Ooh, La, La...Louisiana Family Camping
by Bob Carter
Louisiana, shaped like a boot with the toe pointed eastward, is bounded on the north by Arkansas, on the east by Mississippi, on the west by Texas, and on the south by the Gulf of Mexico. Somewhat larger than New York State, Louisiana has an area of 48,114 square miles, of which 3,593 square miles are water.
Pack up the gear and head to Louisiana for some spiffy state park camping and outdoor recreation. In all, 14 facilities welcome families to pitch their tents or park the RV. Amenities differ from park to park but there's plenty of planning information available for the asking. Scattered throughout the state, the following lists a few places that offer plenty of diversions for every member of the family. The ones listed here provide improved campsites with water and electrical hook-ups. State campgrounds are open 365 days a year. Before planning your trip, send for free copies of "Louisiana State Parks Fees, Facilities, and Activities Guide" and "Louisiana State Parks: a Guide to Louisiana's State Parks, State Commemorative Areas, and Preservation Area." These publications include these and other camping opportunities. Contact: State of Louisiana, Office of State Parks, PO Box 44426, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4426, 504- 342-8111 or toll-free 888-677-1400. Or you can check out the state park website at: Louisiana Office of State Parks
BAYOU SEGNETTE (New Orleans), 100 campsites, sanitary disposal area, cabins, picnicking, playground, restrooms, swimming, boating, fishing pier.
CANEY CREEK LAKE (Chatham), 73 campsites, sanitary disposal area, laundry room, restrooms, swimming area, picnicking, playground, boating, fishing.
CHEMIN-A-HAUTE (Bastrop), 26 campsites, sanitary disposal area, cabins, picnicking, playground, restrooms, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking trails.
CHICOT (Ville Platte), 200 campsites, sanitary disposal area, cabins, picnicking, playground, restrooms, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking trails.
FAIRVIEW-RIVERSIDE (Madisonville), 81 campsites (+20 unimproved), sanitary disposal area, picnicking, playground, restrooms, boating.
FONTAINEBLEAU (Mandeville), 130 campsites (+90 unimproved), sanitary disposal area, picnicking, playground, restrooms, swimming, boating, hiking trails.
LAKE BISTINEAU (Doyline), 67 campsites, sanitary disposal area, cabins, picnicking, playground, restrooms, swimming, boating, hiking trails.
LAKE BRUIN (St. Joseph), 25 campsites, sanitary disposal area, picnicking, playground, restrooms, swimming, boating, fishing.
LAKE CLAIBORNE (Homer), 87 campsites, sanitary disposal area, picnicking, playground, restrooms, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking trails.
LAKE D'ARBONNE (Farmerville), 65 campsites, sanitary disposal area, picnicking, playground, restrooms, boating, fishing.
LAKE FAUSSE POINTE (St. Martinville), 50 campsites, sanitary disposal area, cabins, picnicking, playground, restrooms, boating, hiking trails.
NORTH TOLEDO BEND (Zwolle), 63 campsites, sanitary disposal area, cabins, picnicking, playground, restrooms, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking trails.
ST. BERNARD (Poydras), 51 campsites, sanitary disposal area, picnicking, playground, restrooms, boating, hiking trails.
SAM HOUSTON JONES (Lake Charles), 73 campsites, sanitary disposal area, picnicking, playground, restrooms, boating, hiking trails.
Anyone traveling with kids should be sure to send for the free, 19-page kids' guide to Louisiana. "Little Lou & the Great Louisiana Fun Hunt" is filled with exciting adventures and children's activities. There's also a special brochure on camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and other recreational activities. It's available to families who call 800-947-6712 for a free copy.
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