Best Tent Camping near Ponchatoula, LA

Every time we visit this park (which is a lot) we are able to have a new and fun adventure!

When my children were very young. This was one of the first places in the area to have a splash park for my children to run and play while staying cool in the south Louisiana heat.

Move up a few years, Tickfaw has provided myself and children with hours of fun, safe and informative hikes along the well maintained boardwalks through South Louisiana swamps.

As my children have grown we have still been able to explore the park further by utilizing the campgrounds! The tent camping section has defined/ private tent sites with picnic tables, and parking next to each site. The Rv park also boost a fun and family atmosphere, with fishing ponds, bike riding, canoeing, and primitive hiking. All with clean and air conditioned restroom facilities easily accessible to all sites.

Just completed our first non-tent camping experience with our new camper. Fontainebleau was the perfect spot. Easy to navigate, lots of really good campsites, clean, air-conditioned restrooms. Tons of wildlife and a great splash park for the kids. Nice nature trails. Can’t wait to go back.

I really expected more from them considering it’s all anyone can talk about. Bathrooms were usually clean but quickly dirtied. Showers didn’t drain but they have water fountains for you to fill bottles. It had poured a few days before we went and had to switch sites three times before getting one that was even remotely dry. Definitely way more an rv park than for tent camping. All of the tent spots were either not very maintained or close together. Out of the 100 something people camping there only a handful were friendly to us. Did not have that campground vibe.

We were pleasantly surprised by the nice views, great tent campsites, cold river access, and access to restaurants even though camp feels remote. At night there was a lake nearby you could see the alligator’s eyes glowing - kids thought that was cool. Great swimming- but river had very strong current so kids wore Life jackets. This area is hilly and has a different appearance than most state parks I’ve been to in LA. The restrooms/shower access are a short walk and kept very clean.

My understanding is that this campground is currently closed due to the impacts of Hurricane Ida and efforts are being made to get it opened back up soon.

We tent camped on an rv site (May 2020) and set up our tent on natural ground beyond the asphalt pad.  The other campers in our area were quiet and kept to their campsites.  We enjoyed a bike ride on the Saint Tammany Trace and then made a short drive to Abita Springs for lunch.  There was high water at the time we went, so the beach area was shut down for recreation.  We did manage to get out to the pier on Sunday for a scenic view of the lake.  

We plan to return to the park soon and bring our kayaks.  There seems to be lots of good paddling opportunities around the park.

This is a really nice state park and campground. It's located right on Lake Pontchartrain, which is really beautiful and nice for swimming, fishing, canoeing. They have some really nice tent sites, nice bathrooms, pavilions, picnic tables. There are also cabins that you can rent if you want. The beaches are cool, there are some nice hiking and biking trails.

Of course, being right near New Orleans, there is plenty to do. Taking a boat tour through some of the swamps is really cool. Plus, you get to find out a little about the history of the city. Taking a bike tour around the city is really cool as well. I learned so much about the history of New Orleans when I did it! Just a really awesome city full of culture and weirdly awesome stuff.

Went for a few nights solo camping (with my dog) in late January, so we had the tent area to ourselves until Friday afternoon. Really impressed with the cleanliness of the grounds, but some of the fire pits and grills could use some work. Great variety of campsite layouts, as well as a couple of wheelchair friendly ones. Facilities were clean and plentiful. Several miles of trails showcasing the beauty of southern Louisiana. Will definitely be going back.

This campground is a small open field by a road and river. There were some other rvs and tents even I arrived. I felt safe & it was quiet. No bathrooms or water available. You must have a (free) permit on Louisiana’s app LDWF WMA & sign in & out. I def recommend & I’ll be coming back if I need to camp out near NOLA!!

This place is crawling with gators in the lower portion on the lakes. Hey this is south Louisiana. Tubing down the River is a big attraction. Nice park.

We visited Bogue Chitto after torrential rains pummeled Louisiana and Mississippi causing the park to cancel our site we had reserved with a water view in the Bottomland Loop. This really ended up being a blessing in disguise. We were forced to just pick a site when we arrived at the park (not so great for this OCD-Teacher-Planner-Mom), but after only one drive around the Upland Loop, we decided on site 2 and were not disappointed! The site backed up to a trail, and the driver side of the trailer faced a wooded area (instead of a neighboring site) which afforded us much more privacy than any of the other sites would have. Sites 9, 14, and 46 also looked nice with their awnings facing trees instead of other campsites. All sites in this loop had sewer hook ups, so that was nice. There was a concrete pad underneath the fire ring with a lifting grill, a separate grill by the wooden picnic table, and a lantern post. There was a big tent pad close to the fire ring as well.

We thoroughly enjoyed all of the hiking and biking opportunities this campground afforded us. Although the Bottomland area was closed for camping, we still checked things out for future visits. Given the choice between the two loops in the future, I think I’d choose site 2 again. Camp hosts were visible and kept the campground very clean. During our visit, there was a Dutch Oven competition, so the campground was packed.

We only were able to stay here for two nights and left wishing we could have stayed much longer! We will definitely visit Bogue Chitto State Park again.

This is probably my favorite place to visit in Louisiana. The primitive camping sites are on little peninsulas just big enough for you and your group, so it's truly private. The lake has always been calm when I go, with maybe 1 or 2 kind and considerate boaters.

We went on a weekend after it had rained all week. There wasn’t a dry spot to be found. The bathrooms were cleaned every morning. Sites were pretty close together, but the campground was clean. I would like to see it in summer when it is drier. They offer a discount for the Access Pass holders, but only if you are a Louisiana resident. They don’t detail that on the website.

This site was quite nice.  Loved the beach area and the picnic areas, and the live oaks are to die for.  There are also historical relics there and an museum which were very very nice.  

Only downfall we could see was the sheer amount of bugs.  We brought a bug zapper, thank god, and that thing was COVERED by the time we left.  I guess that would just be typical for south louisiana!

Nice campground, grass kept cut nice, trees with shade, spots for both tents and rv's/campers. Nice boardwalk and short trail, but no long hiking trails. Great access point to Tchefuncte River. Park is close to town also.

We have stayed here for 4 consecutive years for the Louisiana Marathon weekend in January and couldn’t ask for a better home base for one of our favorite race weekends.

They offer regular pull thru spots with both 30 and 50 amp full hook ups and deluxe with a fire ring and patio space. The campground and bath house are kept clean and there is even a dog park for your furry camping friends.

Came for the weekend as a last minute solo camp. Tons of wildlife! Clean park with hot showers! I would definitely lock all food in your car. Raccoons around here will unzip your tent and rob you 😂

Had a pull in site. Great view, spacious sites, lots of trees and space. Horrible deer flies. Make sure you bring a screen tent to enjoy the outdoor sitting. Lots of critters…raccoons, squirrels, and deer. Will definitely be back