Sea Rim State Park Campground offers unique coastal camping options located between Gulf of Mexico beaches and extensive marsh wetlands. Visitors can choose between staying in the main campground area with hookups or primitive camping directly on the beach. The park gates lock at 10 pm sharp with no entry or exit permitted until morning. Mosquitoes are extremely abundant in this area, particularly at sunset, requiring thorough preparation for comfortable camping.
What to do
Paddle the marsh trails: Sea Rim State Park features designated kayak trails through wetlands where visitors can observe diverse wildlife. A reviewer noted, "Great kayaking trail map and recommendations from the rangers on where to go. There is hiking as well. Spend an afternoon or a week here." Bring insect repellent as mosquitoes are particularly active at dusk.
Beachcombing for shells: Sea Rim State Park Campground offers direct access to Gulf beaches with abundant seashells. "The beach was ok, not the nicest I've ever seen but the kids loved it. Lots of shells and treasures to be found. And very few other people around," shared one camper who visited with family.
Wildlife viewing: The marsh boardwalks provide opportunities to safely observe alligators and coastal birds. "The nature trail over the marsh was really cool, we saw lots of alligators and birds," reported a visitor who stayed at the park despite challenging conditions.
What campers like
Beach access: Myers Landing and RV Park offers waterfront sites on Lake Arthur. "We had a waterfront view and hated to leave to head home. Staff is so nice and accommodating!!!" wrote one camper about this glamping option near Holly Beach.
Privacy between sites: Some glamping cabins near Holly Beach provide more secluded options. "We camped here last week right off the beach. They had the BEST staff. Clean facilities. Tons of privacy," reported a Sea Rim camper who stayed during stormy weather conditions.
Evening ocean sounds: The sound of waves creates a peaceful atmosphere at coastal sites. "Listening to the ocean waves is relaxing enough. I can hang out here for a week. Is green and spacious. The beach is few hundred feet away," noted a Sea Rim visitor who rated the park highly despite mosquito challenges.
What you should know
Gate closure policies: Jean LaFitte RV Park maintains strict access hours. At Sea Rim, one visitor warned: "I've been camping around the country for four months straight now and this is the only park - national, state, regional or otherwise - that I've encountered that literally locks their gate at night... There is no way in, no way out until the next morning."
Intense mosquito presence: Insect repellent is absolutely essential at coastal locations. "We had read reviews before going and thought we knew what we were in for...but there was nothing to prepare us for these mosquitoes... They were even in the pop up. I have small children, and don't like them getting eaten."
Water quality varies: Some parks have water with mineral content. At Myers Landing, a reviewer observed, "the water smelled very badly like metal and we had to turn it off and use our own tank water since it smelled so yucky."
Tips for camping with families
Bring extra bug protection: Little Lake Charles Resort offers glamping close to Holly Beach, Louisiana with family-friendly amenities. "Lots to do with pool, water slide, water play area mini golf and fishing," shared a visitor who previously stayed when it operated as a Yogi Bear park.
Plan for weather changes: Coastal storms can impact beach camping. "Not a great beach to camp on in stormy weather. No rock/sea wall to slow the surge or wave action," warned a Sea Rim State Park camper who visited during rougher conditions.
Research bathroom facilities: Shower availability varies between parks. "There is a very nice laundry room that is free. That was a great perk. There are 3 washers and 3 dryers. Several of the units seemed brand new," reported a camper at Sam Houston Jones State Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Sam Houston Jones State Park sites may require adjustment. "Most of the campground is not level, but nothing bad enough that you can't get level with blocks," shared a reviewer who stayed for a week during rainy conditions.
Beach driving access: For RVs with appropriate clearance, Sea Rim offers unique beach parking. "If you pull onto the beach and drive either on the west or east to beach you find a spot in the sand that you really like that can be your campsite. This is one of the few state parks that really does have primitive camping on the beach just yards from the seashore."
Site selection strategy: At Sam Houston Jones State Park, location matters. "We were in spot #53 and I would highly recommend that spot. We only had one neighbor to one side, and it felt a bit more isolated than the others. When things are full on the weekends, it can seem a bit crowded with spots being close together."
