Best Campgrounds near New Orleans, LA
Campgrounds near New Orleans primarily consist of developed RV parks and state parks within driving distance of the city. Fontainebleau State Park Campground, located in Mandeville approximately 30 miles north across Lake Pontchartrain, provides tent, RV, and cabin camping options with boat access. Several private RV parks cluster closer to the city, including Three Oaks & A Pine RV Park, Jude Travel Park, and New Orleans RV Resort & Marina. Most facilities offer full hookups for RVs while maintaining limited tent camping areas. St. Bernard State Park and Bayou Segnette State Park represent additional public land options within 30 minutes of downtown.
Most New Orleans area campgrounds remain open year-round due to the region's mild winter climate, though summer humidity can be challenging. Campground security varies significantly by neighborhood location. "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. It's also secured for those that are worried," noted one camper about New Orleans RV Resort. Several facilities implement security gates, particularly those in urban settings. RV parks within city limits typically feature gravel pads rather than natural settings, with minimal vegetation between sites. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and other major events when accommodations throughout the region reach capacity.
The camping experience near New Orleans reflects its urban setting, with many campgrounds functioning primarily as convenient bases for exploring the city rather than nature-focused destinations. Visitors frequently mention transportation options in their reviews, with several parks offering shuttle service to the French Quarter. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "We had a nice time, it was very secure here. The operators offer a shuttle several times a day for a small fee per person, to the French Quarter." Urban noise represents a common theme in reviews, particularly from traffic, trains, and nearby industrial areas. Waterfront locations like New Orleans RV Resort & Marina provide more scenic settings with views of boats and water traffic. State parks farther from the city center offer more traditional camping environments with greater privacy and natural surroundings.