Rent an RV for Mardi Gras in New Orleans Mardi Gras camping adventures
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of America's most iconic celebrations, drawing millions of visitors during Carnival season for parades, street parties, music, and revelry. With massive crowds, limited hotel availability, and accommodation prices at their highest, an RV offers an ideal solution. Park near the action, enjoy your own facilities to freshen up between festivities, and have a comfortable home base for the entire Mardi Gras experience. Whether you stay for a few days or the full season, an RV rental gives you the freedom and flexibility to experience New Orleans' most celebrated event on your own terms.
Secure your RV rental for Mardi Gras today and ensure you have comfortable accommodations during this peak celebration season.
Mardi Gras Overview
Mardi Gras, which means Fat Tuesday in French, marks the final day of Carnival season in New Orleans. The celebration spans weeks, with the official Mardi Gras day determined by the date of Easter each year (typically occurring between February 3 and March 9). The season explodes with elaborate parades organized by krewes (social organizations), masquerade balls, street performances, and continuous parties throughout the French Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods.
New Orleans during Mardi Gras is unlike any other American celebration. Crowds swell from the usual 1.3 million residents to several million visitors during the Carnival season. Hotels book months in advance and charge premium prices. Streets become pedestrian-only party zones. An RV provides independence from hotel crowds, flexible access to multiple parade routes and party areas, and a comfortable retreat when you need rest. Your RV becomes a home base where you can rest, refresh, and return to the festivities without losing your place in the action.
Why RV Travel Works for Mardi Gras
Explore RV rental options in New Orleans to find the right vehicle for your Mardi Gras celebration.
Experience Mardi Gras on your terms with the comfort, flexibility, and independence an RV provides.
- Escape the Crowds
- Hotel lobbies overflow during Mardi Gras. Your RV offers a private retreat where you can rest, shower, and recharge away from millions of tourists.
- Park Near the Action
- RV parks throughout New Orleans put you within walking distance of major parade routes and French Quarter festivities without the hotel premium.
- Affordable Accommodation
- Mardi Gras hotel rates soar to $300-500+ per night. RV rentals cost a fraction of the price while offering more space and amenities.
- Stay the Full Season
- Experience weeks of Carnival celebrations without changing locations or paying multiple hotel bookings. Your RV is your home for the entire season.
- Kitchen & Comfort
- Prepare meals to avoid festival dining prices. Shower in private, sleep comfortably, and enjoy your own climate control between parade marathons.
- Group Logistics Made Easy
- Large groups can split RV rental costs and stay together, making it simpler to coordinate parade viewing and party plans.
Getting to Mardi Gras in New Orleans
New Orleans is easily accessible via Interstate 10, with multiple RV parks positioned throughout the city and nearby areas. Major parade routes include St. Charles Avenue, Magazine Street, and Napoleon Avenue. The French Quarter, where much of Mardi Gras festivities occur, is pedestrian-accessible from many RV parks. Consider parking locations that offer shuttle access or are within walking distance of major parade routes.
Mardi Gras activities span multiple weeks, with the season intensifying as Fat Tuesday approaches. Major parades run nightly during the final week. Plan your RV parking in advance - popular parks fill 3-6 months before Mardi Gras. Some RV parks offer special Mardi Gras packages with parade shuttle services. Arriving early in the season gives you more parking options and lets you experience the entire Carnival celebration rather than just the final weekend.
Where People Stay for Mardi Gras
Accommodation options during Mardi Gras are limited and expensive. Hotels often require minimum stays and charge 2-3 times normal rates, with availability booked months in advance. Traditional camping is impractical in an urban environment. Airbnb and vacation rentals are similarly booked and pricey. RV travel stands out as the practical choice - you secure your accommodation well in advance at reasonable rates, enjoy amenities equal to or better than hotel rooms, and have the flexibility to stay as long as you want. Many RV park owners specifically accommodate Mardi Gras visitors and understand the logistics of this massive celebration.
Which RV Type Works Best for Mardi Gras?
Browse motorhomes, trailers, and campervans available in New Orleans to find the right fit for your group and celebration style.
Different RV styles offer varying comfort levels and flexibility for experiencing Mardi Gras.
- Motorhomes
- Classes A, B, or C motorhomes provide complete amenities and easy positioning for parade viewing and quick access to neighborhoods throughout the city.
- Travel Trailers
- Perfect for groups or families wanting shared space and kitchen facilities. Trailers are ideal when splitting rental costs among friends attending together.
- Campervans
- Compact campervans work for 1-3 people and offer fuel efficiency plus essential amenities for multi-day Mardi Gras immersion.
RV Parks Near New Orleans for Mardi Gras
Explore campground options throughout the New Orleans area to find the perfect base for your Mardi Gras experience.
- City area
Cypress Cove RV Resort
Full-hookup resort with spacious sites, comfortable amenities, and convenient access to major parade routes. Popular choice for Mardi Gras visitors.
- Walking distance
French Quarter Area RV Parks
Multiple RV parks positioned near the French Quarter offer walking access to Bourbon Street and major celebration zones during Carnival season.
- 30 minutes
Lake Shore RV Parks
Parks along Lake Pontchartrain offer quieter settings with easy access to the city via shuttle service or short drive.
- Budget-friendly
Suburban RV Communities
Parks in Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes provide more space and amenities at lower daily rates, with shuttle services to parade areas.
- 45 minutes
Mobile Bay Area Alternatives
Consider RV parks in nearby Mobile, Alabama as a quieter alternative base, then drive to New Orleans for specific parade days.
How People Plan Mardi Gras with an RV
Most RV visitors arrive 1-2 weeks before Fat Tuesday to secure parking and experience the full Carnival season. Book your RV 3-6 months in advance, as Mardi Gras draws more RV travelers than most events. Research specific parade routes and themes to plan which parades align with your interests. Many visitors coordinate with friends and family to split larger RV rentals. Some arrive for the entire season (2-3 weeks), while others focus on the final week when parades occur nightly. Plan arrival times to avoid traffic - early morning or off-peak hours are best. Consider which neighborhoods you want to explore beyond parade routes - the Marigny, Bywater, and Frenchmen Street areas offer live music venues and alternative Mardi Gras scenes away from main crowds.
Practical Tips for Mardi Gras with an RV
Book at least 3-6 months before Mardi Gras - it's one of the year's most popular events. Reserve your RV parking immediately upon booking the vehicle. Arrive early to claim your preferred parking spot and acclimate to the parking area before festivities peak. Bring extra supplies - local stores get crowded and may run low on essentials. Stash cash and cards securely; the Festival draws large crowds and pickpockets. Plan specific parade routes in advance and arrive early for good viewing spots. Use your RV as a base to rest between long parade marathons - Mardi Gras involves extended walking and late nights. Stay hydrated during celebrations and rest in your air-conditioned RV. Keep your RV locked when you're away. Plan transportation strategies - either have a designated driver who stays in your RV, or research shuttle services and ride-sharing options. Join other RV attendees in your park for tips, safety information, and social gatherings. Consider purchasing lightweight folding chairs or parade viewing accessories you can carry between venues.
FAQ: Attending Mardi Gras with an RV
- What's the best time to book an RV for Mardi Gras?
Book 3-6 months in advance. Mardi Gras is one of America's most popular events, and RV rentals fill quickly. Early booking ensures better selection and parking location options.
If you're booking within 2-3 months of Mardi Gras, call rental companies directly - some hold last-minute inventory or have cancellations.
- How long should I plan to stay for Mardi Gras with an RV?
Many visitors stay 2-3 weeks to experience the entire Carnival season, though you can visit for specific weeks or just the final days before Fat Tuesday. The season intensifies nightly as Mardi Gras approaches, with more frequent parades the final 2 weeks.
If you can only visit for a few days, focus on the second or third week of February when multiple major parades occur nightly but before the peak weekend crowds.
- Will my RV be safe parked in New Orleans during Mardi Gras?
Established RV parks maintain security and are accustomed to Mardi Gras crowds. Keep valuables inside your RV and follow standard travel safety practices. Most RV parks have staff and security presence during Mardi Gras.
Avoid leaving belongings visible through windows and don't leave your RV unattended with doors unlocked. Many visitors park together in RV groups, which increases security through community presence.
- Can I watch parades from my RV parking spot?
It depends on your parking location. Some RV parks are positioned near parade routes or offer shuttle services to parade areas. Research specific park locations and parade route maps when selecting your RV park.
Most visitors plan to walk or use shuttles to reach prime parade viewing spots rather than watching from their RV location. The parade routes change slightly each year, so verify current information before booking.
- What if I want to experience multiple neighborhoods during Mardi Gras?
You can keep your RV parked in one central location and explore different areas daily. Use shuttles, ride-sharing, or a personal vehicle to visit the French Quarter, Marigny, Frenchmen Street, and other celebration zones.
Alternative: Some visitors with RVs relocate their parking spot mid-season if their park allows it, though this is less common. Most prefer staying in one location to avoid the logistics of moving an RV during peak Mardi Gras season.
- Are RV parks full for Mardi Gras or is there usually availability?
Major Mardi Gras parks fill 3-6 months in advance. However, parks further from the city center may have later availability. If you're booking close to Mardi Gras, contact parks directly to ask about cancellations.
Secondary parks in suburbs or nearby areas like Mobile, Alabama offer alternatives. While farther from the main action, they may have better availability at lower daily rates.
- What size RV is best for Mardi Gras?
RV size depends on your group and budget. Solo travelers and couples often choose Class B or C motorhomes or campervans. Groups split the cost of larger Class A motorhomes or travel trailers with multiple sleeping areas.
Larger RVs require more maneuvering in parking lots but offer more amenities and comfort for extended stays. Compact RVs are easier to position in tight parking spots but offer less interior space.
- How much does RV rental typically cost for Mardi Gras?
RV rental costs vary by vehicle size and rental duration. Expect to pay 20-40% premiums during Mardi Gras compared to off-season rates. A typical motorhome might rent for $1,500-3,000 per week during Mardi Gras versus $800-1,500 during regular periods.
Even with Mardi Gras premiums, RV rentals typically cost less than hotel accommodation, especially for groups splitting the cost or visitors staying multiple weeks.
Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans with the comfort, flexibility, and affordability that only an RV can provide. Book your rental today.