Road Trip with RVshare New Orleans to Lake Charles

New Orleans is a major city that is located right on the Mississippi River. It is a great place to spend Mardi Gras, and while you are in the city, take time to visit Mardi Gras World. You can also visit The National WWII Museum and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. A good road trip in an RV to Lake Charles will only take a few hours, and the route is basically all on I-10. Along the way, there are several state parks where you might want to stop. While you are on this New Orleans to Lake Charles road trip, make sure to try some of the local Cajun cuisine. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

French for "Red Stick," Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a beautiful town that was founded 300 years ago by French explorer Sieur d'Iberville. This city also served as the only location in the Revolutionary War where a battle took place outside of the 13 colonies. Today, the city is the capital of the state, and its capitol building is also the highest in the country. When in town, take the time to visit places like the Old State Capitol, which Mark Twain hated and which is often considered to be haunted.

When you're in the city, you may need a place to keep your RV. Finding a campground that can accommodate all types of RVs, including teardrop campers, travel trailers, and motorhomes, will be of tremendous help. Baton Rouge campgrounds grant you extensive options that have something for everyone to enjoy. A few to consider are Night RV Park and Baton Rouge KOA Holiday. Outside of the city, you'll also find places like Cajun Country Campground in nearby Port Allen, and there are many dump stations in the area as well.

Lafayette, Louisiana

Found in southern Louisiana, the city of Lafayette has a rich culture and welcoming people. The city is the fourth largest in Louisiana, and it has a population of over 120,000 people. Lafayette is the center of Acadiana, a region of the state with rich Cajun and Creole culture. While here, be sure to visit the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus with its stately buildings and manicured grounds.

Lafayette campgrounds include options like Acadia Park Campground, Bayou Wilderness RV Resort in Carencro, and Frog City RV Park in Duson. Each campground has sites with full hookups, and some allow you to bring your pets. Need a place to offload your gray and black water? Consider one of the local Lafayette RV dump stations.

Jennings, Louisiana

Jennings, Louisiana, is positioned near to the shores of the iconic Lake Charles and has a population of over 10,000 people. Jennings is the chief city in its area, but nearby Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area locations include Acadiana and Lake Charles. The city was named for Jennings McComb, and today, you'll find a rich art scene and several museums to visit while you're RVing.

There are several Lake Charles-area campgrounds to use on your trip to Jennings. Places like Bayou Oaks RV Park have full hookups and more than 50 sites to use. For those with pets, Twelve Oaks RV Park has no problem with your furry friends and has level sites for your RV. 

National Parks

There are no national parks along this road trip from New Orleans to Lake Charles. However, if you have time to add about 600 miles, or about 10 hours, to the trip, you can travel to Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. Otherwise, there are over 60 fantastic U.S. national parks that you can visit on a future RV road trip.

Nearby State Parks

Bayou Segnette State Park

The first state park that you will want to include on your road trip itinerary from New Orleans to Lake Charles is Bayou Segnette State Park. The park is approximately 13.5 miles from New Orleans, so it will be one of the first stops that you make. The park is full of marshes and swamps, so there is quite a bit of wildlife in the park. Saltwater fishing in the marshy water is also an option, and there is a boat launch that is very convenient to use if you have your own boat. If you want to cool off, there is a wave pool in the park, as well as several tree-covered nature trails that you can enjoy.

Tickfaw State Park

Tickfaw State Park opened in 1999. In the park, you will find a hardwood forest, a pine forest, a swamp, and a river. There is plenty of wildlife in the park, and birdwatchers can easily find some of the rarer birds of the area living here. There are plenty of trails to explore in the forests within the park as well, so make sure you are prepared for a hike. Boats are available for rent so that you can easily enjoy the Tickfaw River during your visit. If you have kids traveling with you, they will love the water playground in the park because it allows them to make a splash and cool off on a hot summer day.

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is an area that covers approximately 6,000 acres of land. Since the park lake is cut off from the Mississippi River, it is an area that has an incredible amount of wildlife. This makes it a great place for bird watchers and other animal lovers to visit. The park also has four long trails that you can easily explore during your visit. Since there is a lake in the park, boating is an activity that many enjoy here. There is a boat launch as well as several places where an angler can toss their line into the lake and enjoy an afternoon of fishing. 

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Sam Houston Jones State Park is located directly north of Lake Charles, so it will be very simple to reach from I-10. It is about 1,087 acres of land, and within the park, there is quite a bit of wildlife. In fact, there are over 200 species of birds that live within a 30-mile radius of the area. The park is also forested with a mixture of pine and hardwood trees. Several waterways go through the park, so kayaking and canoeing are popular activities to enjoy here. 

Along the Way

Audubon Zoo

If you love animals, make sure that you include a stop at the Audubon Zoo in your itinerary. There are animals from around the globe at this zoo, and you can enjoy feedings and up-close encounters with the animals. The zoo is consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the country, and there is even an aquarium that you can check out to see even more animals. 

Cajun Pride Swamp Tour

If you are looking for a tour during your New Orleans to Lake Charles RV road trip, then this is an experience that you will not want to miss. These tours allow you to see the alligators in the area from the safety of a boat that will take you on a ride through the swamp. There are large tours that can accommodate several people or smaller tours that are a bit more intimate. Since alligators are cold-blooded animals, this may not be the best attraction to visit during the colder months of the year because they may not be as visible from the boat.

Houmas House and Gardens

The Houmas House and Gardens that are located on the curve of the Mississippi River were turned into the Classical Revival Mansion that you see today in 1829. There are several tours available on the property, and there are gardens surrounding the house on the 38 acres of property. Several movies were filmed at this location, and there are even stories of ghost sightings on the property as well.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Lake Charles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from New Orleans to Lake Charles?

To plan an RV road trip from New Orleans to Lake Charles, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from New Orleans to Lake Charles without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from New Orleans to Lake Charles. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!