Palmetto Island State Park Campground
BEAUTIFUL!!!!
What a beautiful location with Palmetto’s great sites, clean bathhouse and nice laundry facilities.
Louisiana's Vermilion Bay area near Avery Island contains several state parks and private campgrounds providing access to the region's distinctive coastal wetlands and waterways. Palmetto Island State Park, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, and Cypremort Point State Park offer developed camping facilities within 30 miles of Avery Island. These established campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, with most providing tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Private options include Isle of Iberia RV Resort and KOC Kampground in New Iberia, which primarily serve RV campers with full hookup sites.
The subtropical climate creates distinct camping considerations, with high humidity and occasional storms during summer months. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures. "Bugs were awful," notes one camper about Palmetto Island State Park, highlighting a common challenge in this lowland environment. Reservation systems are standard at state parks, with fees typically ranging from $20-35 per night. Many campgrounds feature water access for fishing and paddling, though waterfront sites fill quickly during peak periods. Cell service varies by location but remains reliable near developed areas.
Campers consistently mention wildlife viewing opportunities as a highlight of the region. Palmetto Island State Park receives high ratings for its secluded campsites and nature trails, with one visitor noting they "saw alligators, jumping fish, deer, opossums and all kinds of wildlife." Water-based activities form the core experience at many locations, particularly at Cypremort Point, which features a man-made beach along Vermilion Bay. RV campers tend to favor the full-hookup amenities at private parks like Isle of Iberia, which offers a swimming pool and lazy river. The proximity to cultural attractions like Avery Island's Tabasco Factory and Jungle Gardens provides additional activities for campers seeking day trips from their campsite.
"The spot was surrounded by small trees essentially hiding the view of the neighbors. Pretty area with a good hiking trail. Wild pigs hang around, so don’t get close!"
"A good camping state park and far away from civilization. Large sites very private.Good equipments. For being over 65, I had a rebate of 45$...! The closest town is Abbeville, a nice little town."
"Close to the restrooms but not much through traffic. Dumpster was right across next to the bathrooms. Not a lot of street lights throughout the campground made things nice and quiet at night."
"That said, we really enjoy the variety of parks we have in Louisiana for quick trips. Sometimes the forest beckons us and we don't have the time or resources to do the primitive thing."
$27 / night
"This campground is a Louisiana State Park located on Vermillion Bay In the Gulf of Mexico. THERE ARE ONLY CABINS TO RENT, NO TENT OR RV CAMPING!
This park was very nice but small."
"Drive-Thru concrete pads with full hookup. Very clean and nice. Cool breeze in February and a very quiet place. Wi-Fi is weak and we have not tried the showers or restroom."
$45 - $65 / night
"Outside of that, I’m sure this park is amazing when there aren’t restrictions in place. There were some full timers there and they were so nice and welcoming."
"Lots of room to walk and a pond. Close to attractions in the area"
"We don’t have little kids and wish it were a dog park but realistic the world doesn’t revolve around us."
$45 / night
"We visited the Tabasco factory on Avery island, took a swamp boat ride in Breaux Bridge, the Acadian and African American History Museums in St."
"New, clean, level, convenient to shopping and dining, great for walking or dog walking, next to huge sports complex but quiet."
"Be careful though in picking your spots because some are in the way back and have no trees, which could be brutal in a Louisiana summer. Nice playground for kids, mini-golf, and clean laundry mat. "
"It has a lovely pond/ lake that the sites are situated around. It has easy access from the highway."
$35 - $39 / night
"My wife and are traveling for work and found this gem off the highway. Mr. Jason is incredibly communicative and helpful. There are plenty of shaded spots and windbreaks from all directions."
"The website directs you to book your site online, but when we tried to do that, every single site showed as being available, which didn’t seem right to me, so we decided to just drive to the park first"
"Conveniently located near the sports complex for weekend tournaments. Very family oriented!! We will stay again in the future."
"We visited for a softball tournament and the location is perfect, less than a mile from the complex. The park was well kept. There is a small fishing pond so bring a pole."











What a beautiful location with Palmetto’s great sites, clean bathhouse and nice laundry facilities.
They have only had RV camping for about 4 years. Drive-Thru concrete pads with full hookup. Very clean and nice. Cool breeze in February and a very quiet place. Wi-Fi is weak and we have not tried the showers or restroom. Once this place is discovered it will be hard to get a campsite unless you reserve ahead of time.
We camped here in late february, and the park is absolutely beautiful. Restrooms are clean, hot showers and nicely spaced sights. Driveway was flat and level.
Full hookups, shower, pool, dog park for $45 on I-10. Bonus is that they have a full breakfast for you on weekends. One review said the sites were small, but they're not. They're average size.
We arrived at Lake End after the check in time but the office was so helpful and pleasant to check us in. Once we got to our site we had some problems. The 30 amp was tripping and the wash house was closed for renovations. But over two weeks, the long term neighbors made this feel like home. The walking trail is quiet during the week and early in the morning. After the first day, we really enjoyed our stay.
Spaces are cramped but slides don't touch. Spaces are long enough for a 44' fifth wheel and enough room to park the truck. Nice amenities like a dog park, laundry, community pavilion with weekend activities, pool, etc. Staff is very friendly and everything is kept up well and is clean.
Full RV hookup 30/50 amp power. $15 a night. Most of the surrounding land is own by energy company and posted. Town is about 20 miles away. We stayed several nights wait out the cold.
The host are very nice. There were individual warmed bathrooms with showers. Full connections available. There’s a gas station in walking distance. Quiet and peaceful.
I'm unsure about this pin.Drop.There is a little park right before the pin drop and a boat launch after the pin drop. I stayed at the boat launch. It cost the $2. I parked under the light and slept like a baby. Just a parking lot for trucks. Using the boat launch into the swamps, lots of mosquitoes working restrooms. Bring your own paper. Bring your own soap. Good, if you just need to get a good night's sleep which is exactly what I was looking for. If you're going to go to the boat lunch, you should have four wheel drive If the ground is wet, on the park side, you're probably good with the two wheel drive
Camping spots near Avery Island, Louisiana feature a mix of state-managed and private facilities within the Gulf Coast's subtropical environment. The region sits at a low elevation of 5-15 feet above sea level, with camping areas typically positioned along waterways or near coastal marshes. Most sites experience high humidity throughout summer, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, creating a nearly year-round camping season.
Kayaking through cypress waterways: Lake Fausse Pointe State Park offers several paddle routes through swamp forests. "We were able to kayak through a lot of water areas as well! The park rents canoes for people to use if you don't have your own," notes a visitor who appreciated the accessible water trails.
Gulf fishing opportunities: The shoreline at Cypremort Point State Park provides access to Vermillion Bay fishing. "Park has fishing pier, sandy beach/swimming area, pavilions with bbq pits and cabins for rent," explains one camper who enjoyed the water access options.
Disc golf and recreation: Located near Parkside RV Park, the St. Julien Park offers "disc golf, catch and release ponds, walking trails, dog waste stations" according to a recent visitor who appreciated these recreational amenities.
Spacious, private campsites: Palmetto Island State Park receives praise for its site layout. "The campground is heavily wooded and the campsites are well spaced. We stayed only night but would definitely consider staying here again," reports one camper who enjoyed the natural privacy.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary across the area, but certain parks stand out. "The showers were very nice and clean and there was a laundry facility with a book exchange. Inexpensive laundry $1.75 for each wash and dry," notes a visitor to Palmetto Island State Park.
Water recreation amenities: The swimming and water features at many parks rank highly in reviews. "There is a nice pool with a lazy river, bring your own tube or float. There is a DJ or band on summer weekends," explains a visitor about Isle of Iberia RV Resort.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have access challenges. "I guess the only negative thing I can say which really isn't the park's fault is the road getting into the park is in pretty poor shape for the last 3-4 miles," mentions a Palmetto Island State Park visitor.
Seasonal insect considerations: Mosquitoes present a major concern. "May try again when it cools down," notes a Lake Fausse Pointe visitor who was "unable to go far on walk due to the thick blanket of mosquitoes" during summer months.
Limited shade at newer facilities: Lafayette KOA and other newer parks often lack mature trees. "Be careful though in picking your spots because some are in the way back and have no trees, which could be brutal in a Louisiana summer," warns one RVer.
Varied price points: Costs range from $28-50 per night for full hookup sites. "The price was $45 per night," notes a Parkside RV visitor, while another campground reviewer mentioned, "Sites are a little close together, no shade. There is a nice pool with a lazy river, bring your own tube or float."
Water play areas for children: Many parks offer dedicated water recreation. Palmetto Island State Park features "a splash pad and great playground for the kids. There's also a little lake for fishing," according to one family's experience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Introduce children to local wildlife safely. "This campground is a Louisiana State Park located on Vermillion Bay In the Gulf of Mexico. There is a fishing pier/peninsula," explains a visitor to Cypremort Point who enjoyed family-friendly nature observation.
Plan for heat management: The subtropical climate requires preparation. "Since the landscaping is all new at the RV Park, the trees are not mature enough to provide shade," notes a visitor about Parkside RV Park, suggesting families bring additional shade options during summer months.
Book waterfront sites early: Prime locations fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. One KOA visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed a weekend without RV backed up to the pond. Cement lots with fire circle of metal," highlighting how water-adjacent sites are popular with families.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies by location. "Good cell service with ATT and Verizon," reports an RVer staying at Maxie's Campground, though coverage becomes spotty in more remote parks.
Site leveling expectations: Most developed campgrounds offer prepared pads. "All sites are cement and level. Pedestals are close and everything works," notes a visitor about Cypremort Point's newer RV area.
Hookup locations: Some parks have unusual utility placement. "You'll need a long sewer hose; the sewer hook ups are at the very back of the site," advises a Parkside RV Park visitor, suggesting RVers come prepared with extension equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed on Avery Island?
No, Avery Island itself does not permit camping. This private property, home to the TABASCO factory and Jungle Gardens, is a day-use destination only. For overnight stays, consider nearby options like Abbeville RV Park in Abbeville which is approximately 20 minutes away, offering a quiet setting with walking trails. Another option is Isle of Iberia RV Resort near New Iberia, which provides full amenities for RV travelers wanting to explore Avery Island during day trips.
What activities can you do at Avery Island besides visiting Tabasco factory?
Beyond the Tabasco factory tour, Avery Island offers the stunning Jungle Gardens with 170 acres of exotic plants, wildlife viewing, and Bird City sanctuary - home to thousands of snowy egrets. The salt dome and active mine operations provide unique geological interest. Nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the waterways around Lake Fausse Pointe State Park Campground which offers fishing, boating, and hiking trails through cypress-tupelo swamps. For birding and wildlife photography, the marshlands near Cypremort Point State Park Campground provide excellent opportunities along Vermillion Bay.
How much does it cost to visit Avery Island?
Visiting Avery Island typically requires a small entrance fee of $5-10 per vehicle to access the island itself. The TABASCO Factory Tour costs around $5.50 per person, while the Jungle Gardens admission runs approximately $8 per adult and $5 for children. Combined tickets offering access to both attractions are available at a slight discount. If you're staying at Lafayette KOA, which offers cement pads and amenities like mini-golf and a playground, staff can often provide current pricing information and sometimes discount coupons for area attractions including Avery Island.
What is the best time of year to visit Avery Island?
The ideal time to visit Avery Island is during spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) when temperatures are mild and pleasant for outdoor exploration. Summer months (June-August) bring intense heat and humidity, which can make walking through Jungle Gardens less comfortable. Winter visits offer fewer crowds but cooler temperatures. Birding enthusiasts should visit in spring to see the snowy egrets nesting in Bird City. Campers at Palmetto Island State Park Campground often combine their stay with Avery Island visits during these optimal seasons, taking advantage of the reasonable proximity to this unique cultural attraction. Parkside RV Park provides comfortable year-round accommodations for those wanting to explore the area.
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