J
Jannik L.
Scout
ScoutSalt Bayou Kampground
spot is okay for a night. very quiet. pool/restrooms/ everything is closed in. November. Hookups worked fine.
Camping near Mandeville, LA
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Camping near Mandeville, Louisiana spans tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations along the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain and nearby waterways. Fontainebleau State Park Campground serves as a central camping hub with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Other nearby options include Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville and Abita Springs RV Resort, both offering mixed-use facilities within a 30-minute drive of Mandeville. The terrain features distinctive Louisiana landscapes with Spanish moss-draped live oaks, swampy wetlands, and lake access points that create varied camping environments across public and private lands.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the region, with high humidity and insects being notable factors during summer months. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though many campers prefer spring and fall visits to avoid peak heat and mosquito activity. Water levels in nearby rivers can impact trail accessibility, particularly after heavy rainfall when boardwalks and low-lying areas may flood. Hurricane season (June through November) occasionally forces temporary closures, with sites reopening gradually after cleanup operations. Cell service is generally reliable across most developed campgrounds, with both AT&T and Verizon providing strong coverage. A visitor noted, "We stayed here a little over two weeks in mid-February 2019. We really enjoyed this park. It does get very busy on the weekend, but the area we were in was still quiet and peaceful."
Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers at Fontainebleau State Park, which features direct frontage on Lake Pontchartrain with swimming areas, fishing piers, and scenic views. The Tammany Trace bike trail runs through the park, connecting campers to nearby communities without requiring vehicle transportation. Several campgrounds in the area provide shaded sites beneath mature trees, offering natural cooling during hot months. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with multiple reviewers mentioning deer sightings within campground boundaries. A recent review highlighted the natural setting: "The grounds are immaculate with huge Spanish moss covered Live Oaks throughout the park." Though sites tend to be close together at most established campgrounds, the abundance of trees creates visual breaks between camping areas. Many campgrounds feature modern amenities including laundry facilities, clean restrooms, and camp stores, making the region suitable for both rustic tent camping and fully-equipped RV travel.
Best Campgrounds near Mandeville (91)
1. Fontainebleau State Park Campground
"There is a decent breeze because of Lake Ponchatrain. We brought bikes and rode to the beach and also did part of the Tammany Trace, which runs through the park."
"We were on spot #138 and were close to the dump and the camp host. Very convenient for using the tote. This is a bit older park, but we liked it. "
2. Fairview-Riverside State Park
"Had a playground for the kids next to campsite. Walking distance to a picturesque river with lily’s and mangrove trees."
"We always enjoy our stopover night here on the drive to Alabama. It is our go-to place. The Otis House tour and other artifacts are interesting and worth the time."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 - $33 / night
3. Abita Springs RV Resort
"Nice RV pads next to the fishing pond. Scenic nature trails and wildlife. This is out in the woods but only a short drive to shopping and dining."
"They could have a better threshold to enter and exit the building. The ladies rest room did have a handicapped ♿ stall with a grab bar and plenty of room for my chair."
4. Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore
"I enjoyed walking and sitting along the lake in the mornings. The noise from the interstate was a small detraction. Bathrooms could have used a little more attention."
"Beautifully kept resort with nice full hook up camspots, fences in dog park, pools for adults and kids, camp store, bar, grill, lake and hot tub."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $130 / night
5. Bogue Chitto State Park Campground
"We visited Bogue Chitto after torrential rains pummeled Louisiana and Mississippi causing the park to cancel our site we had reserved with a water view in the Bottomland Loop."
"We were pleasantly surprised by the nice views, great tent campsites, cold river access, and access to restaurants even though camp feels remote."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
6. Land-O-Pines Family Campground
"Land-O-Pines is a nice private RV park near Folsom and Covington. We stayed two nights because my daughter was in a horse competition at a nearby horse farm. The sites are mostly shady."
7. Pearl River WMA - Crawford Landing
"You must have a (free) permit on Louisiana’s app LDWF WMA & sign in & out. I def recommend & I’ll be coming back if I need to camp out near NOLA!!"
"Nice little stop outside of New Orleans for the night. Arrived late at night and there was one other person here. It was raining so I just decided to sleep in the car."
Check Availabilityfrom $7 / night
8. Adventures RV Resort
"The store on site gives easy access to any items you may have forgotten. Live music happens on special weekends, as well as holiday related activities for kids."
"I'll be honest, the campground is old and run down and I probably wouldn't visit here outside of Halloween but highly recommended for some great family Halloween fun!"
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $75 / night
9. New Orleans RV Resort & Marina
"This is a great park tucked away from everything yet only 15 minutes to bourbon street and 10 minutes to Frenchmen. Great place to stay on the water."
"2 roadways to enter/exit resort. A car can drive toward north but some potholes would not advise RV on road toward lake pontchaitrain."
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $170 / night
10. Hidden Oaks Family Campground
"this campground has been around for a long time. It has great festive activities for the seasonal holidays and a general laid back mind set year round. Halloween decorations were in full effect. "
"Great place to camp or stop if you want to visit New Orleans or surrounding areas."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
Drive Time
- 20 min from Slidell, LA
- 22 min from Hammond, LA
- 43 min from New Orleans, LA
- 55 min from Gulfport, MS
Recent Camping Photos near Mandeville, LA
96 Photos of 91 Mandeville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tentrr State Park Site - Louisiana Fontainebleau State Park - Teepee Field A - Single Camp
Tentrr State Park Site - Louisiana Fontainebleau State Park - Paddle Out J - Single Camp
Tentrr State Park Site - Louisiana Fontainebleau State Park - Woodland L - Single Site
Fontainebleau State Park Campground
Tentrr State Park Site - Louisiana Fontainebleau State Park - Beachside K - Single Camp
Tentrr State Park Site - Louisiana Fontainebleau State Park - Teepee Field B - Single Camp
Fairview-Riverside State Park
Tentrr State Park Site - Louisiana Fontainebleau State Park - Pond View E - Single Camp
Abita Springs RV ResortT
Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore
Adventures RV Resort
Recent Reviews near Mandeville, LA
561 Reviews of 91 Mandeville Campgrounds
- MMarianne H.
TravelerFrench Quarter RV Resort
Bij de receptie waren de mensen erg behulpzaam. Zwembad is aardig, hottub ook fijn. De plekken waren heel netjes. Fijn dat het vlakbij de French Quarters ligt waar je makkelijk lopend erheen kan. Een groot nadeel is de enorme lawaai van verkeer!!! De prijs daardoor vind ik exorbitant !
- MMarianne H.Traveler
Royal Palms RV Park
Reserveren van deze plek ging soepel! Heel erg vriendelijk gastheer. Wij mochten onze rv langer laten staan dan uitrij tijd omdat wij geen parkeerplek konden vinden dicht bij onze tocht met de boot! Geweldig geholpen. De camping is klein maar aangenaam om voor een nacht te blijven. Wat geluid van verkeer, maar niet storend voor de nacht. Liever hier staan op het gras dan op een resort met beton platen 😃
Jeremy B.TravelerFontainebleau State Park Campground
We stayed at site CU037 and had a wonderful time! Our spot felt private and secluded, with plenty of wildlife all around us. We saw squirrels, raccoons, deer, lots of birds, and one surprisingly noisy armadillo! At night, we could hear owls and coyotes, which made the experience even more memorable.
The bathrooms and showers were clean, with plenty of hot water—a welcome comfort while camping!
It was a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy nature. Our only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer. We’d happily come back!
Gail G.
GuideFontainebleau State Park Campground
Love the area
It does have high traffic, but quiet in campground. Big campground, with mostly FHU sites. Back in sites and pull thru also. Bath house also has laundry. The park and beach areas are awesome. Second year camping here, cause pretty darn sweet
Denis P.ScoutBuccaneer State Park Campground
The price is with 96$ to high. To much mosquitos.
Todd B.GuideMcLeod Park Campground
Well laid out park on the river.
Park layout is nice with probably 150 sites +/-. Some are close together. Others are well spaced and situated for some privacy. No one on site at night so when it gets loud or rowdy, you're on your own.
Dewayne S.ScoutAbita Springs RV Resort
Abita springs Louisiana
Was invited to come down and check out the rv resort met some great people
Stuart K.
LegendFrench Quarter RV Resort
The Ultimate RV Base Camp for the Big Easy
Calling French Quarter RV Resort a 'campground' almost misses the point. This compact, walled RV oasis occupies roughly a city block just off I-10, with 52 flat, paved full-hookup sites and essentially zero traditional camping atmosphere: no woods, no shade and no tents. But that's also its genius: you're staying in your own RV within walking distance of the French Quarter. The grounds remain remarkably clean and secure for such an intensely urban setting, and the courtyard pool and hot tub provide a surprisingly relaxing place to recover alongside a stiff Mai Tai after a long day pounding the pavement in New Orleans. Recent 2026 reviews continue to praise the cleanliness, staff and location, while confirming that shade remains nonexistent.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Location is the killer attraction here - you can park the RV and walk into the French Quarter rather than attempting to navigate and park a big rig in downtown New Orleans; (2) the walled, gated property and overnight security create a reassuring little 'cocoon' from the surrounding city; (3) sites are generously sized for an urban RV resort (roughly 30' x 60') flat, paved and equipped with full 20 / 30 / 50-amp hookups; (4) the central courtyard, pool and hot tub are genuinely useful amenities rather than decorative resort fluff after a day exploring the city; and (5) clean private showers, laundry and other well-maintained facilities make this exceptionally easy urban camping.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) You're paying handsomely for this location, with current rates running roughly $105–$250 / night and event pricing capable of pushing things substantially higher; (2) elevated I-10 sits immediately alongside the property, so highway noise comes with the address, although the passing by traffic noise becoming less intrusive at night; (3) there is virtually no shade, greenery or traditional campground ambience - so bring your own shelter or shad; and (4) this is RV-only territory, so tent campers need not apply.
Insider’s Tip: I’d still choose one of the less-expensive standard sites rather than automatically paying for a premium site. I-10 is sufficiently close that you're unlikely to achieve true silence anywhere, and the basic sites deliver the same real prize: a secure place to leave the rig while you go enjoy New Orleans. If you're walking into the Quarter, daylight is preferable; use a rideshare coming back late at night.
Guide to Mandeville
Mandeville camping offers natural diversity beyond Lake Pontchartrain's shoreline. The region features a mix of bayou wetlands, piney forests, and river access points at elevations ranging from 7 to 30 feet above sea level. Water drainage issues affect lower-lying campgrounds after heavy rainfall, requiring campers to check site conditions and weather forecasts.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Bogue Chitto State Park Campground, campers regularly spot diverse native species. "We saw plenty of wildlife such as turkey, deer, rabbits, turtles, alligators and birds," writes Tiffany M. The park features multiple ecosystems within its boundaries.
Biking on paved trails: Many campgrounds connect to the 31-mile Tammany Trace trail system. "We enjoyed riding our bikes around the campground and the trails in the park. We also, took the trace to town and rode along the lake," notes Gregg G. about his stay at Fontainebleau State Park Campground.
Water recreation activities: Several campgrounds offer river and lake access points. At Land-O-Pines Family Campground, "There is a river that runs right through the campground," notes Cat R., making it ideal for kayaking. Campers should bring their own equipment or check rental availability.
Seasonal events: Holiday-themed weekends draw large crowds at many campgrounds. "We went for Halloween weekend and there were a lot of activities and trick or treating for the kids," reports David D. Local campgrounds often decorate extensively and organize special activities during major holidays.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: While many campgrounds have closely spaced sites, some offer more secluded options. At Fairview-Riverside State Park, "It's a nice quiet and clean park on the banks of the Tchefunte River just above Madisonville," writes Dean and Dodie B.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds. A reviewer at Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore (formerly Reunion Lake RV Resort) noted, "Our kids loved the lazy river. We stayed in site 202 and it was ideal as we have a class A and flat tow a Jeep and didn't want to unhook for the one night."
On-site amenities: Campgrounds range from basic to resort-style. "The site was a nice level concrete lot. The only downside on this trip was the store was closed for renovations," wrote Jen O. about her stay. Many campers appreciate concrete pads that stay dry during wet conditions.
Wildlife encounters: Natural settings provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We love this campground cause has lots of wildlife," notes Danny about Fontainebleau State Park. Alligator sightings are common at water-adjacent sites, with some campgrounds posting warning signs.
What you should know
Water drainage issues: Low-elevation areas experience flooding after rainfall. At Fairview-Riverside State Park, one camper noted, "They have a water problem. It doesn't take much rain to have standing water in many sites. Lots of the pads are old and narrow. You find yourself stepping out your coach into sloppy mud."
Site layouts vary widely: Even within the same campground, site quality differs significantly. At Fontainebleau State Park Campground, Martha S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest campgrounds to Mandeville for weekend getaways?
What are the closest campgrounds to Mandeville for weekend getaways?
Fairview-Riverside State Park is one of the closest options for weekend getaways from Mandeville. This compact Louisiana state park features two camping loops, with sites near the river being particularly desirable. The park offers laundry facilities, a short boardwalk trail, and boat launches, making it ideal for quick escapes. Another excellent nearby option is Abita Springs RV Resort, which provides water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly for those traveling with larger RVs or campers.
Are there waterfront camping areas available in Mandeville?
Are there waterfront camping areas available in Mandeville?
Yes, several waterfront camping options exist near Mandeville. Tickfaw State Park Campground offers excellent waterfront camping opportunities with a splash park and beautiful trails including the scenic Cypress Gum Trail. For those seeking a river setting, Pearl River WMA - Crawford Landing provides primitive camping on a small open field beside the river. Though basic (no bathrooms or water), it offers a quiet, safe waterfront experience. Just remember that a free permit is required through Louisiana's LDWF WMA app, and visitors must sign in and out.
Where are the best camping spots in Mandeville?
Where are the best camping spots in Mandeville?
Fontainebleau State Park Campground is widely considered one of the best camping spots in the Mandeville area. The park offers easy access to Lake Pontchartrain with a refreshing breeze off the water. The campground is particularly appealing for cyclists, as the Tammany Trace runs through the park and connects directly to downtown Mandeville (about 4 miles from the camping area). The park gets busy on weekends but still maintains a peaceful atmosphere, with both short-term and long-term camping options available.
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