are $70 a night... this is not a typical RV park as there are no amenities."
  • Noise from highways: Campers at Boomtown USA RV Resort noted that highway noise can be bothersome. One said, "Minus 1 star because we were parked by the highway so the noise was a little annoying throughout the night."

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring bug spray: Mosquitoes can be fierce, especially at places like Sea Rim State Park Campground. A camper advised, "This was a great spot on the gulf - we needed a winter get-a-way. Bring bug spray!"
  • Check for family-friendly activities: Look for parks with amenities like playgrounds. Red Shoes RV Park & Chalets has a dog park and is close to a casino with family activities.
  • Plan for downtime: Make sure to have games or activities for kids. One family at Wild Ivy Sanctuary enjoyed the peaceful environment, saying, "My dog was thrilled to be allowed off-leash."

Tips from RVers

  • Reserve in advance: Popular spots like Village Creek State Park Campground can fill up quickly. A camper suggested, "Reserve far in advance if you want to see bird migration activity."
  • Check site conditions: Some RV parks, like Gulf Coast RV Resort, have uneven ground. One visitor noted, "The pad is buried into the ground which causes hills into the grass."
  • Stay connected: If you need internet, check reviews for Wi-Fi quality. Campers at Frog City RV Park mentioned, "Free Wi-Fi... but it was already cold for us to use."

Camping around Lake Charles, Louisiana, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time exploring the outdoors and making memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent camping options near Lake Charles, LA?

Yes, tent camping is available near Lake Charles, with Sam Houston Jones State Park being the primary destination for tent campers. The state park offers shaded tent sites with amenities including bath houses, showers, and flush toilets. The natural setting provides an authentic outdoor experience with trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. For a more rustic experience, Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping offers beachside camping with minimal facilities. Weekend campers should note that Sam Houston Jones State Park requires a two-day minimum reservation for weekends. Most other campgrounds in the Lake Charles area primarily cater to RVs, so tent camping options are somewhat limited compared to RV accommodations.

How much does camping cost in Lake Charles campgrounds?

Camping costs in Lake Charles vary by facility type and amenities. Beyonder Resort Cajun Moon, also known as A+ Motel and RV Park, is on the higher end with full amenities including two pools. Twelve Oaks RV Park offers more affordable rates for its full-hookup sites, making it a good value for short stays. Most RV parks in the area charge between $35-60 per night for full hookup sites, with weekly and monthly discounts available. Sam Houston Jones State Park typically offers the most budget-friendly option with state park rates. Some parks like Blue Heron RV Park offer first-time customer discounts. Laundry facilities are available at most parks but can be relatively expensive, as noted about Paradise RV Park. Prices may increase during peak tourist seasons or special events in Lake Charles.

What are the best campgrounds in Lake Charles, Louisiana?

Lake Charles offers several excellent campground options. Sam Houston Jones State Park is highly rated for its natural setting with wildlife viewing opportunities including alligators, egrets, and deer. The park features shaded campsites and hiking trails along the river. Blue Heron RV Park in nearby Iowa, LA is another top choice with paved sites, good WiFi, and big rig friendly facilities. Other well-regarded options include Paradise RV Park with its paved sites and clean facilities, and Vinton RV Park which boasts an impressive clubhouse with amenities like billiards, shuffleboard, and a pool. Most campgrounds in the area offer full hookups and are conveniently located for exploring the Lake Charles region.

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