Camping near Kentwood offers access to the pine forests and waterways that characterize this part of eastern Louisiana. The area sits just 25 miles from the Louisiana-Mississippi border at approximately 310 feet elevation. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
River tubing experiences: Bogue Chitto State Park Campground provides river tubing opportunities during summer months. "River tubing available," notes Connie M., who appreciated the diverse recreational options available. Many visitors bring their own tubes or rent them from the park office.
Hiking trail exploration: The nature trail at Percy Quin State Park Campground offers unique hiking experiences through varied terrain. David B. mentions that "Part of the trail is a boardwalk through the swamp(but one section is in disrepair)." This trail provides opportunities for wildlife viewing in wetland environments.
Kayaking launch points: Several campgrounds feature direct water access for kayaks. Jason R. from Percy Quin State Park shares, "We brought our kayaks and were able to dock at our campsite. We had a lot of fun playing in the lake." Many sites have shoreline access that allows for easy launching without transporting equipment.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Paradise Ranch RV Resort features unique wildlife interaction possibilities. Abraham H. explains, "My kids fed the deer some corn and they will eat it right from your hands." The property maintains populations of red stag deer and potbelly pigs that freely roam throughout the campground.
Swimming options: Many Kentwood area campgrounds feature swimming amenities beyond natural water bodies. According to Therese A., Bogue Chitto State Park offers "a splash pad/water slide and easy access to the river" that appeals particularly to families with children.
Trail variety: Indian Creek Campground maintains multiple well-marked paths for visitor exploration. Brian M. calls it his "Literal favorite campsite of 18 that we have tried so far!" adding that the property has "Great nature area around camps with paths to explore."
What you should know
Weather impacts: Low-lying campsites in this region can experience rapid flooding during heavy rainfall. Cat R. shares this warning about Bogue Chitto: "We were in the lower area campsites, which were prone to flash flooding. We actually left a day early due to prediction of rain."
Seasonal crowds: Peak summer months bring significantly higher visitor numbers to dog friendly campgrounds near Kentwood. James L. notes that facilities at Bogue Chitto are "very clean, well kept" with "maintenance staff checking things several time per day," even during busy periods.
Wildlife awareness: Alligators inhabit waterways throughout pet-friendly campgrounds near the Kentwood area. Larry advises that Bogue Chitto State Park is "crawling with gators in the lower portion on the lakes. Hey this is south Louisiana." Signage warns against feeding these native reptiles.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational facilities: Natallbany Creek Camp Ground offers multiple family-oriented amenities in a compact area. Nichole B. describes the setup: "They have a fishing pond and small pier. They have a swimming pool. They also have cabins you're able to rent. They have a campground store and arcade room in the front near the pool."
Bike-friendly options: Several campgrounds feature terrain suitable for children on bicycles. Tara L. describes Indian Creek Campground: "It was quite at night and during the day lots of kids riding bikes and fishing. Great family place."
Holiday activities: Scheduled events provide structured recreation during peak visitation periods. According to Nichole B., "During holidays they have lots of activities" at Natalbany Creek Camp Ground, making it worthwhile to check event calendars when planning visits with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers should research specific site characteristics before booking. Christine G. notes about Percy Quin State Park: "This particular site was very close to the water, which is why we chose it, however immediately next to our camper was a very steep drop off which made it impossible to set up our camper mat and outdoor cooking supplies next to our outdoor kitchen."
Utility connections: Fontainebleau State Park Campground offers varying hookup options across different camping areas. MickandKarla W. advise: "There are a lot of large trees in this loop but we were able to get a clear north shot for Starlink. We had three bars on Verizon. There are plenty of long sites, but big rigs need to choose their sites carefully."
Road navigation: Access roadways present challenges for larger recreational vehicles at some locations. MickandKarla W. share this observation about Fontainebleau State Park: "The road to the site was a bit narrow for our 40' 5th wheel and F450...We do not recommend this site for any pull trailers over 35'."
