Hidden Louisiana Gems

Ever been curious about the hidden gems of the camping world around you? I have. So, I did a little research on the coolest places in Louisiana for camping via tent or RV. I cannot wait to start planning my next few weekends out to head to these destinations. Which ones peak your interest?

Indian Creek – 100 Camp Ground Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485

Indian Creek features canoeing, swimming pools, the lake, and hiking. It also has nature trails to explore, playgrounds for the kiddos, and a game room for family fun indoors.

Visit their page for more information here! https://www.ldaf.state.la.us/about/indian-creek-recreation-area/

Grand Isle State Park – 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358

Grand Isle provides access to an island channel that connects to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. You can enjoy swimming, crabbing, camping, hiking, bird watching, and sunbathing. They also have a variety of campsites, complete with spots along the water.

Take a look at their page here! https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/grand-isle-state-park

Poverty Point Reservoir State Park – 1500 Poverty Point Pkwy, Delhi, LA 71232

Poverty Reservoir State Park offers thousands of acres to explore by camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and birdwatching. You are able to decide between tent camping, RV or Camper stays, family lodges, and cabins along the waterfront.

Visit their homepage here! https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/poverty-point-reservoir-state-park

Camping with Kids

Find yourself worrying about camping with your child(ren)  for the first time, or even the fifth time? No one wants to hear the dreaded words, “I’m bored” while trying to have a fun, family outing. To help out we put together a little list of all the cool ideas for kids to do while out in the great outdoors with you. Some may require a items, but most are easily done with just yourself!

  1. Capture the Flag – Divide into teams and use anything handy for your “flag”. Rock, paper, scissors for which team can hide the flag first. One person hides the flag and returns to base, and the first person to find the flag wins.
  2. Park Ranger – Think “Simon Says” only it’s “Park Ranger Says” now. One person is designated park ranger, last person standing after following Park Rangers Direction is the Park Ranger for next round.
  3. Bubble Station – An easy outdoor activity. Poor bubbles for everyone or set up a blower and enjoy the whimsical entertainment.
  4. Bean Bag Toss – This amusing activity has become quite popular in both children and adults. Usually you can find pre-made bean bag games at the store, or you can opt to make your own. Whoever makes it to your target score first, wins.
  5. Target Practice – For this game you might need the help of some Nerf guns or even slingshots. Set up a target with a paper/plastic plate and take aim. By the end of your trip you wont miss the target at all.

Destination Camping: Chicot State Park

Chicot State Park

3469 Chicot Park Road

Ville Platte, La 70586

Description:

Chicot State Park is located in South Central Louisiana on Lake Chicot. The State Park has about 6,400 acres of woodland and waterways. The park features all sorts of activities as well as 3 locations to relax and enjoy natures beauty. The first is the South Landing and includes cabins, picnic ares, playground, boat launch, fishing pier, and boat rentals. The second is the North Landing with campsites, boat launch, and a pier. The thrid is the East Landing which is more under developed but still has basic camping sites and a boat launch.

The park caters to all types of adventurists like campers, backpackers, cyclists, fishermen and fisher-women, and hikers. They also have a 20 mile hiking trail and an 8-mile canoe trail for those who are water lovers.

      • Cabins
      • Fishing
      • Boating
      • Hiking
      • Campsites

Information Credit: https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chicot-state-park

Campfire Safety

Just in case you forgot, here are 5 quick tips for practicing campfire safety! When camping and using a campfire freely or in a fire pit it’s important to follow the right safety procedures for you and everyone around you, as well as wildlife.

Take the wind into consideration. A heavy breeze may blow fire into nearby objects that are flammable.

Make sure to have water close by. If your fire gets out of hand, having water nearby can be really helpful.

Never leave your campfire unattended. A fire that isn’t monitored can potentially be dangerous.

Watch children around your campfire. Kids can be curious, and sometimes they require extra watching around the fire.

Always put your campfire completely out. Make sure all cinders are extinguished and campfire is no longer smoking.

Bacon and Cheese Pull-Apart Recipe

Is there any better meal than those that includes BACON and CHEESE? Probably not. Which is how we came across a simple campsite snack that has both! Check out the how-to on the bacon and cheese pull-apart.

  • 14 Dinner Rolls (thawed, still cold)
  • 8 strips of cooked bacon (broken into pieces)
  • 2 cups of cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup of melted butter

First step is to cut your rolls in half. Then pour butter into dutch oven. Roll your rolls into the butter and arrange within the oven. Sprinkle rolls with bacon and cheddar cheese. Cover dutch oven with lid and let rolls rise until size has doubled. Lastly bake 20-25 at 350 degrees. Serve and enjoy!

Information Credit: www.eurekacamping.com

10 of the Best Camping Snacks

Don’t feel like stressing over what to pack for snacks? Then you have to check out of list of top 10 “go to” snacks to have at the campsite! Is your favorite camping treat on the list?

1. Chex-Mix

2. Campfire Queso

3. Peanut Butter Protein Balls

4. Campfire Popcorn

5. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

6. Homemade Granola

7. Rice Krispy Treats

8. Dried Fruit

9. Banana Wraps with Peanut Butter

10. S’mores

Mind the Wildlife

When seeing the local wildlife, one of the many joys of camping, we have to remember that we must also show consideration for them. Many do not think about the disruption that our enjoyable times may be for the wildlife, so there are a few things you can remember to do your part in making a great experience for you, family, friends, and the wildlife too!

  • Safely store and contain food/food odors that attract unwanted wildlife
  • Give the wildlife lots of space once you encounter them
  • Do not try and trap or take home the wildlife that you see
  • Minimize changes to their habitat, or areas surrounding their habitat
  • Pick up supplies, extinguish fires, and and throw away all trash