New Orleans is a city of extraordinary vibrancy and unflappable spirit, whose welcoming heart has pulled travellers in from across the world. As an American road trip destination, RVing can bring people right into the center of New Orleans’ dazzling French Quarter, or further, through the grassy wetlands that connect its maze of bayou swamps; all of it is open to you to explore.

Campgrounds and RV Parks near New Orleans

No matter where your gaze falls within the city, music, art, food, and architecture are constantly being celebrated, from the sprawling parades on Bourbon Street to the pop-up exhibits and festivals in Uptown. The birthplace of jazz is a feast for the senses best experienced by foot; let an RV get you there first. French Quarter RV Resort French Quarter RV Resort is unique amongst other RV parks of its kind in New Orleans because of its central location–– it’s blocks from the French Quarter! The campsite is gated and maintains on-site staff for security, and features a pool, hot tub, showers, and restrooms. It offers 15-30 and 50 amp electric capacity and is pet friendly. Although the majority of the grounds are paved, each individual RV site comes with a grassy area for relaxation. This is a great option if you’re looking to keep your rental RV in New Orleans. St. Bernard State Park Southeast of New Orleans, St. Bernard State Park offers campgrounds for RVs and tent camping. In addition to the typical site amenities (showers, bathrooms, laundry), campers can explore the woodsy trails of the park and families can spend time at its playgrounds and picnic areas. The pet friendly campsite has 15-30 and 50 amp electric and is ideal for camping outside of the city to feel truly immersed in nature. New Orleans KOA Holiday Northwest of New Orleans, campers will find New Orleans KOA Holiday in nearby River Ridge, Louisiana. The site is 20 minutes from the French Quarter, which a daily shuttle bus takes residents to and from, and offers office and storage space for its guests. There is also a pool, laundry facilities, and fully equipped bathrooms. The site is pet friendly and supports 15-30 and 50 amp electric.

National Parks and State Parks near New Orleans

Swim at the beach in Fontainebleau State Park Across Lake Pontchartrain to the North of New Orleans lies the sandy beach of Fontainebleau State Park, a surprise gem that contrasts with the murky bayou waters that the city is known for. The park is less than an hour from the center of New Orleans and sits on 2,800 acres of nature trails through grasslands, beaches, and forest. Dotting the grounds are the Southern States’ famous live oak trees with hanging Spanish moss, a must-see for any visitor to the area. Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, or just bathing in the sun, Fontainebleau State Park has it all. Hike Through the Bayou at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Reserve Louisiana’s bayou is one of the most unique natural occurrences in the American landscape, and it’s difficult to compare its enchantment to anything else in the world. Located a half hour from the city center, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Reserve gives visitors the opportunity to become immersed in the world famous wetlands themselves. Within the park is the Barataria Preserve, where rangers lead free walking groups through parts of the park’s 26,000 acres. Kayaking or canoeing through the cypress trees is permitted in some places for a closer look at the flora and fauna of the bayou on distance banks–– even alligators! The atmosphere of Louisiana’s swamplands cannot be truly understood or replicated anywhere else, making this park a must-visit for anyone travelling to New Orleans.

New Orleans Attractions

It's easy to fall in love with New Orleans because there are so many things to love about New Orleans! Between the vivid colors and designs of its buildings and houses to the sounds of jazz music playing in the clubs to the many, many art exhibits that fill the streets, the city is bursting with life in every direction. You only have to step outside your front door to experience any of them. See the Lights of Bourbon Street, French Quarter One of America’s most famous streets, Bourbon Street is lined with bars, jazz clubs, and restaurants that ooze incredible, eccentric character. The French Quarter is a district that’s lush with history and has no lack of things to do in the daytime, including a stroll past Jackson Square’s St. Louis Cathedral, or through the French Market’s open-air bazaar. Then, when the sun goes down, take in Bourbon Street under the glow of its golden and neon lights for a truly unforgettable experience. Take a Walk Through the Historic Garden District The Garden District of New Orleans sits close by the Mississippi River in the 11th Ward, Uptown, famous for its extraordinary mansions, haunting Lafayette Cemetery, and the Audubon Zoo. A walking tour through the district’s streets is the perfect way to take in the opulent architecture of New Orleans’ historic villas and Victorian Gothics, including Colonel Short’s Villa, the Walter Robinson House, and the Louise S. McGehee School. For fans of Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles, taking a trip through the Garden District offers a glimpse into the antiquity that inspired the author and millions of her readers to fall under the spell of New Orleans’ mysticism. Bring Your Family To JAMNOLA Families in particular can enjoy the JAMNOLA pop-up created by the city’s artists and musicians. JAMNOLA–– which stands for Joy, Art, and Music New Orleans–– features 12 exhibits of theatrics, live music, and interactive art pieces for people of all ages to enjoy. A mirror of the city itself, the pop-up is drenched in atomic colors and zany works of art, and can be experienced in private tours by reservation. JAMNOLA is located at 2832 Royal Street, in the Bywater district.

Events in New Orleans

Although New Orleans has a reputation for its over-the-top parties, the best part about the city is that there’s something for everyone within its historic streets. To walk through the lively French Quarter or the illustrious Garden District is to be transported back through American history, and everywhere you look in the city, something is being celebrated. Take a journey through New Orleans’ voodoo legacy, Creole soul food, and symphonic parades with some of our suggestions for places and events to check out! Go To the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Typically in the fall but moved to spring 2022, the Jazz and Heritage Festival is a yearly celebration of New Orleans’ vibrant culture and storied past. Held at the Fair Grounds Race Course, thousands of people pack into the grounds to listen to live music and sample authentic Creole and Gumbo food like Cajun Jambalaya, crawfish beignets, and, of course, the po’boy sandwich. Experience Halloween in New Orleans It should come as no surprise that the voodoo capital of America fully embraces a love for all things that celebrate the spooky. The Halloween Parade that passes through Bourbon Street on October 31st features over-the-top gigantic floats, live music, and marvelous costumes from the many, many, many people that attend. Thrill seekers can walk through the classically decorated Haunted Houses that pop-up each year, or check out the Voodoo Music + Arts Festival on the days leading up to Halloween. Watch the Allstate Sugar Bowl In Person The Sugar Bowl is second only to the Rose Bowl in terms of oldest bowl game played in the country, and makes for an amazing pilgrimage for any college football fan to attend. The Allstate Sugar Bowl is played each year on January 1st between the SEC and the final Big 12 team to the roaring sounds of thousands of fans that echoes from the center of the city all the way to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Celebrate Mardi Gras With the Locals No discussion of the events and attractions of New Orleans would be complete without mentioning, of course, Mardi Gras! Remember that mention earlier about New Orleans’ earned reputation for its capacity to throw an insane party? Mardi Gras easily tops just about any other festivity that American cities can offer, and it’s no wonder why–– but even calling it a party is a little simplistic. Carnival season begins on January 6 every year, and is a celebration of the merriness of food and drink leading up to Lent. Mardi Gras itself refers to Fat Tuesday, which is always the day before Ash Wednesday, and is the culmination of weeks of revelry. If the Halloween parade sounds exciting, Fat Tuesday is showstopping. Despite the number of festivals and events already included here, the extravagance of NOLA culture is never more on display than on Mardi Gras. All of these incredible sights and so many others are just outside of your door when you rent an RV near New Orleans with RVnGO. Where will you go next?