Camping options surround Metairie, Louisiana, with most sites located within a 30-minute drive of the area. The region sits at just a few feet above sea level with drainage being a constant challenge for campgrounds. During December, temperatures can still reach uncomfortable levels, with one visitor to Bayou Segnette noting they "were not prepared for how hot and humid and full of bugs it would still be at the end of December."
What to do
Explore nearby waterways: From Bayou Segnette State Park Campground, campers can take advantage of boat docks for fishing or sightseeing. "My boys enjoyed the fishing," reports Lisa P., making this an excellent option for anglers seeking top camping near Metairie.
Visit national historic sites: The Chalmette Battlefield National Park is approximately 15 minutes from St. Bernard State Park and offers history lessons with period-dressed reenactments. A camper notes, "When here, you are very close to the Chalmette Battlefield National Park and Cemetery where the famous battle of New Orleans took place."
Take advantage of urban proximity: Most Metairie-area campgrounds offer easy access to New Orleans attractions. A visitor to New Orleans RV Resort & Marina appreciated that "it's fifteen minutes to the action," allowing campers to enjoy city amenities while returning to more spacious accommodations at night.
What campers like
Security features: Many campgrounds near Metairie prioritize security due to their urban proximity. The French Quarter RV Resort is "walled with razor wire on top so we felt very safe staying here," according to Ted N., while another visitor mentioned that "there is a park right outside the gate and we were able to run our dogs while we were here."
Water recreation options: Several parks feature water-based amenities beyond just swimming pools. At Fontainebleau State Park Campground, "the beach is lovely and the water felt great. There is also a splash pad," according to one reviewer who visited in 2022.
Diverse wildlife viewing: Wildlife sightings are common at most campgrounds in the region. A Fontainebleau State Park visitor simply stated, "We love this campground cause has lots of wildlife," while another noted the presence of "raccoons are smart, and not scared of humans" – something to consider when securing food at night.
What you should know
Traffic and urban noise: Many campgrounds experience ambient noise from surrounding urban areas. At Three Oaks & A Pine RV Park, a camper warned about "very loud noises at night (trains, cars spinning etc), so if you're a light sleeper, you might have a hard time."
Site conditions after rain: Low elevation means many sites retain water after storms. Taylor C. noted at Fontainebleau: "It had poured a few days before we went and had to switch sites three times before getting one that was even remotely dry."
Transportation options: Most campgrounds offer multiple ways to reach New Orleans. At Jude Travel Park, "The operators offer a shuttle several times a day for a small fee per person, to the French Quarter," while New Orleans KOA reviews mention "the KOA offers transportation to the French Quarter for free!"
Site layouts and privacy: Layout varies significantly between parks. At St. Bernard State Park, a visitor observed, "Most sites are large with good spacing between sites, but not much privacy between sites," which is fairly typical for the region.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads and pools: Water features are valuable for keeping children entertained in the heat. St. Bernard State Park has "two good sized playgrounds for kids and a really huge splash pad," according to Nicholas S.
Pet-friendly considerations: Most campgrounds welcome pets but have varying accommodations. At New Orleans West KOA, visitors can walk their dogs at a "nice little park next door for the doggies," while Three Oaks & A Pine offers a designated dog run area.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences for children. A parent suggested visiting Chalmette Battlefield in early January "when they recreate the battle. (Check dates with the park)" for maximum educational value.
Be prepared for insects: Bug protection is essential, particularly for children. A Bayou Segnette visitor advised, "To avoid these we found that keeping the lights off til we were inside the tent was crucial. Those not wanting to feel the Deep South, need not camp here!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Some parks have challenging site layouts. A Fontainebleau visitor cautioned, "Be careful booking a pull thru site if your unit is over 25', they're horseshoe shaped," suggesting RVers call ahead to discuss specific needs.
City access strategies: While most campgrounds advertise proximity to New Orleans, traffic conditions vary. From St. Bernard, visitors report "20 to 30 minute drive to the French Quarter" though this can extend significantly during peak times or events.
Utilities and hookups: Water pressure varies between campgrounds. At Bayou Segnette, an RVer recommended: "Bring a pressure regulator as it seems to be higher than normal pressure."
Level sites: Site conditions matter for larger rigs. St. Bernard State Park received praise for "nice level site with W&E hookups," making it a solid option for those seeking the best places to camp near Metairie with easy setup.
