Best Tent Camping near Walker, LA

Tent camping options near Walker, Louisiana are limited, with Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales being the primary established campground in the region that accommodates tent campers. Located about 30 miles southeast of Walker, this multi-purpose facility offers tent sites with varying levels of amenities throughout the year. J & W Campground is technically listed as another tent camping option in the vicinity but provides minimal information and appears to have limited facilities based on available data.

Lamar Dixon Expo Center features drive-in tent sites with numerous amenities not typically found at primitive campgrounds. The grounds provide drinking water, electric hookups, showers, toilets, and trash disposal. Fire rings are available for campers who wish to have campfires, though campers should verify current fire regulations upon arrival. While primarily designed as an events center, the campground area accommodates tent campers year-round. Sites are shared between different camping areas, with hookups positioned centrally between multiple campsites.

The tent camping experience at Lamar Dixon is notable for its convenience rather than seclusion or natural setting. The facility includes a public fishing pond surrounded by a paved, solar-lighted track where scouts and other groups often set up tent sites. Its central location makes it suitable for those exploring both Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas, serving well as a base camp for regional exploration. According to a reviewer on The Dyrt, "This is a great central location to the Baton Rouge and even New Orleans area. Lamar Dixon is huge and usually has some type of event happening." The proximity to events can be either an advantage or disadvantage for tent campers depending on their preference for activity versus quietude.

Best Tent Sites Near Walker, Louisiana (2)

    1. Lamar Dixon Expo Center

    5 Reviews
    Prairieville, LA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (225) 621-1700

    "Great location. This is a great central location to the baton rouge and even new orleans area. Lamar Dixon is huge, and usually has some type of event happening."

    "Lamar Dixon outside Baton Rogue but not far from New Orleans either. This is a good in between spot to pitch your tent and visit all the very cool places roun'cher."

    2. J & W Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Springfield, LA
    11 miles
    +1 (225) 294-8961
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Tent Camping Reviews near Walker, LA

270 Reviews of 2 Walker Campgrounds


  • L
    Oct. 25, 2021

    Fairview-Riverside State Park

    Inexpensive Small Adequate

    Small campground with spots right on top of each other.

    Says free internet but service at site was nonexistent.

    No electric or water at site.

    3 men and 3 women bathroom/shower combo rooms that are clean. Only issue is when park is full the wait for the toilets can be long because of showers.

    Laundry room (coin operated) available for use.

    Little gated entrance with park attendants who take payments for sites. Code for gate given for after hours

    RVs located mainly in center. Tent sites behind kid’s playground. Pretty long walk.

    Lots of trees gone from last hurricane. Still repairing things.

    Our tent site was located on the outer side right next to swamp. It included a picnic table, fire ring, a post with site number where you place your card and you can park on the grass next to your site.

    Free to cross causeway into Madisonville but $5 to return to NOLA

    Must stop in Cafe Du Monde for beignets!

    Very friendly people ❤️⛺️

  • L
    Nov. 8, 2021

    Fairview-Riverside State Park

    One of the better ones

    It’s got everything you need in a beautiful setting.

    Tent camped. Some of the tents back up to the woods for privacy and others are more in the middle and closer to the bathroom.

    Central Bathhouse:

    3 bathrooms each side (males/females) each with a shower

    Laundry room with 2 washers & dryers.

    Pop machine

    Tent Site: Picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill

    Water spigot for all to share

    Went to another park close by and only stayed a night before coming back here ⛺️❤️

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 11, 2017

    Tickfaw State Park Campground

    True Louisiana atmosphere, fun for every age!

    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.

  • D
    Dec. 11, 2021

    Bogue Chitto State Park Campground

    Beautiful Park. Enjoyed the stay.

    Bogue Chitto State Park is wonderful, well maintained, and peaceful. We had a great weekend stay, and the weather was perfect. Take the time to explore the beach on the river. We really enjoyed hiking(it has many trails) and the beach. I enjoyed sitting along the lake in the mornings. My son really enjoyed the splash pad. Bathrooms were clean. Park has a great disc golf course, mountain bike trails, and horse trails.  Campground has Trick or Treating every Saturday in October at 6pm.  Many campers decorate their sites (we did).

    Stayed in Bottomlands campsite Bottomlands, site 104. No shade. Evening sun shines under awning. Site 103 has better water view and awning faces East, but no shade. Site 105 has shade in the afternoon but cant see water from awning side. Back-in site with asphalt parking, picnic table, BBQ pit, and fire ring. 15A/30A (dont remember if it had 50A) and water; no sewer hookups. Not much shade in the campsite. The site is located on the lake, but the woods block most of the view. Nearest neighbor was at least 20-30 ft. Away. Roads in the park were asphalt. AT&T had poor service, but Verizon was good. No WiFi. We camped in a Travel Trailer. 

    Would definitely stay here again (but not in site 104) and bring kayaks next time. The park has a put in and take out landings on the river. We camped at Bogue Chitto State park in a Travel Trailer.

  • D
    Apr. 22, 2022

    Bogue Chitto State Park Campground

    One of my favorite La. State Parks

    Bogue Chitto State Park is wonderful, well maintained, and peaceful. We had a great weekend stay, and the weather was perfect, except for one eventing of rain. Take the time to explore the beach on the river. 

    We really enjoyed hiking (it has many trails) and kayaking the lake at the Day Use Area. My son really enjoyed the splash pad. Bathrooms were clean. Park has a great disc golf course, mountain bike trails, and horse trails. 

    Stayed in Uplands campsite 21. Site was pretty level side-to-side and sloped to the back. Had lots of space, but is sunny during the day. Late afternoon sun shines under awning because door side faces west. Back-in site with asphalt parking, picnic table, BBQ pit, and fire ring. 15A/30A/50A, water and sewer hookups. Not much shade in the campsite. Nearest neighbor was 20 ft. Away. Roads in the park were asphalt. Campground road is in need of some repair. Recommend sites(in order): site 31, 23, 28, 24, 30. 30-31 are near extra parking. AT&T had poor service, but Verizon was good. 

    Would definitely stay here again. The park has put in and take out landings on the river. We camped at Bogue Chitto State park in a Travel Trailer. We camped at Bogue Chitto State park in a Travel Trailer.

  • Layla D.
    Apr. 22, 2020

    Bogue Chitto State Park Campground

    ‘Bout That Bogue Chitto

    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.

  • D
    Sep. 14, 2022

    Land-O-Pines Family Campground

    Pleasant campground

    Land-O-Pines is a nice private RV park near Folsom and Covington. We stayed two nights because my daughter was in a horse competition at a nearby horse farm. The sites are mostly shady. The streets and sites are gravel and can get a little muddy in spots after a rain. The park was clean and quiet, and the staff was friendly. About half the sites are for permanent users. 

    Stayed in pull-through campsite C69 which was shady and level. It was a gravel site. There was enough parking for my 34 ft TT and truck. Neighbors are nearby by not on top of you. The site included: picnic table on gravel, no fire ring. Utilities: 20/50A electric near the middle. The 20A receptacle looked like it had some minor burn marks. Water next to power pole, good pressure. Sewer near power pole with 4 non screw-on fitting. 

    AT&T had 2 bars of LTE and Verizon full bars of LTE service. AT&T Speedtest: 30.8 Mbps down, 3.6 Mbps up. Verizon Speedtest: 4.5 Mbps down, 11.8 Mbps up. WiFi available, but did not use. Required a login. 

    Would stay here again. We camped at Land-O-Pines Family Campground in a Travel Trailer.

  • Paula W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Tickfaw State Park Campground

    My family go to park

    This park is VERY family friendly.

    Camping - There are 2 loops - 1-primative tent only camping, 1-RV/tent camping. There is a nice bathhouse in a central location to both loops. There is a bit of privacy between tent spots because of the trees. My favorite spots are 47,49,50. I have had a few of my reservations cancelled by the park when the river is high because the camping areas will flood.

    Park - there are few different hiking trails - check Tickfaw River levels (or call park) because when the river is high, 1 or 2 of the trails could be under water. There is a ADA boardwalk trail that is very nice (especially for the kiddos) with a covered picnic area. The park offers a nature center that is really nice and they have animal demonstrations where you are able to really learn about Louisiana wildlife and touch the animals as well. This park is a great place to bring bikes as well. During the summer months, there is a splash pad that kids really enjoy. This is also a great park to rent canoes (or bring your own) for a day out on the waterways.

  • Santiago F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2023

    Tickfaw State Park Campground

    Laid back huricane impacted bayou

    Got to the park with no reservation and found a spot no problem. There are both tent and RV slots. RV neighbors are visible, but there is a bit of space.,Each slot comes with a table on a wooden platform, a fire ring, and what appears to be a game hook, as well as a water spigot and electric hookup.

    Took a walk before the rain set in. Many of the boardwalk trails appear to be closed due to storm damage. Saw a whole pack of night herons flying together. The bayou is spooky feeling with gator crossing zones and interesting cypress trees. Seems like it should be buggier than it is for on a warm day in late March.

    The restroom and laundry room seem clean and well tended.


Guide to Walker

Tent camping near Walker, Louisiana centers mainly around the Gonzales area, about 30 miles southeast of Walker. This region sits at approximately 10 feet above sea level in Louisiana's wetland geography, creating unique considerations for campers during the rainy season. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s with high humidity, while winter evenings can drop into the 40s, requiring seasonal camping adjustments.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: The public fishing pond at Lamar Dixon Expo Center offers convenient access for campers looking to catch local species. "There is a public fishing pond with a very nice solar lighted, paved track around it," notes reviewer Paula W.

Events access: Plan your tent camping trip around local events happening at the expo grounds. One camper reports, "Lamar Dixon is huge, and usually has some type of event happening. If you camp there during these events, it is very convenient."

Regional exploration: Use camping facilities as a base to explore both Baton Rouge and New Orleans. According to Jonathan L., "Property was very large and easily accessible," making it simple to come and go during day trips to surrounding areas.

What campers like

Central location: The camping area provides strategic positioning for visiting multiple Louisiana attractions. Joshua H. notes the "Good location close to everything," while another camper appreciates that it's "outside Baton Rogue but not far from New Orleans either."

Ease of access: Campers appreciate the straightforward arrival process and security presence. "Called and staff was great. Arrived and guard was making rounds so I pulled in. He stopped me, confirmed via my e-mail who I was, showed me to my spot," explains Randy B. at Lamar Dixon Expo Center.

Well-maintained grounds: The camping areas receive regular upkeep. One camper described it as a "Nice enough basic campground, well maintained and not horribly busy since school is back in."

What you should know

Utility setup challenges: At some tent camping areas near Walker, hookups can present logistical issues. Jonathan L. explains, "The hookups are shared between 4 sites. Think the center of a rectangle made of 4 rectangles... due to all of the 115 plugs being on the left side of the panel and all of the 30A receptacles being on the right side of the panel, only one plug or the other could be plugged in at a time."

Limited selection: Camping options near Walker remain restricted primarily to multipurpose venues rather than dedicated campgrounds. J & W Campground appears in listings but provides minimal information about amenities or reservations.

Staff assistance variance: Some campers report varying experiences with staff helpfulness. "INSISTED on hooking up my power immediately, I would have rather ensured my rig position was final, ended up having to move rig after he left," reports one camper, suggesting that self-sufficient campers may need to clearly communicate preferences.

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife awareness: Local wetlands mean wildlife considerations for families with children or pets. One camper shares, "I always worry whenever we are anywhere with possible gators so we didn't go looking and were careful at night. Im sure the locals would get a laugh outta watching me walk my dogs in any of the over grown/swampy/near water areas."

Group camping options: Scout troops and family groups often utilize the pond area for tent setups. According to Paula W., "Scouts often tent camp in that area but it is big enough to accommodate everyone."

Event scheduling: Check the facility calendar before booking with children, as event noise levels vary. "We visited the areas around the campground and spent very little time in the campground," explains one family, suggesting day trips may be preferable during busy event periods.

Tips from RVers

Map verification: Online maps don't always match actual campground layouts. Jonathan L. cautions, "Lots are split into 2 locations but lot numbers are sequential. The online map does not give any indication which lot numbers correspond to which location."

Site spacing concerns: Some campers report tight accommodations. "Lots are a little small but good for a quick stay," notes Joshua H., suggesting tent campers should confirm site dimensions when reserving.

Price considerations: Value assessments vary based on amenities needed. One RVer summarized their experience as "Decent but pricy," while others found the central location worth the cost for convenience to major attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Walker, LA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Walker, LA is Lamar Dixon Expo Center with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.