Lafayette, LA is a busy city in southern Louisiana and the parish seat of Lafayette Parish. The city was originally founded in the 1820s under the name Vermilionville, and it was officially incorporated in 1836. In its early years, the community developed as an agricultural area, featuring an abundance of sugar plantations. These plantations were primarily worked on by slaves, and at one point, approximately 41 percent of Vermilionville's population was made up of enslaved people. The city's name was changed to Lafayette in 1884 in honor of General Lafayette, a French aristocrat who had fought in the Revolutionary War. Lafayette remained a primarily agricultural community until the 20th century when it began to experience quite a bit of economic and population growth.
Lafayette is home to roughly 137,000 people as of 2022, and the city is known as the heart of Louisiana's Cajun and Creole Country. For a unique experience while you're in town, consider taking Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tour, which will take you through the bayous and swamps of the Lake Martin Cypress Island Preserve. You could also sample some of the area's tastiest Cajun food by embarking on a Cajun Food Tour, which stops at six different restaurants serving up plenty of gumbo, fried seafood, etouffee, and other Cajun staples.
The Lafayette area is home to quite a few unique museums that are worth visiting while you're in town. A few of the best educational centers to check out are the Acadian Cultural Center, the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum, and the Lafayette Science Museum. You may also want to explore the Acadian Village, which features lots of historic buildings preserving Acadian history.
When you're in the mood to have some outdoor fun, one great option is to spend an afternoon fishing, picnicking, or biking at Moncus Park. Or, for something a little different, you could stop by the Kart Ranch for a thrilling day of go-karting with the whole family. Once you've worked up an appetite, you should stop by one of Lafayette's many superb eateries. A few of the most popular restaurants in town are The French Press, Bon Temps Grill, and Roly Poly.
While you're in the area, consider camping at the KOA Kampground of Lafayette, which is filled to the brim with great amenities. You can rent a full-hookup RV campsite at the park, which features two swimming pools, playgrounds, outdoor games, a mini-golf course, a convenience store, and a full game room. The campground also offers full laundry services and RV storage services.
You may also consider camping at the City of Rayne RV Park, a massive campground boasting 737 full-hookup RV campsites. You can rent a site for only $30 per night, and while you're staying there, you'll have convenient access to many Lafayette attractions. The park has a friendly, helpful staff, and it also offers fascinating agricultural tours and a variety of other activities for guests.
Another excellent camping option in the Lafayette area is the Cajun Palms RV Resort. This RV park is a great place to camp with the whole family, featuring a water park, various rides, and plenty of fun activities and events for guests of all ages. There are numerous other amenities available as well, including a fitness center, restaurants, shops, bars, and pavilions. You can rent an RV campsite at the park for between $35 and $80 per night.
Palmetto Island State Park lies on an elevated patch of land surrounded by swampland and the Vermilion River in southern Louisiana. The park is known for its many palmetto trees, but it also contains many cypress trees and other interesting plants. Comprising 1,299 acres, the island is home to many unique wildlife species, including alligators, skunks, and groundhogs. The park also features a visitor center with a bathhouse, a water playground, and a boat launch. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, birdwatching, and hiking around the park.
Another nature area worth checking out in southern Louisiana is Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. The tranquil park covers approximately 6,000 acres and is home to dense forests and interesting wildlife. Visitors to the area often partake in water-based recreation in the nearby lake, including boating and fishing. For those who prefer to hang out on dry land, the park also boasts four scenic hiking trails to explore.
Comprising 6,400 acres in south-central Louisiana, Chicot State Park features rolling hills and crystal-clear waters. The park is known as an excellent fishing destination, offering the chance to reel in bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and other fish species. During your visit, you may also want to go hiking through the lush hardwood forests or soak up the serenity of the Louisiana State Arboretum. Additionally, the park contains a water playground that's perfect for the kids to enjoy. Birdwatching and boating are popular activities in the area as well.
Located in Natchez, MS, Natchez National Historical Park is a fascinating park divided into four separate sections. The park is home to Fort Rosalie, which dates back to 1716 and remains in good condition. Other aspects of the park worth checking out are the historic William Johnson House and the Natchez Preservation Area. During your visit, consider stopping by each section of the park in chronological order. You may also want to spend time exploring the Natchez Bluff Trail and the Forks of the Road Trail.
Another unique national site in Natchez, MS is the Natchez Trace Parkway, which covers 444 miles of road that originally started as a hunting trail. Historically, local Native Americans made their camps along the route. Today, the parkway is home to Native American burial mounds, Civil War battlefields, and the site where Meriwether Lewis mysteriously perished. Visitors to the road can find opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping. A few of the most interesting spots to check out along the parkway are the Chickasaw Village and Fort Site, Jackson Falls, and the Mount Locust Historic House.
Cane River Creole National Historical Park is primarily known as the home of the Oakland and Magnolia Plantations. During your visit, you can take guided tours of the plantations and explore the many historic outbuildings. You can also visit the beautiful antebellum homes, which are situated beneath towering magnolia trees.
Kisatchie National Forest is the lone national forest in the state of Louisiana, and it has become a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The peaceful forest features lush greenery, placid lakes, and lots of picnic tables. There are also wonderful hiking trails, such as the Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail and the Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail. The forest also boasts several prairies and great campgrounds.
Homochitto National Forest is located in southern Mississippi and comprises 190,000 acres. The scenic forest offers opportunities for all sorts of recreational activities. Visitors can go mountain biking on the rugged trails, enjoy a picnic on the beach, or spend the afternoon fishing, boating, or swimming in Okhissa Lake. There are also many miles of excellent trails to explore, including the Brushy Creek Loop and the Richardson Creek Trail.
If you find yourself in eastern Texas, you can spend a day exploring Sabine National Forest. Spanning over 160,656, the forest surrounds the beautiful Toledo Bend, which is a fantastic fishing destination. The bend also happens to be the fifth-largest artificial body of water in the country. There are also some great multi-use trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Birdwatching, stargazing, and geocaching are popular activities for visitors as well.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Lafayette, LA RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Lafayette, LA?Lafayette has freeway and highway access to make getting around town easier. The city also has plenty of parks, bodies of water, and open spaces to visit. Be sure to include time in your plans to explore Vermilionville, see the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, and visit Acadian Village.
What are the RV rental requirements in Lafayette, LA?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites. if you are unsure about traveling there and any regulations they may have, double-checking with the state will provide some peace of mind!
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Lafayette, LA?Renting an RV in Lafayette, LA means endless blue skies, open roads, and mouth-watering Cajun food. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food before you hit the road. Because of the warm climate, you'll find plenty of RV campgrounds with pools and other fun amenities. Busy season is in the summer so book early to get your spot, or go off-season to avoid crowds.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Lafayette, LA?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Lafayette, LA RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Lafayette, LA?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Lafayette, LA RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Lafayette, LA?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
