RV Road Trip: New Orleans, Louisiana
It's Mardi Gras Season! Let the Good Times Roll with Parades, World-Class Dining, Cultural Stops, and a Vibrant Social Scene
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Getty
Strike up the band, pull up a chair, grab a drink, and get ready for Mardi Gras! New Orleans goes all-out each February and celebrates the holiday with floats, parades, and parties. Check online for routes and schedules. Social organizations called “krewes” host parades, and each one has a different theme. Stake out a spot early in the day for the best viewing opportunities. Be sure to yell “Throw me something, Mister” to passing floats, and beads or other colorful souvenirs may get tossed your way.
NOLA (short for New Orleans, Louisiana) is a great place to visit any time of year. Jazz is king, and music can be heard wafting out of restaurants, bars, and clubs all over town. Creole and Cajun food are tops on the menu, and seafood is fresh from the gulf. For the cheapest and easiest way to get around town, leave your RV at the campground and buy an all-day Jazzy pass for the St. Charles Streetcar.
New Orleans’ laid-back atmosphere earns the city its famous moniker, The Big Easy. And as the Cajun French phrase says, “Laissez les bons temp rouler!” Which means, “Let the good times roll!”
Weekend Warriors
Photo Credit: Getty
Off the Beaten Path
Cruise the mighty Mississippi River on Steamboat Natchez’s newest paddle wheeler, the City of New Orleans. The two-hour, narrated tours are a great way to learn about the area. Try a Jazz Lunch, Sunday Brunch, or Dinner Jazz cruise.
Photo Credit: Getty
On the Menu
Fish doesn’t get fresher than at GW Fins. The chef works with spearfish divers who bring in the morning’s bounty. Their menu is then printed daily to highlight the catch of the day. Try their specialty, the Scalibut, halibut with scallops seared on top.
Photo Credit: Getty
Must-Do
It would be easy to spend your entire visit in the French Quarter. Stroll down Bourbon Street, day or night, to experience the festive atmosphere with plentiful restaurants, street performers, and amazing music.
Photo Credit: French Quarter RV Resort
Stay Here
French Quarter RV Resort is within walking distance from many of New Orleans’ tourist attractions. Sites are roomy, at least 30 feet wide, and 60 feet deep. The resort also has fitness and laundry rooms, a business office, and a hot tub.
Retired RVers
Off the Beaten Path
Join Destination Kitchen on their fun Food and Walking Tour of the French Quarter. During the three-hour tour, you’ll visit some of the most famous eateries in town and enjoy 6–7 food tastings. Yum!
On the Menu
Brunch is a big deal at Atchafalaya. Housed in a creole cottage, the Bloody Mary Bar and live music on weekends make this a happening spot. Be sure to make a reservation, as brunch frequently sells out.
Photo Credit: National World War II Museum
Must-Do
National WWII Museum is an immersive experience with personal accounts from men and women who lived through the war. The National is regularly ranked as one of the top museums in the US. Visit in the evening for its brand-new Expressions of America, a dazzling light and sound experience.
Stay Here
Recently remodeled Pine Crest RV Park is available for daily, weekly, or monthly stays. The Good Sam Park provides a quiet retreat from the big city yet is a short drive from all that New Orleans has to offer.
Family RVers
Photo Credit: NOLA Parks and Rec
Off the Beaten Path
Captain Hook’s pirate ship and Pinocchio’s whale await curious youngsters at Storyland. The playground features larger-than-life sculptures of characters from the Brothers Grimm and Mother Goose fairy tales.
Photo Credit: Café Du Monde
On the Menu
Sure to be your child’s favorite stop in New Orleans is Café Du Monde French Market. Their famous beignets—fried dough covered with powdered sugar—are oh-so good and a must-stop while in NOLA. The café is open 24 hours a day for your round-the-clock munchies.
Photo Credit: Getty
Must-Do
Mardi Gras World offers a behind-the-scenes look at artists working on parade floats. More than 500 floats are being worked on year-round in the float den, so you can take a self-guided tour to witness the magic.
Photo Credit: Land-O-Pines Family Campground
Stay Here
Land-O-Pines Family Campground is a fun place to stay with children. Mini golf, live music, a playground, and a riverside beach make great diversions. The pools and waterslides are closed in winter.
Full-Time RVers
Photo Credit: National Park Service
Off the Beaten Path
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve has six sites in the area to explore. Barataria Preserve offers trails and wildlife viewing. At Chalmette Battlefield, see where the 1815 Battle of New Orleans was fought. And at the visitor and cultural centers, peek into the lives of the people who settled in the area.
Photo Credit: Cochon
On the Menu
Cochon uses locally sourced produce and meat to make authentic Cajun-country meals. The rustic atmosphere and delicious food are sure to be a hit with your group. Try the fried alligator with chili garlic mayonnaise.
Photo Credit: Preservation Hall
Must-Do
In the heart of the French Quarter at 726 Saint Peter Street, the historic Preservation Hall is hopping for more than 350 nights a year with acoustic jazz concerts. Their musicians have learned from the greats before them, making this a long-standing tradition in the city, so be sure to get your tickets early.
Stay Here
Good Sam-approved Jude Travel Park is a great value and location. Be sure to join one of their fun pop-up activities during your stay. The gated facility also has convenient concierge services to help plan tours and tickets for area attractions.
