Tent camping near New Orleans, Louisiana offers accessible options within a short drive from the city center. While nearby natural camping areas are limited, visitors can find tent sites at several campgrounds that provide convenient access to both urban attractions and water recreation. Summer temperatures average 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows rarely dip below freezing, making tent camping feasible year-round despite occasional Gulf Coast storms.
What to do
Water activities at canals: New Orleans RV Resort & Marina provides direct access to canal waterways, creating opportunities for boating and fishing. As one camper noted, "It's right on the water so you can see yachts and boats come in and out" while another mentioned enjoying "walking and sitting along the water in the mornings."
Explore New Orleans without parking hassles: New Orleans RV Resort & Marina serves as a convenient base for city exploration without vehicle concerns. "It was close enough to the French Quarter to take a Uber so we didn't have to worry about parking," shares one camper, while another confirms it's "only 15 minutes to bourbon street and 10 minutes to Frenchmen."
Relax poolside: After exploring the city, many campgrounds offer refreshing amenities. One visitor appreciated "a fabulous pool" at New Orleans RV Resort, while another mentioned "the communal pool and hot tub are great to relax in after our long drive."
What campers like
Security features: Tent campers appreciate the safety measures at secured campgrounds near the city. "It's also secured for those that are worried, I know I was," reports one reviewer about New Orleans RV Resort & Marina, while another notes the "place is fenced at gated for added security."
On-site dining options: Unlike many campgrounds, some New Orleans-area sites feature restaurants. "There's a restaurant on site, which is a new experience for us," mentions a camper, while another specifically praised the "great restaurant/sport bar" where they "had excellent crab cake and bisque."
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer better site separation than expected. One camper at New Orleans RV Resort observed "nice space and plants in between each campsite so you have privacy," which creates a more comfortable tent camping experience despite the urban location.
What you should know
Industrial approach roads: The drive to some campgrounds can be initially concerning. "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!" reports one New Orleans RV Resort visitor. Another confirms: "When you first get off the Interstate, the area looks abandoned and a little sketchy, but it is ok."
Variable site quality: Site amenities differ significantly between locations and site types. One camper noted their "back-in site with gravel parking and a picnic table. No BBQ pit or fire ring," while another mentioned disappointment that their "view was partially blocked by houseboats."
Noise considerations: Urban and transportation noise affects some camping areas. One camper reported "occasional noise from airplanes taking off from nearby Lakefront Airport was a small detraction," while another mentioned a recurring "helicopter that keeps passing over."
Tips for camping with families
Playground limitations: Family facilities vary between campgrounds. One Marrero Travel Park camper noted simply that the "playground was not much," suggesting families bring additional recreation options.
Alternative transportation planning: Families visiting New Orleans attractions should consider various transportation options. "There are 2 roadways to enter/exit resort," noted one camper, advising which route works better for different vehicle types.
Site selection for shade: Summer tent camping requires strategic site selection. One camper mentioned their "awning faced north so we had some shade from the sun," noting there's "not much shade in the park" overall.
Tips from RVers
Connectivity information: For those needing internet access while camping, cellular coverage varies. One New Orleans RV Resort visitor reported "both AT&T and Verizon had good signal (3 bars each). AT&T Speedtest= 26.8 Mbps down, x 6.5 Mbps up. Free Wi-Fi is available at the office/restaurant and paid available it the sites."
Price expectations: Be prepared for urban camping rates that exceed rural locations. As one camper bluntly stated, "They charge $69 per night, which is far too expensive for my budget," while another paid "$89/night" for a waterfront site and was "pretty disappointed" given partial view obstruction.
Campground services: Some campgrounds offer unexpected amenities. "They pick up your trash by noon, LP pickup/refill," reported one camper, adding valuable information about operational details not typically highlighted.
