louisiana

We were there last winter and it was wonderful, especially Avery Island. We stayed at a hotel so I can't tell you about RV parks, but after you visit Avery, go check out the Conrad (Konrike) Rice Mill, in New Iberia, and take their little tour. After you will be so hungry for Gumbo, ask directions to the best gumbo in town. We did, and found it only because the lady told us to watch for a RV sales place and it was next to it. Glad she mentioned it as the restaurant's sign had faded out years ago, but OMG the gumbo was awesome. I still think about that gumbo.

+1 for Poche's. Stop at the Poche's market for boudin (pronounced boo-dan) and crawfish etoufee to go. They serve a great lunch every day as well.

We get gumbo here in the northeast, but I'm spoiled now.

I stayed at the KOC Campground in New Iberia, site 50. A photo of the site and some photos from Avery Island here.

I think I would wait for another time when there are not so many communities under water. It's still raining and there is historic flooding in the state. They have declared an emergency for the entire state. Better check weather and road conditions for the area you want to go prior to leaving. Many roads are closed.

Ponchitrain landing in New Orleans is great! Rough road getting in but once there is a bueatiful park. Pool, bar, restaurant . Shuttle three times a day into the French quarter. About a two and half hour drive to Avery island which is really cool. Stock up on Tabasco stuff there, it's cheap!

When we went to Avery Island/Tabasco plant we stayed at palmetto island state park near Abbeville and loved it. Shuck's restaurant in Abbeville was fabulous. Don't what it's like now with all the bad weather and all.

Good luck!

Don't delay because of the flood. We are recovering and most of the businesses are open in the Lafayette area. I haven't heard of any campgrounds being closed. The only exception would be Denham Springs, The whole city went under. There are plenty of good places to eat. like Prejeans, Fezzo's, Dwight's, Riverside Inn, Don's Downtown, Randall's. And that's just in Lafayette!! There's more in Breaux Bridge and Henderson, and New Iberia. Come on down and enjoy the food and culture.

A second vote for Betty's in Abbeville. Be forewarned, it is a bit different. Betty essentially graveled over her smallish back/side yards to allow for RV parking. It's tight, and has no amenities except hookups. Forget about kid activities, or even dog parks (dogs are happily permitted, just that the "CG" is really small!).
BUT - Betty also has an expansive covered patio, in which campers are almost required to attend the nightly "Happy Hour" - BYOB, and light snacks/appetizers. This is socializing, not a drinking party. Everyone chats about what they did during the day, places they found, where they ate, etc. Betty will very frequently host or organize tours and field trips to local events/attractions, based on the group discussion of the evening before. Or the campers may decide to have an impromptu crawfish boil the next night on site. Sometimes there's music, either by the campers themselves, or a local friend stops by. It's as close to being invited to stay at someone's house as you can get!

For NOLA, we stay at French Quarter RV. One of the most memorable meals we had was nearby at Louisiana Bistro . Also recommend stopping at Acme Oyster House for grilled oysters.

Fontainbleu State Park in Mandeville which is on Lake Ponchartriain or Fairview State park in Madisonville which is on the Tchefuncte River.. About 15 miles apart. Hour north of NOLA.