Camping options near Hammond, Louisiana provide diverse experiences within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at low elevations between 5-50 feet above sea level, creating a watershed with multiple rivers and lakes that influence camping conditions. Sites often feature cypress and oak trees with Spanish moss, common in this subtropical climate where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
River activities: Float or paddle through the region's waterways. Bogue Chitto State Park Campground offers tubing opportunities. "There are wonderful hiking, biking, and horse trails. Canoeing and kayaking was a short drive away," notes a visitor. The park also features "river tubing, horse back riding" according to another camper.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line from designated piers or shorelines. Indian Creek Campground provides accessible fishing spots where "kids riding bikes and fishing" create a family-friendly atmosphere. One camper mentioned their site had "2 access areas for kayaks, canoes, etc." making it convenient to reach fishing spots.
Nature observation: Watch for wildlife including alligators, deer, and waterfowl. The region hosts numerous reptile species. "We saw plenty of wildlife such as turkey, deer, rabbits, turtles, alligators and birds," reports a Bogue Chitto visitor. Remember that alligators are common - "This place is crawling with gators in the lower portion on the lakes. Hey this is south Louisiana."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathrooms with regular maintenance. Tickfaw State Park Campground receives praise for cleanliness. "Bathrooms were clean everytime I went, which is just as much about the guests as the staff," notes one reviewer. Another mentioned, "Facilities were clean and plentiful."
Affordable rates: Senior discounts significantly reduce costs. At Tickfaw State Park, "LA State Parks give a 50% discount for seniors 62+ and you don't have to be a state resident. The ranger processed a refund for us as he checked us in. You cannot beat $10 a night for this park."
Waterfront sites: Reserve early for premium locations. Fairview-Riverside State Park offers "amazing views across the water" with sites directly on the Tchefuncte River. "We reserved 3 primitive spots for new years weekend... There was a great boat launch spot for the kids to put kayaks and canoes in the water."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Flooding risks occur regularly during rainy periods. Low-lying campgrounds may close sites. At Bogue Chitto, "We were in the lower area campsites, which were prone to flash flooding. We actually left a day early due to prediction of rain." Some campers report having "reservations cancelled by the park when the river is high because the camping areas will flood."
Wildlife awareness: Alligator sightings are common and normal in this region. Always maintain distance and never feed wildlife. "When my hubby rustled a bag, several alligators swam right up to our site! Our campsite #101 was right on one of the many lakes in the park."
Variable site conditions: Request specific sites based on your equipment needs. At Fontainebleau State Park Campground, "Be careful booking a pull thru site if your unit is over 25', they're horseshoe shaped. We could not fit on a pull thru site."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Multiple swimming options provide relief from summer heat. Hidden Oaks Family Campground has a river running through it making it ideal for kids. "The campground has a river running through it making it a great option to go up river and kayak back down. The campground is split into 2 sides - primitive and RV."
Holiday events: Festive weekends feature special programming. Hidden Oaks "has great festive activities for the seasonal holidays and a general laid back mind set year round. Halloween decorations were in full effect." Another visitor noted, "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!"
Boardwalk trails: Accessible paths allow easy wildlife viewing. Tickfaw State Park offers "a boardwalk walk trail located across the street from the campsites and around the playground(s)." One visitor mentioned they "took a few hikes around the river as well as some late night walks along the boardwalk hoping to see a gator."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request information about site dimensions and layout before booking. Fontainebleau campers advise, "There are plenty of long sites, but big rigs need to choose their sites carefully i.e. read reviews and possibly call the park concerning specific sites."
Utility reliability: Full hookup availability varies between parks. At Tickfaw, campers praised "No dip in electricity at peak usage. Good water pressure. Free laundry for campers." This can be particularly important during summer months when air conditioning is necessary.
Leveling requirements: Bring blocks for uneven sites. At Indian Creek Campground, "Our site # 57 needed 2 blocks to level" while another visitor noted "The ground is pretty sloped though." Calling ahead about specific site conditions can prevent setup challenges.
