Louisiana is a great place to vacation with many sites to see and things to do. It is the most well-known for the Mardi Gras celebrations held every year in New Orleans. Louisiana is a state rich with history and a love of music and the arts making it a great vacation destination for a family. If you are looking for an economical way to take your family on vacation without spending a fortune on hotels and accommodations, the best way to see the city is by RV. Rent an RV and stock up on food and supplies and set off for a great vacation. You are in no hurry when you travel like this. The best way to enjoy your vacation is to take your time getting there.
Stops Along the Way
Half the fun of going on vacation is getting there. If you will be doing most of the driving yourself, remember to make frequent stops to rest and eat. Highway rest areas have extra wide spaces for trucks and RV’s in the back for overnight stops or a well-needed nap. Many large truck stops also allow overnight parking for trucks and RV’s. Truck stops also have great food and hot showers.
RV Campgrounds
Louisiana offers many RV and campground sites all over the state to accommodate travelers. Most campgrounds charge between $12 and $25 per night for hookups including water, electricity and use of other facilities. Many places have laundry facilities, showers and use of a boat launch for fishing.
Discount RV Camping Memberships
Some organizations that offer discounts on RV camping include Kampgrounds of America (KOA) with 10% off registrations, The Good Sam RV Club offers 10% discounts at over 1700 parks with $19 a year membership and happy Camper offers 50% off nightly fees. These organizations charge a yearly or quarterly membership fee and include discounts and coupons for travel and meals. Passport America offers 50% discounts are valid at over 1600 participating campgrounds, and accepted at 29 campgrounds in Louisiana. Campgrounds offer hookups, WiFi, Propane, showers, picnic areas and restrooms. Some sites offer shuttle or transportation into the city for a small daily fee of $4 or more.
Free camping in State Parks
If you plan to visit the national parks in the area many of the sites managed by the US Forestry Service allow overnight camping for free. Set up camp, fish and enjoy the beauty of the world around you. Grand Isle State Park has 49 RV campsites with camping, fishing and hiking. San Miguel Park allows tent and RV camping with picnic tables and fire rings. Contact the Louisiana Office of State Parks for locations of parks in the area you will be visiting. The US Forestry Service and National Parks Service have listings of parks and recreational areas that allow camping in the area.
Plantation House Tours
Take a tour of the plantation houses like Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, The Destrehan Plantation (where interview with The Vampire was filmed) in New Orleans, The Cottage Plantation and check out the ghosts of The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville.