Louisiana is a genuinely unique RV destination — bayou country, live oak canopies, Gulf Coast marshes, and a food and music culture that makes every stop worthwhile.
Prices: The average rental runs about $125/night, with travel trailers starting around $100 per night, making Louisiana an affordable destination with a lot of value. You can also find Class C motorhomes beginning at about $175 per night or Class A options for about $200 nightly.
A self-contained unit is important in bayou country. Campgrounds along the Atchafalaya Basin, the Cajun Prairie, and the coastal marshes can be sparse on services. A unit with larger water and waste tanks gives you more flexibility to stay in the most scenic spots without hunting for a dump station.
AC capacity matters more than almost anywhere else. Louisiana summers run extremely hot and humid — 90°F+ with 80–90% humidity from May through September. Your AC unit's BTU capacity and the quality of the RV's insulation directly affect comfort. Ask specifically about cooling performance before booking for summer travel.
New Orleans requires a smaller rig or a dedicated staging spot. Parking a large Class A or fifth wheel near the French Quarter is not realistic. RVers typically base camp at a suburban or West Bank campground and use a vehicle — or rideshare — for city access. A Class B campervan or small Class C opens up more parking options near the city.
Timing around Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest dramatically affects availability. Mardi Gras (February) and Jazz Fest (late April–early May) are the two highest-demand windows in Louisiana. Campgrounds within an hour of New Orleans fill months in advance. If your trip overlaps either event, book as early as the reservation window opens.
Louisiana has a few specific logistics that reward advanced planning:
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Peak hurricane activity is August through October. If you're traveling during this window, monitor NOAA forecasts and know your evacuation route. Coastal campgrounds may issue evacuation orders on short notice.
Mosquito pressure is intense from spring through fall. Bring a quality bug screen for your awning area and confirm your unit is well-sealed. Citronella, DEET, and screen rooms are standard kit for Louisiana RV travel.
Louisiana levee roads offer free dispersed camping in some areas. Several Corps of Engineers levee roads permit overnight camping at no cost. These are basic — no hookups, no facilities — but the bayou scenery is exceptional. Confirm current access with the local Corps district before you rely on them.
Alligator awareness applies near any water. Louisiana has one of the largest American alligator populations in the country. Keep pets and children away from water edges, especially at dawn and dusk. This is standard practice, not a cause for alarm — but worth knowing before your first bayou campsite.
Lafayette – This city was founded in 1821 as Vermilionville and renamed Lafayette in 1884. Learn more about the first Cajun settlers by visiting the historical LARC's Acadian Village. Art lovers will want to explore the American, European and Asian galleries at the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
20+ Restaurants
20+ Gas Stations
2 nearby state parks
5 campgrounds
3 RV dump stations
Lake Charles - You will want to explore the Cypress Swamp, and the Calcasieu River is an ideal spot for fishing. Understand more about local animals and plants by hiking along the Creole Nature Trail. Head to one of the casinos to test Lady Luck.
20+ Restaurants
20+ Gas stations
2 Nearby state parks
20+ campgrounds
5 RV dump stations
Bossier City - Shreveport's twin city, Bossier City, has about 69.000 people. It is home to Barksdale Air Force Base. You can find many things to do in this city, including watching horseraces at Louisiana Downs, hiking at Red River National Wildlife Refuge, and visiting the Mardi Gras Museum.
20+ Restaurants
20+ Gas Stations
7 Campgrounds
5 RV dump station
Chicot State Park near Ville Platte offers anglers a chance to catch near record-size largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish. Mountain bikers and hikers will find beautiful trails to hike through the bottomland forest at this 6,400-acre park. One ideal option is the magnolia forest located within the Louisiana State Arboretum. There are campgrounds on the north and south ends of the lake.
Natchez State Park is about 60 miles east of Deville, Louisiana, and this is a beautiful spot to visit. Launch your boat from this park for a day of fishing fun on Natchez Lake. Challenge your traveling companions to a game of disc golf and take a stroll along the nature trails. If you have children along, they are sure to enjoy the playground.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park near St. Martinville is a great place to launch a canoe to explore the Atchafalaya Basin. There is a small campground, and this is an excellent place to go birdwatching because of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.
St. Louis Cemetery #1in New Orleans, established in 1789, is a fascinating place to explore. Unlike most cemeteries, you can only visit this one on an organized tour. You will love seeing the ornate crypts where people bury their loved ones above ground due to New Orleans' marshy conditions. You can see the final resting spot of Etienne de Bore, who brought sugarcane plantations to Louisiana, William C.C. Claiborne, the first governor of Louisiana, and French Vice-Consul Daniel Clark, who convinced U.S. government officials that buying the Louisiana Purchase was a great idea.
River View RV Park and Resort near Vidalia is a wonderful campground in Louisiana. This campground features a walking path along the Mississippi River, a hot tub, and a swimming pool. Another wonderful choice is 3 Oaks & a Pine, only five miles from New Orlean's French Quarter. This campground has a laundry and bathhouse, and the manager lives on the property. You may also want to consider Lakeside RV Resort at Livingston. As the name suggests, camping spots are around a 17-acre fishing lake at this campground.
On average expect to pay $173 per night in Louisiana.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Louisiana?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Louisiana 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 Louisiana?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Louisiana?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in Louisiana.