Camping near Slidell offers diverse options ranging from primitive tent sites to modernized RV accommodations within 45 minutes of town. The area sits at just 3-13 feet above sea level with subtropical weather patterns that bring year-round humidity and temperatures ranging from 45°F in winter months to over 90°F during summer. Mosquitoes remain active throughout most seasons except during occasional winter cold snaps.
What to do
River access activities: McLeod Park Campground provides water recreation opportunities along the Jourdan River. "We walked the nature trail and enjoyed the river views from our campsite," notes one camper who visited in mid-October. The campground features a playground, splash pad, and river access with a boat launch.
Wildlife viewing: Bogue Chitto State Park Campground offers extensive wildlife viewing opportunities throughout its trail system. "We saw plenty of wildlife such as turkey, deer, rabbits, turtles, alligators and birds. Plenty of trails for hiking and biking," reports a recent visitor. The river provides a swimming area during summer months.
Water recreation: Bayou access remains available year-round at multiple campgrounds. Visitors to most water-adjacent sites should be aware of alligator presence. "Literally, don't feed the gators. There were signs everywhere... When my hubby rustled a bag, several alligators swam right up to our site!" explains one camper about their lakeside experience.
What campers like
Convenient NOLA access: New Orleans RV Resort & Marina provides urban access with natural surroundings. "Great RV resort and Marina. Right on the canal waterway and only 10 minutes in good traffic to the French Quarter, 20 to the Garden District and zoo," explains one visitor. The resort features freshly paved sites and an on-premises restaurant.
Budget-friendly options: Three Oaks & A Pine RV Park offers affordability when visiting New Orleans. "You're paying roughly $30 a night to be about ten minutes by car from the French Quarter. It's a $8 Uber ride in non peak times," shares one visitor. The campground includes full hookups despite its modest setting.
Swimming facilities: Land-O-Pines Family Campground provides swimming opportunities for families. "There is a lot of fun things to do for the whole family, from swimming, water slide to playing bingo and a lot more," notes a visitor. The campground maintains water recreation options despite its older facilities.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Spacing and maintenance differ widely between campgrounds. "Beautiful campground, boat launch and water access are nice, but the most crowded park we have been to! You're VERY close to your neighbors and there is little room for parking," explains one visitor about McLeod Park.
Seasonal pests: Humidity brings mosquitoes and other insects, particularly after rainfall. One summer camper notes: "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."
Access routes: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. For New Orleans West KOA, a visitor explains, "As stated in other reviews this KOA is close to town and very convenient. But it's noisy. Traffic, trains, airplanes and construction noise, you've got it all here. Bring earplugs if you're tent camping."
Tips for camping with families
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Slidell, Louisiana provides solid shelter with camping convenience. Bayou Segnette State Park Campground features yurt accommodations alongside traditional camping. "The bathrooms were kept clean. The campground was nice," notes one visitor about the facilities.
Activity planning: Scheduled events enhance family experiences at certain campgrounds. At Hidden Oaks Family Campground, "This park looks like a blast to come to on holidays for the family. They already have Christmas decorations up, a train ride ready and more!" observed one off-season visitor.
Splash areas: Water features provide cooling options during hot months. "Great playground and splash pad for the children," notes a visitor to McLeod Park. Multiple campgrounds maintain splash pads or small water features specifically designed for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Premium waterfront sites book quickly at most campgrounds. "We picked a deluxe waterside plot which was opposite one of the spare moored up river steam boats," notes a visitor to New Orleans RV Resort & Marina.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared with leveling blocks at certain campgrounds. At Hidden Oaks Family Campground, a visitor mentions the campsite "was quite muddy due to the large amount of rain recently. Took 2 blocks to level off."
Connectivity: Cell service varies between providers. One McLeod Park visitor reports: "Cell service: Verizon service with 2 bars and AT&T one bar sometimes none. We were able to stream the LSU Tigers beat Arkansas on our Verizon hot spot."
