Pearl River Wildlife Management Area encompasses a stretch of Louisiana bayou country east of New Orleans, and Crawford Landing sits at its edge as an open-field stopover managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The campground is an undesignated grassy clearing of roughly two acres, positioned at the end of Crawford Landing Road just before a swamp tour operation's parking lot. No assigned sites, no hookups. What's here: a water spigot, porta-potties that are reportedly cleaned with some regularity, flat ground, and large trees along the perimeter that provide shade during the day.
Getting here requires attention to navigation. The coordinates listed on some platforms drop pins into a nearby residential neighborhood. Campers should drive past that fenced community and continue to the end of the road, where the field opens up. All roads are paved. The area sits adjacent to a welcome center that sees sheriff patrols, which several reviewers mention contributes to a sense of security, including solo travelers arriving after midnight.
Cell coverage is solid. Multiple campers report full signal on both Verizon and AT&T, which makes it easy to complete the required check-in through Louisiana's LDWF WMA app before settling in. Caleb H. notes it's "perfect for a free spot," and the registration process is straightforward enough to handle from the field. No lighting exists on-site, so a headlamp or lantern is essential after dark. One reviewer flagged that signs posted at the site indicate no pets, despite what some listings suggest, so campers traveling with animals should verify current rules before arriving.
The field can accommodate tents, cars, and RVs simultaneously, and even on busier nights, there's typically room to spread out. Gas stations and stores are within a few minutes' drive, which helps offset the minimal on-site infrastructure. For places to camp around Slidell with more amenities, nearby options include Rest Area I-10 Westbound — Slidell and TA Travel Center — Slidell. Crawford Landing works best as a one or two-night stop rather than a base camp; bring your own light, download the LDWF WMA app before you arrive, and confirm the current pet policy if you're traveling with a dog.
Description
Pearl River WMA has flat terrain with poor drainage and is subject to annual flooding. The forest cover varies from an all-age hardwood stand in the northern 45 percent to cypress-tupelo in the middle 35 percent and intermediate marsh in the southern 20 percent. The mixed hardwoods are made up of water, nuttall, cow, obtusa, overcup, and live oak; bitter pecan; hickory; beech; magnolia; sweetgum; and elm. The overstory varies from moderately open to closed.
Reservation Info
Camping is available at Crawford Landing.
Map & DirectionsPearl River WMA is located in Louisiana near Slidell
Directions
Pearl River WMA is located about 6 miles east of Slidell and about 1 mile east of the town of Pearl River. You can access the WMA by vehicle from Old Hwy 11 and by boat. There are several boat ramps along U.S. Hwy 90 and concrete ramps at Davis and Crawford Landings, all of which have ample parking. There is also a commercial ramp at Old Indian Village.
Coordinates
30.30206002894885 N
89.7074932652074 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/18/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/18/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/18/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/18/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/18/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/18/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 3 min from Slidell, LA
- 21 min from New Orleans, LA
- 31 min from Gulfport, MS
- 38 min from Hammond, LA
