RV camping near Mandeville, Louisiana offers access to diverse wetland ecosystems situated along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, approximately 40 miles north of New Orleans. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, muggy summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September. The flat terrain and proximity to waterways creates challenges during heavy rain periods, with some campsites requiring elevation to prevent flooding.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Launch from Lakeside RV Park where concrete pads provide convenient access to nearby water. "The property is very well maintained, pads are spacious, concrete and level. And the views are absolutely stunning," notes a camper about the nearby fishing areas.
Water recreation: Enjoy lazy river amenities at Fireside RV Resort during hot months. "Very new and nice but packed a ton of sites into a little area. Lazy river and pool are nice as well but extremely crowded as it's about the only entertainment on campus," according to one visitor.
Brewery visits: Take a short drive from Abita Springs RV Resort to explore local beer options. "Visit the nearby abita springs cafe for great breakfasts and of course the brewery for good beer. Cute little town area and farmers market very close," recommends a camper.
Beach access: Travel approximately 45 minutes to Silver Slipper Beachfront RV Park for Gulf access. "We were backed up to the gulf of Mexico. We ended up staying an extra 3 days," shares one beach-loving camper who extended their stay.
What Campers Like
Concrete sites: Many parks offer level concrete pads that remain stable in wet conditions. "Our site was a nice level concrete lot. The only downside on this trip was the store was closed for renovations and we did need some supplies," notes a camper at Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore.
Pool amenities: Swimming options vary between resorts with different themes. "Very nice resort, mostly concrete, not a lot of trees, kids enjoyed pool, lazy river, blow up obstacle course on lake," mentions one family about their experience at Sun Outdoors.
Local attractions: Easy access to cultural experiences attracts many visitors. A camper at Fireside RV Resort notes, "4days here and everyday was great. Their Halloween was this weekend and had a blast," highlighting seasonal events available at nearby campgrounds.
Family facilities: Covered playgrounds provide relief from heat and rain. "The park is clean and I love the abundance of trees and shade. Beautiful pool, lazy river, and pond," describes a visitor at Fireside RV Resort.
What You Should Know
Seasonal crowding: Summer months bring increased visitors, particularly to water features. "We spent last Sunday-Thursday at Reunion Lake RV Resort and we really enjoyed it! We missed the big crowds and pretty much had the place to ourselves," shares a visitor who appreciated the off-peak timing.
Limited shade: Many sites lack mature trees for natural cooling. "All the sites are concrete pad which makes its very hot in summer and feels sorta like a parking lot at times," warns a camper at Sun Outdoors.
Membership requirements: Some parks require specific affiliations. "Great campground it is a coast to coast park so you have to be a member," notes a visitor to Abita Springs RV Resort, highlighting an important access requirement.
Variable site spacing: Proximity to neighbors varies significantly between parks. One camper at Pinecrest RV Park mentioned it's "Pretty basic but well kept. Amenities are limited but good for a stop over to visit the area. Easy access to New Orleans, about 30 minutes."
Tips for Camping with Families
Covered play areas: Look for parks with shade structures during summer heat. At Lakeside RV Park, a visitor noted, "Love the amenities they provided we loved the playground that was covered which allowed us to play with our kids in the heat of the day and even with rain."
Water features: Facilities with pools help manage hot weather. "Great place to chill in water while camping during the summer! We booked last min so didn't really get to really pick our site. We were up in the front and didn't really have any trees around that gave any kind of shade," reports a family at Fireside RV Resort.
Accessibility challenges: Some facilities have limitations for mobility devices. At Abita Springs RV Resort, a visitor shared, "I could only give them 4 of 5 stars because of challenges using my electric mobility wheelchair. They have handicap parking in the clubhouse. They could have a better threshold to enter and exit the building."
Seasonal activities: Research park event schedules for enhanced experiences. "This resort typifies 'RV Resort' with multiple swimming pools, café, lazy river, pool cabanas, putt putt golf, pickelball/basketball courts, a fitness center," writes a detailed reviewer about the seasonal offerings.
Tips from RVers
Pricing considerations: Rates vary significantly between weekdays and weekends. A camper noted, "Weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates are available and heavily discounted and there are discounts for Good Sam, senior citizen, and military. Our monthly rate reduced the nightly cost from $60 to $22."
Spacing between sites: Position and privacy vary between parks and within sections. "All sites are 30/50 amp, full hook-up, with wifi and cable. There are pull-thru and back-in sites. Sites, roads, and patios are paved and level and come with a picnic table and fire pit," explains a detailed reviewer.
Infrastructure quality: Utility connections can present challenges at some locations. An RVer at Pinecrest RV Park mentioned "Campground conveniently located right off the highway. Arrived to very wet sites, free internet was very poor (even when most campers checked out)."
Advance booking: Reserve early for premium locations. "It's a pretty big R. V. Lot. $50 per night on average. Quiet and peaceful. Not too many mosquitoes flying around," shares a visitor describing the overall atmosphere at Pinecrest RV Park.
