The origin of the name Fordoche has two possible stories behind it. The first story is that the name comes from a Caddo Native American word. This word’s English translation is ‘wild animal lair.’ The second story is that the name comes from a Louisiana French term. The term is used for underbrush found in bayou bottom. Regardless, the town of Fordoche enjoys a storied history. At least two major Civil War battles were fought around Fordoche. One of these was the Battle of the Fordoche Bridge. With the loss of 121 men, the Confederates won this battle while the Union lost more than 500 men. The other battle is known as the Skirmish on Bayou Fordoche Road and took place in May 1864 with a Confederate victory.
Before 1912, the city was in cotton country, but the boll weevil wreaked havoc for the first few years of the 1900s, causing many early settlers to leave the area. A new batch of Italian and French immigrants then came into the area in the early 1920s. These settlers wanted a place to call home, and the village was finally incorporated in 1961.
Today, Fordoche, Louisiana is home to just under a thousand people. The preservation of the town’s lifestyle, cultural history, and environment are its top priorities. Some of the favorite stops in this town include Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, the Swamp Shop, and Atchafalaya Basin Bridge.
Fordoche Annual Fair – Every spring, the town host a family-friendly fair with carnival rides, games, food, live entertainment, and more.
Fordoche Fall Festival – At Halloween time, the town of Fordoche encourages children to dress in their best costumes and enjoy a night of games, candy, food, and bounce houses.
Opelousas Christmas Festival – This annual December festival includes photos with Santa, cookies, ugly sweater contests, food, local vendors, holiday raffles, and more.
Palmetto Island State Park is located on the Vermilion River. Visitors can boat or fish easily on the river using the boat launch and the park also has interior lagoons for canoeing and kayaking. You can also enjoy biking, camping, birding, and hiking.
The 6,000-acre Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is in Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin. The basin is a labyrinth of waterways making fishing, boating, and canoeing the park's main activities. However, the beautiful wilderness also allows visitors to delve into the natural and cultural history of the area. You can go hiking, biking, and camping in the park.
Chicot State Park consists of 6,400 acres of water and rolling hills. Many fishermen come to Lake Chicot hoping to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, or red-ear sunfish. For those who enjoy hiking, a marked trail follows Lake Chicot's lakefront. You can also enjoy camping and paddling at this park.
Evergreen Plantation is one of the must-see monuments and landmarks in Fordoche. The main house was built in 1790. It has 37 buildings and is the most intact plantation complex in the south.
Another option is the USS KIDD. This Fletcher-class destroyer belongs to the United States Navy. You can tour the ship and the museum while visiting the area.
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Louisiana is the Old Louisiana State Capitol. This building served as the capital building from the middle of the 1800s until the Great Depression.
Baton Rouge KOA Holiday is one of the best RV parks and campgrounds near Fordoche. It has internet, propane, and even a miniature golf course.
Night RV Park in nearby Baton Rouge offers full hookups and internet access. Unlike other parks, this campground also provides laundry facilities for guests.
Farr Park Equestrian Center and RV Campground has horse-related amenities like horse stalls. They also offer professional riding lessons if you are interested.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Fordoche, LA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Fordoche?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Fordoche from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Fordoche?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.