RV Rental Shreveport, LA

The town of Shreveport was originally created as a meeting place on the Texas Trail. Captain Henry Miller Shreve, an American inventor and steamboat captain, led the efforts to clear away the Great Raft log jam from the Red River. This natural log jam had reached 180 miles long and blocked shipping passage along the river. The town was incorporated as Shreveport in 1839. It soon became an important center of steamboat commerce as it carried crops and cotton from the Caddo Parish plantations. While Shreveport enjoyed several decades of prosperity, the Red River once again became unnavigable between 1914 and 1994. Much of the downtown riverfront was revitalized starting in the mid-1990s when riverboat gambling became popular. 

Visitors to Shreveport often stop by the 500,000-square-foot Louisiana Boardwalk, which is a prominent outdoor shopping center in nearby Bossier City. It's located between two popular casinos and is one of the largest outlet malls in the state. After opening in May of 2005, it's come to include stores like Bass Pro Shops, Nike, Regal Cinema, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Banana Republic. Today, it has more than 50 retail stores, restaurants, and outlet stores. 

The Multicultural Center of the South in downtown Shreveport hosts a range of family-friendly education programs and activities and is another popular spot with visitors. This site is one of two in Shreveport that's part of the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. This path has 38 sites that run from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and Shreveport. It was created to highlight how the achievements and contributions of African Americans have shaped the culture and success of the state and country. 

Some annual festivities in Shreveport include Mudbug Madness, a May celebration of crawfish. The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights starts after Thanksgiving and goes until New Year's Day. It includes parades, firework shows, and festivals across eight northern Louisiana cities. The Red River Revel is a food, culture, and music festival that takes place in autumn. Since it began in 1976, it's become the largest outdoor festival in the region. 

Campgrounds Near Shreveport, Louisiana

Cash Point RV Park in Bossier City is a no-frills RV campground that sits on the Red River. You'll find some of the state's lowest camping rates here that only get lower the longer you stay. All of the 101 RV sites are shaded by tall, beautiful trees. Other amenities you're sure to love are the small general store, new bathrooms and showers, and modern laundry facilities. 

The DiamondJacks Casino and Resort is another camping option in Bossier City that's right next to a pool and 24-hour casino. The campsites here come with full hookups and a pleasant plot of grass. If you want to eat out, you can head over to the on-site restaurant. The casino puts on regular entertainment like musical acts and more. 

Cinnamon Creek RV Park in Minden offers free Wi-Fi and is within walking distance of several reputable eateries. This pet-friendly campground is ADA-accessible and well-shaded. You'll find professional-grade laundry facilities as well as an abundance of picnic tables. 

State Parks Near Shreveport, Louisiana

Lake Bistineau State Park has a fascinating history dating back more than 200 years. In 1800, a log jam in the Red River resulted in the flooding of several thousands of acres. By 1935, Loggy Bayou had a permanent dam that created the stunning present-day Lake Bistineau. For anglers, the shoreline promises exceptional bream catching while you'll find bass near the lake's cypress trees. There are a total of 61 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups that start as low as $20 a night. 

Caddo Lake State Park in Texas is just one mile away from the community of Karnack. You're sure to love the exciting 50 miles of paddling trails here. The 26,810-acre lake has more than 70 species of fish. Feel free to borrow some fishing gear from the on-site office or bring your own. Plan to spend a few peaceful afternoons hiking and picnicking under the lush tree canopy. For family-friendly fun, grab an explorer's pack from the park's office and complete various activities to earn a badge. 

Lake Claiborne State Park often receives around 55,000 visitors every year. Since it opened in 1974, it's been popular with visitors who want to check out the man-made, 6,400-acre Lake Claiborne. In addition to hiking, you can play disc golf, ride mountain bikes, fish, boat, and swim. There are six miles of scenic trails and a large swimming beach perfect for sunbathing and lounging. Consider renting a canoe or boat for an exciting day out on the water. 

National Sites Near Shreveport, Louisiana

Visit Cane River Creole National Historical Park to learn more about the generations of Creole families who worked on the Oakland and Magnolia Plantations. You're welcome to tour the historic store, corn cribs, medical office, and the enslaved people's and sharecropper's quarters. These families lived and worked along Louisiana's Cane River for over eight generations, raising tobacco and cotton and taking care of the landowner's grand celebrations. Take part in a ranger-led tour through the plantation before venturing out to explore the rest of the 60 historic outbuildings. 

The President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site includes Bill Clinton's first home where he learned lessons fundamental to his presidency. Built in 1917, the house was first owned by Clinton's maternal grandparents. Since his father died three months before he was born, Clinton and his mother had to move in with his grandparents in 1946. Along with viewing the birthplace home, you can also tour the visitor center, which has a kiosk with digital pictures from Clinton's life.

Don't miss out on discovering the nine different astonishing ecosystems present at Big Thicket National Preserve. You'll find bayous, dry desert landscapes, and land dotted with longleaf pines. Hike the more than 40 miles of trails to try to find some of the nearly 300 local bird species. The easy Sundew Trail allows you to see a variety of carnivorous plants. Other popular attractions here include the Staley Cabin, Teel Cemetery, and Village Creek Waterway, which is well-liked by beginner paddlers. 

National Forests Near Shreveport, Louisiana

Sabine National Forest covers 160,656 acres in east Texas. It forms the boundary of Toledo Bend, the country's fifth-largest artificial body of water. This is a great area to fish for crappie and catfish. Stop by in the spring to take advantage of the spawning season or to visit during one of the national bass fishing contests. The many mixed-use trails are perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. 

The 153,000-acre Angelina National Forest spans four Texas counties. The forest's seven developed areas provide boat ramps, picnic tables, and trails. The best fishing opportunities are at the southern end of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas' largest man-made body of water. Feel free to spend your time paddling, rafting, kayaking, stargazing, bird watching, or hunting. Hunting and fishing licenses are required for those over the age of 17. The forest's only geocache is hidden away in a corner of the historic Graham Cemetery.

Established in 1936, Davy Crockett National Forest is named for the renowned folk hero and frontiersman. The Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area here has a four-acre lake where you can swim, boat, and fish. There's also a forest trail, amphitheater, and bathhouse with showers. Motorized boats are not permitted in the waters. If you're hunting for feral hogs, wild turkeys, waterfowl, deer, or small game, you must wear daylight fluorescent orange. This forest is great for bird enthusiasts who want a chance to spot herons, pileated woodpeckers, cardinals, kingfishers, and raptors.