Pearl River, Louisiana camping areas offer diverse accommodations within proximity to New Orleans and Gulf Coast attractions. The region's elevation averages just 26 feet above sea level, creating unique wetland camping conditions where visitors encounter southern coastal wildlife including alligators, turtles and diverse bird species. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and high humidity.
What to do
River activities: McLeod Park Campground offers direct access to the Jourdan River for boating, fishing, and water recreation. "We enjoyed our mid October stay. Great playground and splash pad for the children. We walked the nature trail and enjoyed the river views from our campsite," notes Tiffany M., highlighting the park's water features beyond just camping.
Nature trails: Bogue Chitto State Park provides extensive hiking and horseback riding paths through diverse ecosystems. "We love this park. Huge park with plenty of places to explore. We saw plenty of wildlife such as turkey, deer, rabbits, turtles, alligators and birds. Plenty of trails for hiking and biking," shares Tiffany M., emphasizing the wildlife observation opportunities.
Holiday celebrations: For seasonal travelers, several campgrounds host special events. At Hidden Oaks Family Campground, "Halloween decorations were in full effect. The campground has a river running through it making it a great option to go up river and kayak back down," according to Shaun B., describing recreational options beyond standard camping.
What campers like
Water access: Many Pearl River area campers appreciate riverfront sites. At McLeod Park Campground, "Our site was right next to boat launch. It was very beautiful. The park is clean. They have a splash pad and playground for the kids," reports Ann H., highlighting convenient water access points.
Wildlife viewing: The wetland ecosystem supports diverse wildlife watching opportunities. At Bogue Chitto State Park, one camper warns, "Literally, don't feed the gators. There were signs everywhere. Apparently many people don't heed the signs. When my hubby rustled a bag, several alligators swam right up to our site!" This authentic wildlife experience differs from standard glamping in Pearl River, Louisiana.
Urban proximity: New Orleans West KOA provides convenient city access. "This KOA offers transportation to the French Quarter for free! It was such a nice perk! The pool is very nice and the sites are clean, level and spacious," explains Jen H., detailing amenities that facilitate urban exploration from a campground base.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer camping requires preparation for insects. At McLeod Park, one camper reported, "The roaches THE ROACHES WERE HORRIBLE. Especially at night as soon as you'd open up the door they were flying EVERYWHERE, we camped in August." This practical warning helps visitors plan appropriate timing for their Pearl River glamping experience.
Site variations: New Orleans RV Resort & Marina (formerly Lake Pontchartrain Landing) has significant price fluctuations. "Called this campground today—they changed their name to New Orleans RV Resort & Marina. It's a holiday season so I expected them to be busy, and they were. They charge $69 per night," notes Katherine D., providing current pricing information.
Access conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. At New Orleans RV Resort & Marina, "The road to get here is rough though, it's through an industrial park and looks very concerning, but then you come and find this!" explains Alana F., providing navigation context often omitted from glamping directories.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Bayou Segnette State Park offers family-friendly water activities. "My boys enjoyed the fishing. Short drive to French Quarter," shares Lisa P., highlighting how the park combines outdoor recreation with cultural access.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated children's areas. "We spent most of our time at the playground! It's really not that bad of a park. We didn't really like the drinking and people riding on their boats blaring obnoxious music, but that's just our personal preference and only happened during the weekend," notes Ashlyn B. about McLeod Park, providing context about both facilities and atmosphere.
Budget considerations: Land-O-Pines Family Campground offers diverse amenities but at varying price points. "I would give it a better review except it's 50$ a night for a tent. We've averaged 20-30 bucks for the same. Other than price it's a good place to stop," notes Robert H., providing cost context for families considering glamping near Pearl River.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Many area campgrounds offer full RV services. At Bayou Segnette State Park, "Nice sites. Close to town with stores and restaurants. Just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans," reports Mark J., highlighting the practical amenities.
Leveling requirements: Site preparation varies widely between locations. At Hidden Oaks Family Campground, one RVer shared: "The campsite was quite muddy due to the large amount of rain recently. Took 2 blocks to level off. Very nice camp hosts are fellow campers. We were in site 16 which had electricity and water. Dump station available."
Security features: For those concerned about leaving equipment, New Orleans RV Resort & Marina provides enhanced security. "It's also secured for those that are worried, I know I was," notes Alana F., addressing a common concern for RV glamping near urban areas like Pearl River, Louisiana.
