Palmetto Island State Park Campground serves as the primary camping option near Abbeville, with 96 RV sites featuring water and electrical hookups. Located in bottomland hardwood forest at about 7 feet above sea level, the area experiences typical Gulf Coast weather patterns with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and high humidity levels from May through September. Winter nights can drop into the 40s, making it a popular destination for snowbirds seeking milder temperatures.
What to do
Kayaking on nature trails: Palmetto Island State Park Campground offers designated water trails through the natural waterways. "There are a couple of kayak/canoe trails that were great! The hiking trails are also great and well maintained," notes Tara L., who recommends bringing bug spray since the park is surrounded by water.
Fishing opportunities: Several camping areas provide fishing access, with varied catch possibilities. At Lafayette KOA, sites back up to a fishing pond. According to John N., "We enjoyed a weekend without RV backed up to the pond. Cement lots with fire circle of metal." Acadian Oasis RV Park also offers a stocked fishing pond where one visitor reported, "There is a small fishing pond so bring a pole. My husband caught a bass. It was stocked with perch as well."
Walking trails: Explore the natural landscape on foot at multiple parks. "We had a great 5 mile walk around the park, and that was the paved roads," explains Kevin H. about Palmetto Island. Alternatively, Acadiana Park Campground provides a different experience where "the board walk and trails made for a really nice afternoon walk. There is a jungle-like feeling on the boardwall and beautiful trees!"
What campers like
Spacious sites: Parkside RV Park offers well-designed camping spots. As Erika P. describes, "The spaces are all level, paved, and long and wide enough to fit your RV and two vehicles." Sites at Palmetto Island State Park are similarly appreciated for their generous size, with Seth P. noting, "The campground is heavily wooded and the campsites are well spaced."
Clean facilities: Frog City RV Park maintains high standards for its amenities. Pat&Amanda D. appreciate that it offers "level sites, nice staff" and would "stay again if passing through." Norrie W. confirms, "Such a nice park. Big wide spaces. Pool and laundry available," while another reviewer mentions the "private and clean" bathrooms and showers.
Wildlife viewing: Native animals are frequently spotted throughout the region. Wesley E. simply states about Palmetto Island: "Super quiet, Loved seeing all the wildlife." Rod A. found Parkside RV Park peaceful because his site "backed up to a farm field; felt peaceful no road noises."
What you should know
Insect activity: Bugs can be prevalent, especially in warmer months. The Palmetto Island area requires preparation, as Tara L. notes: "I would suggest bug spray since the park is surrounded by water."
Weekend crowds: Local visitors increase during weekends at many campgrounds. Steven F. at Frog City RV Park mentions the "cool fellowship activities and really the nicest people we have met!" but campgrounds can get busy. At Isle of Iberia RV Resort, Mark J. notes "there is a DJ or band on summer weekends. Golf carts allowed $15 for the weekend."
Water quality concerns: Some locations have issues with water systems. At Acadiana Park Campground, visitors advise caution: "Bring your own water. Something is wrong with the water there. It smells and tastes weird."
Road noise: Several campgrounds are located near highways. Laura M. mentions that Maxie's Campground is "on the freeway, so it's very loud," while William M. confirms "there is noise from the highway next-door."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Abbeville RV Park is located close to town amenities. Corey C. notes it's "nestled in Abbeville, Louisiana. It is just down the road from Shucks oyster bar and a Catholic Church." Lafayette KOA offers additional water features with "two pools, fishing pond, cabins, spacious sites and great staff," according to James P.
Playground options: Several parks offer facilities for children. Frog City RV Park includes a playground, though Pat&Amanda D. cautions, "Only thing we noticed that needs work is the small playground. I thought our kids would tip the whole thing over while swinging!"
Local attractions: The region offers educational opportunities. Doug C. from Parkside RV Park shares: "We visited the Tabasco factory on Avery island, took a swamp boat ride in Breaux Bridge, the Acadian and African American History Museums in St. Martinville, and Lafayette, all within a 30 minute drive of the campground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider your camping area carefully. John N. from Lafayette KOA advises: "Be careful though in picking your spots because some are in the way back and have no trees, which could be brutal in a Louisiana summer."
Level sites: Many campgrounds offer flat spaces for easy setup. Norrie W. describes Frog City RV Park as having "so clean, wide spaces and very level," while at Crawfish Haven/Mrs. Rose Bed and Breakfast Camping, Neil T. confirms "Mr. Toups has three camping spots on level gravel with hook-ups available."
Reservation systems: Online booking varies by location. At Maxie's Campground, Laura M. shares her experience: "The website directs you to book your site online, but when we tried to do that, every single site showed as being available, which didn't seem right to me, so we decided to just drive to the park first."
