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.
