Louisiana in February

[garmp]

Thinking about bopping about the state of Louisiana for a couple of weeks in late February. Would like to take in a couple of LDOGs and other than that are pretty much open to ideas. Don't want the New Orleans, city style thing. Cities just aren't us. Don't need the coast nor extreme southern sectors, unless there is something of super interest. Been to Palmetto Island SP and really liked it, but been there. History is always nice and of course waterfalls and such nature type things are always an attraction.
We are COE and State Park campers in a 22' motorhome and only need 30amp and an occasional dump station. Some county or city parks can be nice, but not into KOA or Good Sam parks. Military FamCamps will also work for a night over.
So what's Louisiana got to offer that time of year?

[prichardson]

Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout south Louisiana with activities beginning on January 6 and ending on Mardi Gras day, with the bulk of the parades being the last couple of prior to Mardi Gras. I don't know what you heard negative about Sam Houston Jones but it is a nice park. There are also a number of private campgrounds in and around Lake Charles. Weather here in February/March can be anything from shirt sleeve to freezing; but wait a day or two and it will be the other.

[padredw]

There is a great campground north of the city: Grand Ecore. It is some kind of cooperation between COE and the Red River Authority. I recommend it highly. It is the best near Natchitoches.

[garmp]

Looking to make a day at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches, LA and can't find any decent state, corp or parish campground for the night near there.
Any suggestions?
Also thought about Sam Houston Jones SP, but heard some discouraging things about it. But DO want to tour Lake Charles. Thoughts?
Also moved our trip to the end of Feb and first couple weeks of March. Then found out that it would be during Mardi Gras week. Does this celebration extend throughout the state or is it a local New Orleans thing? Don't mind partying, but that's not why we're camping.

[Big_Katuna]

The small town and church festivities are the ones to look for. You can have NOLA and Mardi Gras. Short lines, fair to cheap prices, great music and some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

And dont let the church festivals fool you; the beer tent is well stocked.

[one_strange_tex]

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) itself is March 5, 2019. There will be parades and festivities in the latter part of February, even in the smaller cities and towns. Check the local calendars on line, if you are interested in that. This is primarily a southern Louisiana phenomenon.

[Wadcutter]

Roy&Lynne wrote:
A local steered us to a little place and I'm so glad they gave us detailed directions because the only thing you could read on the sign was ........rant. It was the most mouth watering gumbo I've ever had.
Just looked on the map. The restaurant was called Bon Creole

Bon Creole is not a place a person would just drive by and think it's a good place to eat. In fact, you wouldn't even be sure it was open. Those who pass it by are missing the BEST gumbo. Great local café.
Unfortunately one of the best local hangouts to hear real Cajun music and dancing was at Whiskey River Dance Club outside of Breaux Bridge. It was a shake on the bayou side of the levee. Only open Sunday afternoon at 4 PM for about 4 hours. The place would be packed with locals. Sadly it closed in Sept. They had some nationally known Cajun performers. Hopefully someone will pick up the business so it doesn't die.

[Roy_Lynne]

We went to LA in January a couple years ago and spent a couple nights in Lafayette. Took a swamp tour at Lake Marrin that was cold but so cool. Then we went to Avery Island and checked out the Tobasco factory and lastly to New Iberia where we toured the Conrad Rice Mill. LOL By the time the rice tour was done, I was so hungry for gumbo I couldn't stand it. A local steered us to a little place and I'm so glad they gave us detailed directions because the only thing you could read on the sign was ........rant. It was the most mouth watering gumbo I've ever had.

Just looked on the map. The restaurant was called Bon Creole

[doxiemom11]

Research the US90 tour in southern la - you may like something like that.

[azrving]

I'm not sure if it starts at the end of February or beginning of March but the Abbieville city sq music series is nice.

[Big_Katuna]

Another Breaux Bridge, Poches fan.

Go to Prejeans for dinner. Call ahead to make sure they have music.

Visit Shadows on the Teche.

[guidry]

Another vote for Breaux Bridge (from there). Add the music and a swamp tour and it’s heaven!

[jplante4]

We were in Breaux Bridge in mid Feb at Poche's Fish 'n Camp. It was shirt-sleeve weather. The great thing about that part of LA is the food. Crawfish etoufee, gumbo and boudin. Avery Island (home of Tabasco sauce) is one of the top visited spots and a short Sunday drive from Breaux Bridge. Lafayette is close by for supplies and doctors etc. North of there is a cajun/zydeco music festival in Opelousas sometime around then.
If I lived there, I'd weigh about 500 lbs. GREAT FOOD!!!