Natchitoches is the oldest community within the Louisiana Purchase, but the town's history dates back to before 1691, when Canary Islanders moved to this area from Mexico. Explorers traded with Caddo, Cocinthés, and Pani Native Americans, with both sides remaining friendly to each other. While the region originally belonged to France, Spain administered this area, and farmers grew large tobacco crops. By 1820, the community had become the largest in the state west of the Mississippi River. You will want to visit Cane River Creole National Historical Park to learn more.
Napoleon sold the Louisiana Purchase area to the U.S. government in 1803, and it took the residents of Natchitoches a while to acclimate to America's culture. The government built Fort Claiborne in 1804 in Natchitoches and replaced it a few years later with Fort Jesup, located seven miles west of town. While using the fort as a base of operations to explore Spanish Texas, one local project completed was the removal of a 100-mile-long logjam, which had made boat travel north of Natchitoches nearly impossible. The removal had the unintended consequence of rerouting the Red River away from the city and made steamboat travel impossible, except during times of high water. The removal of the logs created Cane River Lake, a fantastic place to go boating, fishing, and paddling.
Troops ravaged Natchitoches during the Civil War, and low cotton prices made it difficult for plantation owners to recover. In addition to visiting the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, you will want to visit the Natchitoches Historic District on the west bank of the Cane River. Shopping is terrific in this area. In particular, you will want to explore the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile store, which Jewish-Prussian immigrants established in 1863. Nearby, you will find Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant. The folded in half meat pies at this restaurant were developed in 1958 and have delighted many diners, including the stars of Steel Magnolias, which was filmed entirely in this community of about 37,000 people.
Cane River Zydeco Festival & Poker Run – Head to the historical downtown area to enjoy live bands or participate in the poker run during this August festival.
Adai Caddo Indian Nation's Annual Pow Wow - Tribes from Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas perform traditional dances during this October festival held at the Adai Caddo Indian Nation Cultural Center.
Christmas Festival of Lights – Watch the Christmas parade, join in the fun run and shop with art and food vendors during this December festival in the historic district.
If you plan to explore sites near Natchitoches, Louisiana RVs from RVshare can offer more comfort than a hotel room and allows you to save money on eating at restaurants.Natchitoches is an alluring city in Louisiana that attracts visitors with its exquisite architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. The city has been featured in Hollywood movies and TV shows, showcasing its unique beauty.Cane River Creole National Historical Park is a must-visit destination for history buffs. This park contains several beautifully preserved historic plantations and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into the past of this region of Louisiana. Take a tour and learn about the people who worked and lived on these plantations.Sports fans will enjoy visiting the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. This museum showcases Louisiana's rich sports heritage through interactive exhibits, including memorabilia displays and information about famous athletes who hailed from this state.Oakland Plantation is another great historical attraction in Natchitoches. The plantation has been restored to its original condition, allowing visitors to see what life was like for the people who lived on this estate during the 19th century.Stroll along Front Street in downtown Natchitoches to admire the beautiful historic buildings that line this street. You'll also find unique shops selling local crafts, art galleries displaying works by local artists, and restaurants serving delicious Cajun cuisine.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Garland County, Arkansas, is the nearest national park to Natchitoches. Established in 1832, this national park is known for its hot springs and bathhouses, which were once a popular destination for health seekers. The area's camping options are limited but include Gulpha Gorge Campground, which has 40 sites with electricity and water hookups.If you're willing to travel a bit further, approximately 4 hours from Natchitoches, you'll find Congaree National Park in South Carolina. This park is famous for its old-growth forest and canoeing opportunities. The Longleaf Campground has eight sites suitable for RVs with no hookups but with access to potable water.Another option about 5 hours away from Natchitoches is Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. This park boasts more than 400 miles of explored caves and offers guided tours of its underground wonders. The site's campgrounds include three options: Houchin Ferry Campground (12 sites), Maple Springs Group Campground (3 group sites), and Mammoth Cave Campground (109 sites with water and electric hookups).Natchez Trace Parkway is also an excellent option, with multiple campgrounds offering RV parking and amenities like hookups, dumping stations, restrooms, showers, and more. The Trace spans three states from Mississippi to Tennessee and Alabama.
South Toledo Bend State Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Spread over approximately 1000 acres; this park offers several recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. It has more than 60 RV campsites equipped with water and electrical hookups. In addition to that, there are also cabins available for rent. The park has a marina where you can launch your boat or rent one if you don't have your own. The area also has a swimming pool, playgrounds, and picnic areas.Jimmie Davis State Park is another popular destination near Natchitoches that offers a serene atmosphere with scenic views of the Caney Creek Reservoir. This park is spread over 294 acres, with several RV campsites available for visitors with full hookups, including sewer, water, and electric connections. The campgrounds also offer restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and picnic tables.North Toledo Bend State Park sits on the banks of Toledo Bend Reservoir and features spectacular views of its surroundings. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as boating and fishing in the reservoir or hiking in the nearby woods. The campground at this park offers several RV sites equipped with water and electrical hookups, restrooms, and shower facilities.
Start your journey near Natchitoches by visiting the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. The National Park Service manages the site, which covers 207 acres. Here, you can explore the Oakland Plantation and Melrose Plantation. You can also visit the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, go fishing, take a nature trail walk, or enjoy a guided tour of the museum.Another must-see landmark near Natchitoches is the Natchez National Historical Park in Mississippi. This park covers 108 acres and is managed by the National Park Service. Here you can visit Stanton Hall, Rosalie Mississippi State Dar, Longwood historical site, museum, or take a guided tour of walking trails.The Natchez Trace Parkway is a beautiful historic forest trail that stretches over 440 miles, starting from Nashville to Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center. Experience Gumtree Museum Of Arts, fishing at various spots, and scenic drives through waterfalls.If you want more outdoor adventure, head towards Big Thicket National Preserve in Kountze, TX. This park has pine-hardwood forests and offers backcountry hiking, fishing, canoeing, or biking opportunities alongside other parks like Sea Rim State Park, Sam Houston National Forest, or Huntsville State Park.So what are you waiting for? Explore the beauty of these parks in an RV rental from RVshare. To get discounted RV rental deals, you can also download the RVshare app, now available on iOS!
Jones' Riverside Marina & RV Park is a great place to park your RV near Natchitoches, Louisiana.With 28 spacious sites that offer full hookups and access to 30 & 50 amp electricity, you'll have plenty of room for your RV and boat. Enjoy free WiFi, a grocery store/restaurant on site, and even fishing opportunities while you're there. The friendly staff is always ready to assist you.Ajax Country Livin' RV Park offers 28 sites with full hookups, a pool/hot tub, showers, cell reception with a strong signal, WiFi, and propane.If you're looking for a smaller option with great amenities like a pool and playgrounds for kids, nearby Colfax RV Park is the right choice. Colfax Recreation Area RV Park & Campground has 25 back-in sites with full hookups. This campground also has showers available for use, along with cell reception and WiFi.
If you're looking to dump black and grey water, fresh water, and a hose for flushing tanks near NatchitochesLouisiana, there are several convenient options.Colfax RV Park and Diamond T RV Park offer dump stations with the necessary amenities.You can also visit Paradise Grocery, which has a dump station for RV travelers.Another nearby option is Indian Creek Recreation Area, which provides waste disposal services and beautiful scenery.
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 Natchitoches, 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 Natchitoches?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
