Roadtrip with RVshare Enterprise to Lake Charles

An Enterprise to Lake Charles road trip gives you a lot of opportunities to explore the Gulf Coast. It covers most of the northern coast, which means you can stop at places like the Gulf Island National Seashore, Lafayette, and USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Start the trip by heading south until you reach I-10 W. You can switch to I-12 for a while to shorten the journey, but if you stay on I-10, you will pass through New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and head straight to Lake Charles. Plan to spend a few days in Lake Charles at the end of your trip. It is a gambling city, so adults can have a blast at one of the large casinos in the city. 

Nearby National Parks

Hot Springs National Park

Since there is no national park directly along this Enterprise to Lake Charles RV road trip, you will have to drive about 4 hours out of the way to find the nearest one. Hot Springs National Park requires a detour northwest, but it is well worth the effort. Head south to Lake Charles, where you can relax in the warm thermal waters that can be found at Hot Springs National Park. There are also several hiking trails that you can explore to get a scenic view of the area. 

Nearby State Parks

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

On this road trip from Enterprise to Lake Charles, you will encounter Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, which is a Florida state park near Pensacola. The park covers more than 4,000 acres, and it is home to nearly 100 different species of plants and animals that are rare because they require a wet prairie habitat to survive. There is a boardwalk in the park, so you will have access to some of the marshier bayou. These nature trails are a highlight of the park and are often traveled on foot or by bike by visitors. In addition to hiking, fishing is commonly enjoyed thanks to the vast amount of water found in the park.

Meaher State Park

Meaher State Park is an Alabama state park that is right across the state line. It consists of 1,327 acres, and it is located right along the Gulf. Boating is an activity that is often enjoyed in the park, and there is a pier that you can fish off of as well. Because of the water in the park, there are a lot of animals that you can spot while you are exploring the area. There are also several nature trails that you can explore in the area. Make sure to take a stroll down the bird trails to see the rare species of birds that live in the park.

Fontainebleau State Park

Fontainebleau State Park can be found on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, which is located right outside of New Orleans. The lake is a great location to go sailing, kayaking, canoeing, or swimming. In addition to the lake, there is a water playground that the kids can splash in and cool off. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there is an old railroad track in the park that has been converted into a trail that can be used for hiking. It is also a good place to enjoy a bike ride as it is 1.25 miles in length. There are also an additional 4.8 miles of trails that you can explore. Don't forget to bring your binoculars because there are over 400 species of birds that live in the park.

Along the Way

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a military park that displays notable collections of ships and aircraft. The USS Alabama and the USS Drum are historical landmarks that you can explore and tour. These ships were active during WWII, and there are ships from the Vietnam War at the park as well.

Gulf Island National Seashore

The Gulf Island National Seashore is a beautiful place to visit with its soft white sand and blue-green waters of the Gulf. You can take the time to relax on the beach, enjoy kayaking or fishing on the water, take a bike ride, or go on a hike along the shore. Wildlife watchers will love to catch a glimpse at the marine life in the area; there are often dolphins and sea turtles in the water. You can also spot birds near the water as well. Snorkeling is an activity that you can pursue at the seashore as well. You can also take a nature tour while you are here so that the tour guide can point out the local wildlife when it is nearby. If you are a history buff, there are three forts in the area you can explore.

Prehistoric Park

Prehistoric Park is comprised of about 12 acres where you and your kids can explore 23 dinosaur attractions. These dinosaurs are very realistic looking, and some of those found in the park are even animated. There is also a large sandbox where you can dig for bones, a gift store, and a stand where you can get refreshments to enjoy as you explore the park.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Pensacola, Florida

As you travel eastward, you will briefly spend time in Florida, and one of the major cities to pass through is Pensacola. This Floridian city has an average temperature of about 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can visit places like Fort Pickens, the Naval Aviation Museum, and the Seville Quarter when your party is looking for a memorable experience. Pensacola is also a city with prime fishing opportunities, and while you are here, take a trip to the pier where you can find red snapper, mahi-mahi, and mackerel.

Pensacola campgrounds consist of Oak Grove RV Park, which has 109 RV sites, Playa Del Rio, and Pensacola RV Park. If you are bringing your pets, consider Pensacola RV Park. While there, you can relax with your favorite canine buddy at the fishing pond. If you have wastewater to offload, consider using one of Florida’s local dump stations.

Mobile, Alabama

Any road trip itinerary from Enterprise to Lake Charles could easily include a jaunt to Mobile, AL because it is easily found along the way. Mobile has a rich maritime and martial history, and you can get to know it by visiting places like the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Conde, and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Mobile is also a city with a history of celebrating Mardi Gras, and every year in February, thousands flock to the city to enjoy the event.

There are multiple campground options in Mobile, and many have accommodations for any size of RV. You will have options like Shady Acres Campground in town, but there are far more RV parks in surrounding towns like Silverhill and Summerdale. Places like Payne's RV Park even have 102 sites that you can use for your stay. There are numerous dump stations throughout Alabama's Gulf Shore, so there will be places to empty your RV's tanks.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is a lively city that has a rich history along with a very welcoming populace. While in town, you'll have much to do, especially if you are an art enthusiast. Places like the River Road African American Museum and the Baton Rouge African American Museum tell stories about the lives of people of color in the area. There are also places like the Capitol Park Museum, which has over 69,00 square feet to explore. Baton Rouge has two zoos, and if you are a fan of music, don't miss a chance to visit the Basin Music Hall.

There are quite a few RV campgrounds to choose from in and near Baton Rouge. Examples include Night RV Park, which allows pets, while Farr Park Equestrian Center and RV Campground is a great place for horse lovers. Also, Baton Rouge KOA Holiday has a hot tub and pool. You can use one of the numerous Gulf Shore dump stations when you need them.

Find Adventure from Enterprise to Lake Charles

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Enterprise to Lake Charles, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Enterprise or Lake Charles.