A good road trip in Louisiana doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Like we’ve all heard before, it’s about the journey, not the destination. Singing along to your favorite playlist with the windows down and snacking on your favorite road trip snacks with your loved ones is what it’s all about. As far as affordable trips in Louisiana go, this one might be the best. This road trip will take adventurers through Louisiana to some of the state’s most beautiful natural scenery without breaking the bank.

To keep the road trip to a day trip, we’re sticking to northern Louisiana, but stay tuned, and maybe you’ll see a southern Louisiana version pop up! The entrance fee for Louisiana State Parks is $3 per person, so keep that in mind as we make our way to these state parks.

Google Maps From point to point, you’re looking at about a 3.5-hour drive, but of course, you’ll want to allow plenty of time at each location to hike the trails and check out the scenery. Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way. You can even add your own stops to make the trip one-of-a-kind.

  1. Lake Bistineau State Park

Casey Habich/Google Lake Bistineau State Park, 103 State Park Rd, Doyline, LA 71023, USA

Casey Habich/Google Our first stop is Lake Bistineau State Park, one of the best parks for paddlers. There’s an 11-mile paddle trail that will take you around the lake, giving you extraordinary views with each stroke.

  1. Lake Claiborne State Park

Nathan Wilson/Google Lake Claiborne State Park, 225 State Park Rd, Homer, LA 71040, USA

Zeromiles2empty/Google From the sandy beach to the epic fishing, there’s a lot to love about this 643-acre state park. There are 12 miles of hiking trails to explore here, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the white-tailed deer that call Lake Claiborne State Park home.

  1. Driskill Mountain

Ray Caywood/All Trails

Josh Portie/All Trails The one-mile hike to the summit of Louisiana’s tallest natural peak won’t cost you a dime, just your time. The hiking trail is on private property, but the owners have graciously allowed the public to use the trail, so be sure to respect the land and leave no trace. Oh, and sign the guest book when you reach the top! Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA

  1. Lake D’Arbonne State Park

Wanderer/Google Lake D’Arbonne State Park, 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville, LA 71241, USA

Susie Wheeler/Google Tucked away in Union Parish, Lake D’Arbonne State Park is a nature lover’s playground. The 655-acre park is full of lush greenery, rolling hills, nature trails, and of course, the crown jewel of them all: Lake D’Arbonne. The 15,000+ acre lake has some great fishing, and you might just catch yourself your record-breaking catfish or bass.

  1. Jimmie Davis State Park

Sonja Washington/Google Jimmie Davis State Park, 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA 71226, USA

Ashish Sharma/Google Our final stop on the road trip takes us to the beautiful Jimmie Davis State Park. This picture-perfect park is nestled up along Caney Creek Lake, a massive 5,000-acre reservoir. Sink your toes in the sand, splash away in the refreshing water, and then sit back and wait for one of the most glorious sunsets over the water.

One of the best parts about these affordable vacations in Louisiana is that these state parks offer both cabin rentals and campsites, so if you decide to turn the day trip into a weekend adventure, go right ahead! You can book your cabin/campsite at the Louisiana State Park website.

Google Maps

From point to point, you’re looking at about a 3.5-hour drive, but of course, you’ll want to allow plenty of time at each location to hike the trails and check out the scenery. Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way. You can even add your own stops to make the trip one-of-a-kind.

Casey Habich/Google

Lake Bistineau State Park, 103 State Park Rd, Doyline, LA 71023, USA

Our first stop is Lake Bistineau State Park, one of the best parks for paddlers. There’s an 11-mile paddle trail that will take you around the lake, giving you extraordinary views with each stroke.

Nathan Wilson/Google

Lake Claiborne State Park, 225 State Park Rd, Homer, LA 71040, USA

Zeromiles2empty/Google

From the sandy beach to the epic fishing, there’s a lot to love about this 643-acre state park. There are 12 miles of hiking trails to explore here, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the white-tailed deer that call Lake Claiborne State Park home.

Ray Caywood/All Trails

Josh Portie/All Trails

The one-mile hike to the summit of Louisiana’s tallest natural peak won’t cost you a dime, just your time. The hiking trail is on private property, but the owners have graciously allowed the public to use the trail, so be sure to respect the land and leave no trace. Oh, and sign the guest book when you reach the top!

Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA

Wanderer/Google

Lake D’Arbonne State Park, 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville, LA 71241, USA

Susie Wheeler/Google

Tucked away in Union Parish, Lake D’Arbonne State Park is a nature lover’s playground. The 655-acre park is full of lush greenery, rolling hills, nature trails, and of course, the crown jewel of them all: Lake D’Arbonne. The 15,000+ acre lake has some great fishing, and you might just catch yourself your record-breaking catfish or bass.

Sonja Washington/Google

Jimmie Davis State Park, 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA 71226, USA

Ashish Sharma/Google

Our final stop on the road trip takes us to the beautiful Jimmie Davis State Park. This picture-perfect park is nestled up along Caney Creek Lake, a massive 5,000-acre reservoir. Sink your toes in the sand, splash away in the refreshing water, and then sit back and wait for one of the most glorious sunsets over the water.

What do you think about this collection of nearly free things to do in Louisiana? Would you tackle this road trip with friends or family? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Affordable Trips In Louisiana February 10, 2023 Megan Todaro What are the most affordable vacations in Louisiana? The most affordable vacations in Louisiana include stopping at or enjoying:

Prehistoric Park Grand Isle Gators & Friends Landry Vineyards Poverty Point Take A Swamp Tour The Creole Trail Ghost Hunts Global Wildlife Avery Island Barataria Preserve State Parks

  These very inexpensive road trip destinations in Louisiana are perfect for a weekend away or an overnight exploration. The best part of all is that you won’t have to save up for months to enjoy it! Even some of these attractions canoe combined in order to make your very own road trip. Are there any free things to do in Louisiana? Yes, there are plenty of places to visit for free in Louisiana:

Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette, LA R. W. Norton Gallery, Shreveport, LA Bayou Rum Distillery, Lacassine, LA Barataria Preserve, Marrero, LA Festival International, Lafayette, LA Driskill Mountain, Bienville Parish, LA Take a Steel Magnolias Tour, Nachitoches, LA Gator Chateau, Jennings, LA Tabasco Factory Tour, Avery Island, LA Louisiana Military Museum, Ruston, LA Besthoff Sculpture Garden, New Orleans, LA

  You don’t need to have a ton of cash on hand to explore these free things to do in Louisiana. What are the most haunted attractions in Louisiana? The most haunted attractions in Louisiana include:

The LaLaurie Mansion, 1140 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116  The Manchac Swamp Bridge, Ponchatoula, LA 70454 Louisiana Old State Capital, 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801  Calcasieu Courthouse, 1000 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70601 Diamond Grill Restaurant, 924 3rd St, Alexandria, LA 71301 Central Louisiana State Hospital, 242 W Shamrock Ave, Pineville, LA 71360 Magnolia Plantation, 5549 LA-119, Derry, LA 71416 Oakland Cemetery, 1100 Milam St, Shreveport, LA 71101 Holly Ridge Railroad Tracks, Holly Ridge, LA 71269 Green Light Road Ghost Bridge, Green Light Road, Green Light Rd, Louisiana

  These Louisiana haunted attractions can all be found on this incredible haunted road trip. All the best scary spots are in one place.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Affordable Trips In Louisiana

February 10, 2023

Megan Todaro

What are the most affordable vacations in Louisiana? The most affordable vacations in Louisiana include stopping at or enjoying:

Prehistoric Park Grand Isle Gators & Friends Landry Vineyards Poverty Point Take A Swamp Tour The Creole Trail Ghost Hunts Global Wildlife Avery Island Barataria Preserve State Parks

  These very inexpensive road trip destinations in Louisiana are perfect for a weekend away or an overnight exploration. The best part of all is that you won’t have to save up for months to enjoy it! Even some of these attractions canoe combined in order to make your very own road trip. Are there any free things to do in Louisiana? Yes, there are plenty of places to visit for free in Louisiana:

Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette, LA R. W. Norton Gallery, Shreveport, LA Bayou Rum Distillery, Lacassine, LA Barataria Preserve, Marrero, LA Festival International, Lafayette, LA Driskill Mountain, Bienville Parish, LA Take a Steel Magnolias Tour, Nachitoches, LA Gator Chateau, Jennings, LA Tabasco Factory Tour, Avery Island, LA Louisiana Military Museum, Ruston, LA Besthoff Sculpture Garden, New Orleans, LA

  You don’t need to have a ton of cash on hand to explore these free things to do in Louisiana. What are the most haunted attractions in Louisiana? The most haunted attractions in Louisiana include:

The LaLaurie Mansion, 1140 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116  The Manchac Swamp Bridge, Ponchatoula, LA 70454 Louisiana Old State Capital, 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801  Calcasieu Courthouse, 1000 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70601 Diamond Grill Restaurant, 924 3rd St, Alexandria, LA 71301 Central Louisiana State Hospital, 242 W Shamrock Ave, Pineville, LA 71360 Magnolia Plantation, 5549 LA-119, Derry, LA 71416 Oakland Cemetery, 1100 Milam St, Shreveport, LA 71101 Holly Ridge Railroad Tracks, Holly Ridge, LA 71269 Green Light Road Ghost Bridge, Green Light Road, Green Light Rd, Louisiana

  These Louisiana haunted attractions can all be found on this incredible haunted road trip. All the best scary spots are in one place.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The most affordable vacations in Louisiana include stopping at or enjoying:

  • Prehistoric Park
  • Grand Isle
  • Gators & Friends
  • Landry Vineyards
  • Poverty Point
  • Take A Swamp Tour
  • The Creole Trail
  • Ghost Hunts
  • Global Wildlife
  • Avery Island
  • Barataria Preserve
  • State Parks

 

These very inexpensive road trip destinations in Louisiana are perfect for a weekend away or an overnight exploration. The best part of all is that you won’t have to save up for months to enjoy it! Even some of these attractions canoe combined in order to make your very own road trip.

Are there any free things to do in Louisiana?

Yes, there are plenty of places to visit for free in Louisiana:

  • Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette, LA
  • R. W. Norton Gallery, Shreveport, LA
  • Bayou Rum Distillery, Lacassine, LA
  • Barataria Preserve, Marrero, LA
  • Festival International, Lafayette, LA
  • Driskill Mountain, Bienville Parish, LA
  • Take a Steel Magnolias Tour, Nachitoches, LA
  • Gator Chateau, Jennings, LA
  • Tabasco Factory Tour, Avery Island, LA
  • Louisiana Military Museum, Ruston, LA
  • Besthoff Sculpture Garden, New Orleans, LA

You don’t need to have a ton of cash on hand to explore these free things to do in Louisiana.

What are the most haunted attractions in Louisiana?

The most haunted attractions in Louisiana include:

  • The LaLaurie Mansion, 1140 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
  • The Manchac Swamp Bridge, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
  • Louisiana Old State Capital, 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
  • Calcasieu Courthouse, 1000 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70601
  • Diamond Grill Restaurant, 924 3rd St, Alexandria, LA 71301
  • Central Louisiana State Hospital, 242 W Shamrock Ave, Pineville, LA 71360
  • Magnolia Plantation, 5549 LA-119, Derry, LA 71416
  • Oakland Cemetery, 1100 Milam St, Shreveport, LA 71101
  • Holly Ridge Railroad Tracks, Holly Ridge, LA 71269
  • Green Light Road Ghost Bridge, Green Light Road, Green Light Rd, Louisiana

These Louisiana haunted attractions can all be found on this incredible haunted road trip. All the best scary spots are in one place.