Tent camping near Mandeville, Louisiana exists primarily at established campgrounds rather than in backcountry locations. The area sits on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, with most camping options located within a 30-minute drive. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing despite mild daytime conditions.
What to do
Water recreation on Lake Pontchartrain: Located near New Orleans RV Resort & Marina, campers can enjoy boating and fishing. "It's right on the water so you can see yachts and boats come in and out," notes one visitor, highlighting the active waterfront setting.
Explore New Orleans French Quarter: Many tent campers use Mandeville-area sites as a base for visiting New Orleans attractions. "The RV resort was wonderful. The staff was super friendly. It was close enough to the French Quarter to take a Uber so we didn't have to worry about parking," reports one camper.
Visit Fontainebleau State Park: Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, this state park offers hiking trails through 2,800 acres of natural habitat. Though primarily known for its cabins, limited tent camping is available seasonally with advance reservations required.
What campers like
Security features: Safety measures at J & W Campground provide peace of mind for tent campers concerned about the semi-urban setting. "The place is fenced at gated for added security," mentions one reviewer, noting the importance of this feature.
Relative affordability: Compared to downtown New Orleans accommodations, tent camping near Mandeville offers cost savings. One reviewer noted site pricing can vary widely, with some locations offering basic tent sites starting around $30, while premium waterfront locations cost significantly more.
Maintenance and cleanliness: Campers repeatedly mention the well-kept grounds. "The grounds are maintained very nicely, beautiful plants etc. nice space and plants in between each campsite so you have privacy," shares one tent camper about their experience.
What you should know
Industrial approaches: Several campgrounds have approaches through industrial areas that can initially concern first-time visitors. "The road to get here is rough though, it's through an industrial park and looks very concerning, but then you come and find this! So nice," explains one camper at Marrero Travel Park.
Weather considerations: The Mandeville area experiences extreme summer heat and humidity from June through September, with occasional severe thunderstorms. Hurricane season (June-November) can impact camping plans with little notice.
Limited primitive options: True primitive tent camping is scarce near Mandeville. Most tent sites are within developed campgrounds that primarily serve RVs. Tent-specific amenities vary widely between locations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Families appreciate campgrounds with swimming pools during hot months. "The communal pool and hot tub are great to relax in after our long drive in," reports one camper, noting this amenity helps keep children entertained.
Playground quality: Not all campgrounds offer robust play areas. One reviewer cautioned that at a certain location, "Playground was not much," suggesting families should research child-friendly amenities before booking.
Restaurant convenience: On-site food options can simplify family camping. "Had excellent crab cake and bisque," mentions one visitor at New Orleans RV Resort & Marina, highlighting the convenience of not having to cook every meal when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: RVers note road conditions can be challenging at certain campgrounds. "2 roadways to enter/exit resort. A car can drive toward north but some potholes would not advise RV on road toward lake pontchartrain," advises one experienced camper.
Site selection matters: Privacy levels vary significantly between sites. "We got one next to it and it shares the excellent Waterfront view," explains one RVer who couldn't get their first-choice site but still found a good alternative.
Urban convenience with nature benefits: The balance between accessibility and natural setting appeals to many. "This is a great RV resort and Marina. Right on the canal waterway and only 10 minutes in good traffic to the French Quarter, 20 to the Garden District and zoo," notes a reviewer.
