Palmetto Island State Park Campground offers spacious camping sites in a heavily wooded area southwest of Abbeville, Louisiana. The campground sits in a bottomland hardwood ecosystem, providing abundant shade for most sites. Roads leading to the park include a 3-4 mile stretch in poor condition, requiring slower speeds for safe arrival.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing trails: Multiple water routes wind through Lake Fausse Pointe State Park Campground, located 30 miles from Abbeville. "We were able to kayak through a lot of water areas as well! The park rents canoes for people to use if you don't have your own," explains one visitor who appreciated the accessible waterways.
Fishing opportunities: Poche's RV Park & Fish-N-Camp features five stocked fishing lakes with every camping spot positioned for water access. "This place is for people who like fishing. They have 5 fishing lakes here and every spot is on the lake," notes one camper who valued the extensive fishing options.
Nature hiking: Trails at Palmetto Island maintain easy navigation through natural areas. "The hiking trails are well maintained and easy to follow," reports a camper who explored the park's walking paths. Most trails remain relatively short, providing quick nature immersion without requiring extensive hiking equipment.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently mention animal sightings as a highlight. "Super quiet, Loved seeing all the wildlife," writes one visitor about Palmetto Island State Park Campground. Bird watching proves especially rewarding during morning hours when forest species become most active.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas and water activities. "Had such a great and relaxing time! Rented the kayak for an hour multi times. Water is cold and refreshing," shares a visitor to Lakeview Park, which offers both fishing ponds and swimming areas with inflatable play equipment.
Spacious sites: Campgrounds near Abbeville typically provide adequate separation between campsites. "Very secluded, roomy sites with room to roam. Gravel roads good condition," notes a camper at Palmetto Island, appreciating the privacy afforded by the campground layout and natural vegetation.
What you should know
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds have water with distinct mineral content. At Myers Landing and RV Park, one camper reports: "The water smelled very badly like metal and we had to turn it off and use our own tank water since it smelled so yucky."
Insect preparation: The wetland environment supports abundant mosquito populations, particularly in warmer months. "Bring strong bug spray," advises a Lake Fausse Pointe visitor who experienced "the thick blanket of mosquitoes" that limited their hiking ability.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Lake Fausse Pointe, "there is no cell service anywhere in the park," according to one reviewer. Some areas offer Wi-Fi near central facilities, but connection quality varies considerably.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternative accommodations, yurt camping near Abbeville, Louisiana provides a middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals. Lakeview Park includes yurt rentals among their lodging options, combining the outdoor camping experience with additional comfort and weather protection.
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Myers Landing and RV Park offers lakeside camping with swimming opportunities. "The campground is very nice, the lakeside is beautiful," mentions one family who appreciated the water access for children's activities.
Playground facilities: Many parks include dedicated play equipment. Lakeview Park features "a fishing pond, a swimming pond with inflatables, playground, store, and a dance/concert barn with live music," according to a recent visitor, providing multiple entertainment options for children.
Educational opportunities: Lake Fausse Pointe's location in the bayou creates wildlife viewing possibilities. "If you know about the Bayou and the beauty it has to offer, this can be a great place from which to explore," shares a camper who recommends bringing or renting kayaks to access more remote areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup accessibility: Site layout affects utility connections at some campgrounds. At Lakeview Park, a camper advises: "Be sure to bring extra sewer hose, the sewer is a far reach!" This practical detail helps RVers prepare properly for their stay.
Site levelness: Most RV sites feature gravel pads with good leveling. At Palmetto Island, "the spaces are nice and wide, are on gravel, and very level," according to one RV camper who appreciated the well-maintained sites.
Laundry facilities: Several campgrounds provide on-site laundry options. Palmetto Island offers "inexpensive laundry $1.75 for each wash and dry," plus a book exchange near the laundry room, allowing campers to handle practical needs without leaving the park.
