Sam Houston Jones State Park

Come and get soggy in the state of Louisiana! Wetlands never looked better than at Sam Houston Jones State Park, a campground and outdoor recreation area named after the governor that designated it as protected many years ago. The diverse forest not only makes for a great place to have fun, but it is home to a huge variety of birds and other wildlife.

Campers here get to choose from 75 different campsites, many of which offer electric and sewer hookups — and all of which welcome doggos! The park also offers cabins, but none of these structures allow our fuzzy pals. A dump station is provided on-site, and drinking water is available throughout the grounds. Free laundry facilities are accessible for guests, and a well-kept restroom facility stays running for most of the year. 

To enter the park, a $3 entrance fee must be paid — but for kids and seniors, no fee is charged. Camping fees start at $20 a night during the off-season and go up to $33 for a premium site in the warmer months.

Guests can get on the river in two different places at Sam Houston Jones, though boating is sometimes prohibited due to an overgrowth of seaweed. Grab your pup and hit up trails like Riverwalk, Swamp Walk, or Longleaf Pine Trail — all of which are favorite dog-walking spots for locals. During your trek, keep your eyes on the trees to spot an array of birdlife found nowhere else!

Your woofer will feel at home in this park, and though the leash rules are unclear here, we suggest you bring one along to ensure your barky buddy stays out of the way of other campers. It's also a good idea to keep your pooch with you at all times and bring a bag with you for quick and easy clean-ups! 

To experience true camping in the Lousiana wetlands, be sure to check out Sam Houston Jones State Park!