Camping near Metairie, Louisiana offers diverse overnight options within 30 minutes of the city center. Summer conditions often include high humidity with temperatures reaching 90°F and higher between June and September. Winter camping provides more comfortable temperatures in the 50-70°F range, though occasional cold fronts can drop overnight temperatures into the 30s.
What to do
Explore the bayou wildlife: Bayou Segnette State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "We noticed small rabbits hopping around camp and birds singing to wake you as early as 5:30. The sun starts beaming down by 7:00 and outside the temperatures are quite pleasant til around 9:30 before it starts heating up," notes Crystal C. The park features boardwalks crossing throughout the camp, providing bayou views without walking through swampy areas.
Visit nearby historic sites: St. Bernard State Park Campground provides easy access to local history. "When here, you are very close to the Chalmette Battlefield National Park and Cemetery where the famous battle of New Orleans took place. This park offers great history lesson and period dressed reenactments," shares Paula W. The park recommends visiting in early January when they recreate the battle.
Enjoy waterfront activities: Fontainebleau State Park Campground offers waterfront recreation. "The beach is lovely and the water felt great. There is also a splash pad," reports Gregg G. The park includes biking opportunities with "a nice paved bike trail that you can get to from the campground," according to Martha S.
What campers like
Level sites with amenities: New Orleans West KOA provides well-maintained concrete pads. "Our site was a level concrete pad. We would stay again if we ever head back," mentions Craig F. The campground offers full hookups with convenient amenities in a neighborhood setting.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "The bathhouse facilities at the campground were well maintained and cleaned," notes Gregg G. about Fontainebleau State Park. Similarly at Bayou Segnette, a camper reports, "The bathroom was kept clean. The campground was nice."
Waterfront views: New Orleans RV Resort & Marina offers unique water views. "It's right on the water so you can see yachts and boats come in and out. The grounds are maintained very nicely, beautiful plants etc. nice space and plants in between each campsite so you have privacy," shares Alana F. The resort provides a different camping experience than more natural settings.
What you should know
Security considerations: Several campgrounds offer enhanced security features. At New Orleans RV Resort & Marina, "It's secured for those that are worried, I know I was," mentions Alana F. Similarly, French Quarter RV Resort is "a walled facility with razor wire on top so we felt very safe staying here," according to Ted N.
Noise factors: Urban campgrounds experience various noise sources. "Traffic, trains, airplanes and construction noise, you've got it all here. Bring earplugs if your tent camping," advises Jim H. about New Orleans West KOA. Similarly, French Quarter RV Resort has "I-10 across the street and a bit loud during the daytime, but less so at night."
Weather challenges: Regional weather requires preparation. At Bayou Segnette, one camper notes, "Coming from camping in Gatlinburg the month before (18 degrees) to here, we were not prepared for how hot and humid and full of bugs it would still be at the end of December." Mosquito repellent is essential year-round, particularly at dusk.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads and water features: St. Bernard State Park Campground offers family water activities. "There is a splash pad that was a huge hit for the little boys. This is the parks main attraction for the locals," shares Paula W. The park also includes "two good sized playgrounds for kids and a really huge splash pad," according to Nicholas S.
Playgrounds and recreation: Many campgrounds feature family-friendly facilities. Bayou Segnette includes "plenty of facilities for social interaction you can enjoy your family or make new friends at the pool, boat dock, shoreside cabins, hiking trails or wave pool," reports Crystal C.
Kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with appropriate spacing. St. Bernard features "nice and roomy sites with electric, water, grill, fire pit, picnic table and shade trees." One camper specifically recommends, "At site 9, I could watch the kids play while I sat in the shade, watched them and relaxed."
Tips from RVers
Transportation options: For pet friendly camping near Metairie, Louisiana, consider transportation to attractions. "The KOA offers transportation to the French Quarter for free! It was such a nice perk," shares Jen H. about New Orleans West KOA. Alternatively, "You can Uber into the french quarter for about $12 and takes 15 minutes," from Three Oaks & A Pine RV Park.
Site selection advice: Choose sites based on your specific needs. At Fontainebleau, "Be careful booking a pull thru site if your unit is over 25', they're horseshoe shaped," warns Martha S. Similarly, at Bayou Segnette campers recommend, "Watch what side your picnic table may be on" as site layouts vary.
Hookup considerations: Pay attention to water pressure and sewer connections. At Bayou Segnette, Ron R. advises, "Bring a preasure regulator as it seems to be higher than normal preasure." At Three Oaks & A Pine, the affordability is notable: "paid $30 for full hookup, compared to other RV sites near the city were about triple the price."
