Louisiana State Parks, Louisiana

Louisiana state parks offer access to fun and natural beauty 365 days of the year. Scattered all around the state, among the rolling hills, lakes, bayous, and outdoor spaces, the Louisiana state parks and campsites welcome visitors for extended stays or an afternoon excursion. Whether you're looking to spend a day boating or some time hiking, a state park will provide a wonderful setting for your favorite activities.

Grand Isle State Park is one of the most popular state parks for locals and visitors alike. Located along the Gulf of Mexico on a barrier island, the scenic setting is home to a wide array of things to do including hiking nature trails and watching for wildlife along the way. You also could rent a canoe or surf bike for a small fee. Boat rentals are available, too, for those who don't have their own.

Grand Isle State Park is a breakwater between the Gulf and bayous leading to the Mississippi River, and is a great place for water sports, including swimming, saltwater fishing, and boating.

Grand Isle is just one example of Louisiana state parks. The entire state parks system consists of twenty parks in various locations around the state. Overnight guests of state parks can take advantage of free tours at state historic sites. As long as you show your receipt within 30 days of your stay, you can visit one of the interesting places that preserve and share a slice of Louisiana history.

Campers at Poverty Point State Park (located between Monroe and Vicksburg, Mississippi) can make a short trip to the Poverty Point State Historic Site. Native American mound builders left evidence of their ancient society. With guided tours and a visit to the interpretive museum, you can peek into this long vanished world. The state park, just three miles away, is home to a reservoir and a marina. Its manmade lake is a fine spot for fishing and other watersports. Overnight guests can make reservations at one of the park's lodges, a cost-effective option.

Many of the Louisiana state parks are excellent places to look for vacation rentals. Several of the parks are home to cabins, dormitories, and other overnight accommodations. You might think of a cabin in the woods are something rather basic, but this isn't always the case. Many of the cabins feature climate-controlled comfort, well-equipped kitchens, and full baths; often for the best price in town.

If you're really looking for value, Louisiana state parks and campsites are the place to look. Primitive campsites can often be reserved for the price of soda. More advanced campsites, with water and electrical for tent camping and RVs. Grand Isle State Park offers a mix of campsites, including beachfront sites and an ADA-compliant campsite. Nearly 50 deluxe sites offer pull-through access and hook-ups for electricity and water.

Reservations for most of the Louisiana state parks and campsites can be made online several months in advance. This is especially convenient for vacations over holiday weekends. Last-minute visitors might find space available if any of the campsites are still available.

Even if you want to visit for a few hours, the state parks are an excellent addition to your vacation plans. Budget-conscious travelers will find a lot of value for very little money, and families can find a place to reconnect without every day distractions. Nature lovers will be in their element, too, as they spend time in the great outdoors.