In numerous enclaves around the United States, Mardi Gras and associated celebrations have been happening since the early 1700s. In 1837, New Orleans hosted its first Mardi Gras celebration, and since then, it has been a storied tradition. Lining the streets with incredible festive colors, strings of beads, big bands, and Jazz music, Mardi Gras is an incredible spectacle to see. The city’s deep roots are put on display as the community comes together to celebrate a rich history. This is the kind of party that many people don’t want to miss. Unfortunately, to handle the droves of tourists that come to Louisiana every year for the massive festival, some rules have been put in place that some locals and some visitors don’t prefer.
It was, for years, common practice to set up tents and temporary structures days before the Mardi Gras parade. A small town within a city would emerge as people from all over the world gathered in anticipation of the big day. But the crowds became too much, and the number of people in the city became a hindrance more than a reason to celebrate.
In July 2024, the New Orleans City Council passed a neutral ground ban that would begin enforcement in Carnival 2025. (Sidenote: Carnival is the larger, multi-national celebration during which Mardi Gras takes place.) This meant that tents, tarps, and all enclosures, plus sofas, scaffolding, and viewing platforms, were all banned. As well as barbeques, gas grills, and electric generators, portable toilets of any kind are prohibited. At Nola.com, you can get an idea of what the scene in Treme looked like during the wild celebration.
The Breaks
To keep a lid on things, some guidelines have been put in place for all attendees. Many people view these rules as a departure from tradition, but the reality is that with so many people visiting the region at once, some boundaries must be established. For those planning on heading to Mardi Gras now or in the future, here are some new laws and standards to keep in mind:
- The 4-Hour Rule:
The parade takes a long, meandering route through the heart of New Orleans. After the law passed in 2024, personal items must NOT be placed on the public right-of-way earlier than four hours before the start of the parade, and must not block intersections.
- The Fine:
As is the case in large cities and festivals, bathrooms tend to be an issue. As in, there are never enough. To ensure sanitary conditions, individuals and organizations that place tented toilets on the route may be fined $250/day. Such objects may be removed and disposed of by the city.
- The Ladders:
To get a better view of the parade, many bystanders bring ladders to the streets to get a higher elevation. The ladders are still allowed, up to six feet. But they must be set back from the edge of the street by at least six feet to give other, shorter patrons, as it were, a chance to also view the parade.
For the exact language of the laws, follow up here for a complete overview of the City Council Motion. No one wants a ticket, and everyone wants to enjoy the parade. The old practice of setting up tents a few days before the parade has passed, but that doesn’t mean the party has to stop. The city of New Orleans is simply encouraging folks to seek out alternative places to sleep during the off-hours. The following is a list of local spots where people can go camping and still make it to the parade and other festivities in a timely manner.
The Best NOLA Camping for Mardi Gras
After a hundred years or so of celebrating, the times have finally changed in New Orleans. A little bit of order must be introduced to the land of (fun) chaos. When the party comes to town, sometimes the party needs to be spread out a little bit. Luckily, there are some great spots to camp around the region that will keep folks close to NOLA and still allow them the privacy of their own shelter, away from the masses. Before we get into the locations, there are a few things to consider:
- Timing is Everything: Book your campsite as soon as possible. When the dates are announced or the campsite reservations open, book them immediately. With the new laws, camping outside of town will be the best option for visitors coming from afar to enjoy a decently-priced place to stay that is safe and comfortable.
- Plan Multi-Group Camping: Even if you get ahead of the game, it is a good idea to group up with as many folks as possible at one campsite. This means a large family tent that provides a higher capacity. With everyone’s gear, you’ll only get about 5, maybe 6 people in an 8-person tent. Opting for a larger tent, such as a 10-person tent, is a good idea when attending a festival.
- The Tent Matters: Mardi Gras can be hot. It can be rainy. It can be humid. Located in New Orleans, the weather can be unpredictable, which means you need to be prepared for anything. A sturdy canvas tent can hold up to anything the weather throws at you. The cloth windows can be drawn open in humid weather, and buttoned down tight when the temperatures drop in the evening. There is plenty of space in a canvas tent to section off and let different groups co-exist. Consider this: If you go with different groups and the reason is Mardi Gras, you’re not going to be spending a lot of time in the tent. The space becomes a location to check in, refuel, change clothes, wash up, and get back to the fun. Nothing serves this purpose better than a large family canvas camping tent.
Location is Key
South Louisiana is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. From the natural landscape of the delta to rich history in the cities, this region has more to offer than just Mardi Gras. While hotels will fill up fast, those who opt for the camping experience in this region will end up being the lucky ones. Here are some premium sites to consider when visiting NOLA.
Bayou Segnette State Park
- Address: 7777 Westbank Expressway, Westwego, LA 70094
- Distance from NOLA: 15-30 minutes across the Mississippi River
- Camping: Complete with 98 campsites with running water and electrical hook-ups at every site. There is a nearby comfort station, tent camping, and a group camp that can sleep around 120 people.
- Overview: This is an incredible location with so many features and activities that you might miss Mardi Gras altogether. There are floating cabins, a wave pool, fishing, plenty of wildlife, and 3 miles of trails on nearly 700 acres. If the crowds get too crazy, spend some time back at camp. No one will get bored.
St. Bernard State Park
- Address: 500 N. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112
- Distance from NOLA: Walking distance to the French Quarter. 10-15 minute walk to Bourbon Street.
- Camping: 52 paved RV sites only (no tent camping)
- Overview: This is a great option for those bringing a trailer or motorhome on the trip. A short walk and you’ll be dancing in the streets in no time. While it is a bummer that there is no tent camping, more locations to keep people spread out are a good thing.
These are both awesome alternatives to experiencing Mardi Gras aside from a downtown hotel, which can get extremely expensive, loud, and crowded. But that might be what you’re looking for! It is a wild time on Bourbon Street, and it is bound to be fun.
Get a Little Wild, but Not Too Wild
With the Neutral Ground Ban being a new law, there is bound to be some dissenters, people who don’t like change, or people who will take their chances and break the rules. The fact remains that New Orleans is a massive city, and there is a lot of ground for the local law enforcement to cover. Not to mention, some of these temporary shelters can be broken down and moved in moments.
It should also be noted that simply moving the camping tents to the city parks is not an option. The law that went into effect in 2025 covers those parks as well, not just the sidewalks.
President of the City Council, JP Morrell, made an Instagram post discouraging people from putting up banned items along the route. In the post, he acknowledged enforcement would be “spotty,” adding, “How are they going to enforce it? Well, to be honest, we’re hard up for cash. NOPD and Parks and Parkways are going to do their best, but it’s probably not going to be as robust as it could be,” according to reporting by NOLA.com.
For some, this may sound like a Play at Your Own Risk suggestion. It is not. The idea here is more to imply that if you don’t know where law enforcement is going to be, it’s not wise to take the chance. Everyone at the parade and the festivals is looking to have a good time, experience the culture, and make lasting memories with new friends and people they love. The best way to ensure this can continue year to year is to make the best experience possible for everyone who wants to attend. So, to see all of NOLA and the delta, get a canvas tent, pitch it at a local camp, and make your way to Bourbon Street.
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