Visiting Louisiana on your next road trip
From pristine lakes and magnolia forests to the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana’s wildernesses shine. While touring the “Pelican State,” enjoy camping at Louisiana campgrounds and Louisiana RV resorts, run by friendly and hospitable southern friends. Special exhibits at state museums, themed concerts, movies and a December recreation of the historic firm in New Orleans are scheduled for Louisiana’s 200th anniversary festivities.
Northern Louisiana is known for its rivers, lakes, curving swamps, rolling hills, and vast forests. Additionally, this part of the state is home to the Upper Quachita National Wildlife Refuge near Sterlington. The centerpiece of this reserve is the Quachita River, which runs north-south through the center of the refuge, dividing its forests, swamps, and watercourses into two sections. Geese, ducks, bald eagles, and migratory songbirds all spend time in Quachita. Year-round fishing and seasonal hunting of deer, waterfowl and small game is allowed. Other typical refuge activities include hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and outdoor photography. A leisurely drive down River Road offers magnificent views of the Quachita River and surrounding woods, plus occasional glimpses of deer and local feathered species.
In central Louisiana, cotton fields connect with wild rivers, swamps, and prairies. Several districts of the Kisatchie National Forest, headquartered in Pineville, stretch across seven central and northern Louisiana parishes. There are many effective ways to experience the wonders of Kisatchie. RVers can hike, bike, canoe, horseback ride, fish, hunt, swim, or drive an ATV (it’s probably best to leave the RV on the pavement) through the 600,000-acre landscape of the forest, near its Louisiana campgrounds guests encounter a myriad of terrains: hardwood swamps, mossy cypress forests, bogs, swampy rapids, placid lakes and sandstone hills. And around every turn, there are surprises like orchids, pink azaleas and extraordinary carnivorous plants. Take care of your fingers.
Also in the heart of the Pelican State, north of Ville Platte, is Chicot State Park, a favorite destination for anglers. Chicot features forests of hardwood, magnolia, cypress, and tupelo trees and a lake designated “trophy bass” managed by the Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife. Visitors enjoy access to all things water related, including a boathouse, launch ramps, boat rentals, and large fishing piers. Lake Chicot is home to large numbers of smallmouth bass, bluegill, and red-eared sunfish. For visitors who don’t like angling, this pleasant park offers a large pool, plenty of cozy picnic facilities, and nature trails for hikers, bikers, and backpackers. Plus, Louisiana RV camping resorts are conveniently located nearby.
Adjacent to Chicot is the Louisiana State Arboretum, the first preserve of its kind in the South and the largest state-maintained arboretum in the United States. This botanical treasure covers more than 300 acres of natural vegetation, plus planned introductions of native botanical species. The terrain of the arboretum varies considerably, from flat grass on the shores of Lake Chicot to steep slopes along the ridges of the hillsides. Many Louisiana plants are represented, from ancient beeches and cowboy magnolias to graceful ferns and crane orchids. For guests wishing to delve into the arboretum’s botanical secrets, there are trails and bridges to transport hikers to the park’s less-traveled nooks and crannies.
In the southern section of Louisiana near Lake Charles, the Creole Nature Trail Natural Scenic Byway traverses the wilderness known as the Louisiana interior. This 180-mile drive/RV tour traverses Gulf Coast prairies, marshes and beaches where butterflies, songbirds and buzzing mosquitoes share burrows with crabs, shrimp and alligators. Since this byway passes through the Sabine and Cameron Prairie National Refuges, as well as two major migratory bird routes, the Central and Mississippi Flyways, it is an excellent viewing area for bird and wildlife watchers.
Another southern attraction, just below New Orleans in Marrero, the Barataria Basin unit in Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve is home to some of the best estuarine wetlands in North America. Barataria’s oak forests, cypress swamps, and freshwater marshes are home to nine-banded armadillos, egrets, ibis, alligators, and crayfish. Seasonal blooms of giant blue lilies and yellow marigolds add pops of color to the mesmerizing landscape of the Barataria Basin. Whether explored via hiking trails and boardwalks or from inside a glide canoe, the Barataria Basin presents a memorable display of Louisiana’s incomparable delta.
On the Louisiana Gulf Coast in Cajun Country, Grand Isle State Park on Grand Isle is one of America’s best getaways for saltwater fishing. Local waters are home to more than 280 varieties of fish, including favorites such as speckled trout, redfish and tarpon, the featured species at the annual Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. Anglers can book a deep-sea charter, stroll along the park’s lighted fishing pier, or hit the beach for some up-and-coming surfcasting. Grand Isle is also a winning spot for swimmers and boaters. And for visitors who climb to the top of the park’s observation tower, the reward is a seagull’s-eye view of the fabulous Gulf Coast.