Camping opportunities near New Orleans feature distinctive environmental challenges shaped by the region's low elevation and Gulf Coast climate patterns. Most campsites sit within 10 feet above sea level, contributing to drainage issues during rain events. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with humidity levels above 80%, while winter nights rarely drop below 40°F, making year-round camping possible but requiring specific seasonal preparations.
What to do
Explore historic battlefields: St. Bernard State Park Campground provides access to the Chalmette Battlefield National Park. "Very nice, close to new orleans, lots of history around," notes one camper, adding that "st bernard has many attraction, nice veiws, friendly people."
Take advantage of bike trails: Fontainebleau State Park Campground offers extensive paved cycling paths. "Great paved bike trail that you can get to from the campground," reports a visitor. Another mentions, "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."
Visit nearby plantations: Bayou Segnette serves as a convenient base for plantation tours. "Easy to check out Oak Valley and the Whitney plantations," notes a camper at New Orleans West KOA, which is similarly positioned for cultural explorations outside the city.
Cool off at water features: Several parks offer water recreation options beyond what's mentioned in city descriptions. "The beach is lovely and the water felt great. There is also a splash pad," reports a Fontainebleau visitor. At St. Bernard, "a really huge splash pad" provides cooling relief when temperatures climb.
What campers like
Secure urban camping: New Orleans RV Resort & Marina emphasizes security in its urban setting. "It's also secured for those that are worried," explains one reviewer. Another notes it's "a hidden gem in NOLA, it's fifteen minutes to the action. And a beautiful campsite."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local parks provide unexpected wildlife encounters. Fontainebleau State Park gets praised because it "has lots of wildlife." Another camper reports, "Tons of wildlife to be seen. The raccoons are smart, and not scared of humans." Morning wildlife viewing is particularly productive, with "small rabbits hopping around camp and birds singing to wake you as early as 5:30."
Convenient transit options: Jude Travel Park offers transportation alternatives. "There is a shuttle to town available $10 each way or the bus stop is right across the stress," explains a camper. Similarly, a visitor to Jude Travel Park of New Orleans reports, "The operators offer a shuttle several times a day for a small fee per person, to the French Quarter."
Water views: Waterfront camping provides scenic value. "It's right on the water so you can see yachts and boats come in and out," notes a New Orleans RV Resort & Marina visitor. Another mentions they "picked a deluxe waterside plot which was opposite one of the spare moored up river steam boats."
What you should know
Neighborhood considerations: Urban campgrounds require careful navigation. "The road to get here is rough though, it's through an industrial park and looks very concerning," notes one New Orleans RV Resort visitor. Another camper explains that Three Oaks & A Pine RV Park is "right off I-10 and 15 minutes to the French Quarter. I'm a single female traveler and I did not feel unsafe."
Drainage issues: Low-lying geography creates wet camping conditions. "It had poured a few days before we went and had to switch sites three times before getting one that was even remotely dry," reports a Fontainebleau camper. Another notes, "The campground had a very swampy feel, water pooled everywhere."
Noise factors: Urban camping means urban noise. "Coming from Tiki Toms in Tiki Island, TX," notes a visitor, the marina location still experiences some traffic sounds. A different camper mentions, "The occasional noise from airplanes taking off from nearby Lakefront Airport was a small detraction."
Variable bathroom conditions: Facility quality differs significantly. "Bathroom design is meh. Not sure if they have ventilation so the floor always seemed wet," reports one Bayou Segnette visitor, while another notes, "The bathhouse facilities at the campground were well maintained and cleaned. The facilities at the lake were rough."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: St. Bernard State Park Campground offers multiple play areas. "Two good sized playgrounds for kids and a really huge splash pad," reports one family. Another mentions, "There is a playground in the campsite between sites 10 and 11. At site 9, I could watch the kids play while I sat in the shade."
Pack for humidity: The climate requires specific preparation. "You have to expect muggy conditions when camping here, it is a bayou, scale back your bedding to light weight materials and just be prepared for mosquitoes," advises a visitor. Another recommends, "Pack A Fan - it is the bayou and with that comes a lot of humidity. I suggest a battery operated fan for your tent of RV."
Consider security: Safety varies significantly between properties. "The park is fenced at gated for added security," notes a visitor to New Orleans RV Resort. At French Quarter RV Resort, "the campground itself is clean and kept up well. They keep a guard at the gate all the time."
Book weekdays when possible: Weekend congestion affects facility quality. "The pool was overcrowded each time I went," notes a weekend visitor, while midweek travelers report more manageable conditions with "plenty of room for tents" and "nice level site with W&E hookups."
Tips from RVers
Check site configurations: Bayou Segnette State Park Campground has specific layout considerations. "Pads are level, wooden deck fire ring, plenty of room for tents," reports a visitor. At Fontainebleau, "Be careful booking a pull thru site if your unit is over 25', they're horseshoe shaped. We could not fit on a pull thru site."
Monitor water pressure: Utilities require attention at some properties. "The water quality is good. Bring a pressure regulator as it seems to be higher than normal pressure," advises a Bayou Segnette camper. Another notes, "Power and water at sites, and a dump station on the way out."
Consider unusual dump station placements: Facility layout varies between parks. "My few complaints would be the dump station is located to where you have to use it coming into the park instead of leaving the park," shares one St. Bernard camper. Another mentions, "Dump station is set up with the sewer receptacle in the middle of the lane."
Look for satellite/cable options: Communication infrastructure differs. "The Verizon service was good and there is free WiFi," reports a Fontainebleau visitor. Another campground offers "72 channels of cable TV" while others provide "free WiFi at the office/restaurant and paid available at the sites."
