Camping spots near Monroe, Louisiana offer affordable options for outdoor enthusiasts, with some sites available for as little as $25 per night. The area sits at approximately 80 feet above sea level in northeastern Louisiana's flat river basin terrain, creating distinctive landscapes where cypress trees and bayous dominate. Summer temperatures regularly climb above 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally drop below freezing.
What to do
Vineyard experiences: Landry Vineyards Grape Escape RV Sites offers campers a unique stay among grapevines. "We stayed at location #13 at far end of the tasting room. It was a beautiful location that allowed us to overlook the vineyard. It was very easy to get into and out of with our 45' 5th wheel," noted one visitor. Weekend events add entertainment value: "We were able to time it to coincide with a Saturday afternoon/evening event there at the vineyard and it was spectacular."
Wildlife viewing: Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge is accessible within 15 minutes of Bayou Boeuf RV Park. As one camper mentioned, "15 mins from Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge if you want somewhere to hike and walk around." The refuge offers boardwalks through cypress swamps where visitors can spot native birds, turtles and alligators.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide water access for fishing enthusiasts. "The site was LEVEL!!! gravel site, pulled in, put the truck in park and we were almost perfectly level. nice and quiet," reported a camper at Ouachita RV Park, which features a small fishing pond.
What campers like
Vineyard hospitality: Visitors appreciate the welcome they receive at Landry Vineyards Grape Escape RV Sites. "We met up with Libby Landry upon arrival and she was an incredible host that got us situated at a spot right near the tasting area." Another reviewer noted, "The winery was fantastic! We took a tour of the facility, guided by the winemaker and owner. Well worth it."
Convenient overnight stops: Travelers passing through value accessible camping near Interstate 20. A reviewer at Ouachita RV Park shared: "This little RV park is less than 5 minutes off I - 20 in north east Louisiana. Being that close, I thought it would have been really loud, but it wasn't! I heard more birds than anything."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high in camper priorities. At Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, a camper noted: "Bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen in a public park. Most people seem to come for the fishing but we enjoyed the nature and short hiking trails."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some public lands now require permits. At Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area, a reviewer advised: "Perfectly fine site, a very nice ranger kindly told me that it's 5 dollars, just FYI!"
Security considerations: Choose campgrounds based on safety preferences. One reviewer's experience at Pecanland RV Park: "I had planned on staying here, but opted for Ouachita RV park down the road because I did not feel safe."
Site conditions: Dispersed camping areas may have limited facilities. A camper at Russell Sage WMA reported: "I ended up in the hunting-open dispersed area. There is plenty of space to fit quite a few campers there, but the ground was soft. There were no gravel parking areas, etc."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cheniere Lake Park offers recreational facilities for children. "Nice playground for the children. Sheriff's department is nearby and they patrol frequently so you feel very safe," shared a visitor who appreciated the security and amenities.
Water features: Splash pads provide kid-friendly water play at certain sites. At Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, one family reported: "By far one of our favorite sites. Already planning a trip back and will continue to come here. The splash pad is a huge hit!"
Insect preparation: Louisiana's climate means mosquitoes are prevalent, especially near water. Pack repellent and protective clothing, particularly during evening hours when mosquito activity increases around bayous and ponds.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Finding flat parking areas saves setup time. A camper at Pavilion RV Park cautioned: "The layout is a bit tricky to navigate with a trailer, spots are close and the turns are sharp with bad angles."
Hookup options: Full-service sites with water, electric and sewer connections are available at most established campgrounds. At The Fishing Camp Tackle & RV Park, a reviewer noted: "For $25 a night, this little RV park with water and power hookups to 50A is a fairly quiet spot behind a restaurant with fairly new single bathrooms including showers and a temperature controlled laundromat on site."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow entrance roads or tight turns. Follow specific directions from campgrounds rather than relying solely on GPS. At Russell Sage WMA, a visitor warned: "Easy to find with the link in Dyrt. Don't even try to find it on your own with Apple Maps!"
