One Tank Trip for Louisiana Camping

There is no other place in the world like Louisiana. Known the world over as a place to kick up your heels at Mardis Gras, it also offers attractions to travelers of all types, from history buffs to jazz fans. The iconic swamps of Louisiana are where you’ll find excellent fishing, and some of the most unique and spicy cuisine anywhere in the south. C'mon, y'all! Let's laissez les bons temps rouler! Ah, New Orleans! New Orleans is a city that requires little introduction, and there are few other places in the world that so gracefully blend their history and culture together. New Orleans is the stuff legends are made of, and nowhere is that more evident than on historic Bourbon Street. Running the length of the French Quarter, it is the most well known street in New Orleans. Bourbon Street is generally quiet during the day, which gives you time to have a look around at the unique and beautiful architecture, and to sample some world class cuisine. It's interesting to note that many of the buildings along Bourbon Street are authentic, dating back to the 1700s. You'll notice a very heavy Spanish influence due to a very brief period in time when this area was under Spanish rule. There are many city tours offered that are highly recommended. At night, the streets quickly fill up with people on their way to shows, dinner, or to catch some of that famous New Orleans jazz that can be heard in many of the bars and restaurants in this area. Leaving New Orleans on I-10 W will take us to the next incredible city on our one tank trip, Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge, whose name literally means, 'red stick', became the capital of Louisiana in 1849. As culturally diverse as the rest of the state, Baton Rouge is a popular tourist attraction, with most travelers coming to see the breathtaking plantations that are scattered throughout the area. Two of the most popular are Magnolia Mound Plantation, a Creole style house with a museum where visitors can get a glimpse into the grandeur and history of the 18th century. The other is Mount Hope Plantation, which was used as the set for the film, “Gone with the Wind,” and is a spectacular example of the classic antebellum house. Another great place to stop is the St. Joseph's Cathedral; a historic church founded some 250 years ago, and contains a wealth of historic furnishings. From Baton Rouge, we head to Lafayette on our one tank trip by way of I-10 W, which will take us straight into the Heart of Cajun Country. The largest city in Acadiana, Lafayette contains a beautiful mix of Cajun and Creole cultures. Visitors should start by touring the recreation of an 1800’s Cajun village called “Vermillionville”. An active living history museum set on 23 acres, Vermillionville comes complete with storytellers, chefs, interpreters and one amazing history about the very early beginnings of this state and its people. You can't go to Lafayette without experiencing a swamp tour! A perfect trip for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers is to get up close to the Louisiana flora and fauna. Lafayette is a thriving metropolis, but there are several more activities available for the outdoor lover - from golf and cycling, to birding and canoeing. Leaving beautiful Lafayette, our final Louisiana RV camping stop is Lake Charles, just a little further down I-10 W. In the heart of the Festival Capital, Lake Charles is full of the same culinary delights and wonderful music that make this region so much fun. The city overlooks a large freshwater lake that bears the titular name and offers numerous watersport and recreation activities. Home to the only white sand beach on the Gulf Coast, Lake Charles is a favorite spot for locals and travelers. Around the area, there are many more outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting and fishing, and golfers will love the popular courses they have to choose from. The beautiful and historic Charpentier District of the city contains nearly 20 blocks of some of the most beautiful Victorian-era homes to be found anywhere in the state, with architecture that is unique to this area, and is a definite must see! Louisiana is infectious. Long after you've come and gone, you'll soon be thinking of a way to get back for the cuisine, the beauty, and those wonderful, fun loving Cajuns who provide a warmth and color to their great state. Back to One Tank Trips for 2011 Woodall's Recommended Louisiana RV Campgrounds