Cameron Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally beautiful land of Cameron, Louisiana with this comprehensive travel guide including all the details you need, from must-see attractions to local customs and the best time to visit.


Introduction to Cameron

Welcome to Cameron, a hidden gem in Southwest Louisiana’s Acadiana region. Being the only Louisiana coastal parish west of the Atchafalaya River, Cameron is known for its amazing natural beauty, unique local culture, and rich historical significance. Whether you are interested in outdoor adventures, history, or local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Cameron. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this hidden treasure.

List of Places to Visit in Cameron

There are plenty of places to visit in Cameron that are both culturally and naturally significant. Here are some must-see destinations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cameron Parish Courthouse: This historical courthouse built in 1926, is now home to a museum, which preserves the history and culture of Cameron Parish.
  • Sister Dulce Memorial Park: This park honors Sister Dulce Retine, a local nurse who served during the Hurricane Rita disaster. The park features a hurricane memorial and sculptures to honor the brave men and women who contributed to the relief efforts.
  • Peveto Woods Sanctuary: Peveto Woods is a significant bird-watching destination, which hosts migratory birds and is situated on the Texas border.
  • Cameron-Jetties Boat Launch: Cameron is famous for fishing and the Cameron-Jetties boat launch is the perfect spot to go fishing, boating, and surfing.

Natural Attractions of Cameron: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge: It’s one of the best places to indulge in bird-watching and nature trails. There are big flocks of snow geese that migrate here every winter and a varied list of bird species to see at other times of the year.
  • Creole Nature Trail: The Creole Nature Trail is a 180-mile All-American Road that features some of the best natural sights in the area, including beaches, marshes, and wildlife refuges.
  • Holly Beach: Holly Beach is a popular tourist spot known for its clear blue water and white sandy beaches. It’s a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and playing water sports.
  • Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife refuge is home to alligators, waterfowl, and even black bears. You can hike the trails, go fishing, and enjoy other outdoor activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cameron

Cameron has plenty of options for hiking and biking. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Peveto Woods Boardwalk: This 1/3-mile boardwalk offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and is ideal for birding.
  • The Topwater Grill Trail: The Topwater Grill Trail is an easy alternative with a waterfront view. It’s perfect for a lazy morning or twilight ride.
  • Sulphur Mine ATV Trails: These trails are perfect for adventure enthusiasts and ATV riders with miles of off-road tracks and terrains that add an adrenaline rush to your trip.

Best Things to Do in Cameron: Activities and Tours

  • Louisiana Swamp Tours: Louisiana swamp tours offer a unique experience to see the natural beauty of the area. They take you out into the swamp on flat-bottomed boats to explore the wildlife and nature of Louisiana swamps.
  • Big Lake Guide Service: This service offers fishing trips on Big Lake, Sabine Lake, and Calcasieu Lake, which are all prolific fishing spots in Cameron.
  • Birding: Everything from large waterbirds to tiny songbirds can be seen here, and it’s not uncommon to spot species that you don’t see elsewhere.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cameron

Here’s a week-long itinerary for exploring Cameron:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Cameron Parish Courthouse Museum, fish at the Cameron-Jetties boat launch, take a sunset walk on Holly Beach
Day 2 Take a Louisiana swamp tour, grab lunch at Cibola, and hike the Peveto Woods Boardwalk
Day 3 Rent an ATV and ride the Sulphur Mine ATV trails, bird watch at Cameron Prairie NWR, and have dinner at Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen
Day 4 Visit Louisiana Oil and Gas Park, go kayaking at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, and have dinner at Harlequin Steaks and Seafood House
Day 5 Take a scenic drive on the Creole Nature Trail, lunch at the Topwater Grill, fish at Big Lake
Day 6 Explore Sister Dulce Memorial Park, hike the Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site trail, and grab dinner at Pat’s of Henderson
Day 7 Watch the sunrise on the beach, take a historic tour of Cameron’s downtown district, shop for souvenirs at the Louisiana Marketshops at the 115

Food and Drink Scene of Cameron

Cameron is known for its authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine that features bold flavors, fresh seafood, and locally sourced ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crawfish Étouffée: A traditional Cajun dish made with crawfish, vegetables, and roux served over rice.
  • Gumbo: A hearty stew made with seafood, chicken, and Andouille sausage.
  • Jambalaya: A one-pot meal made with rice, vegetables, and meat that is often served with sausage.

Local Beverages

  • Abita beer: Beer brewed in the nearby town of Abita Springs, Louisiana, with fresh water from the Abita River.
  • Hurricane Cocktail: A rum-based cocktail that originated in New Orleans and is popular throughout Louisiana.

Where to Stay in Cameron: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cameron has plenty of options for accommodation, ranging from hotels to budget-friendly lodgings. Here are some popular options:

  • The Steamboat Hotel: This hotel offers a unique stay in the restored steamboat with comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and Wi-Fi.
  • Cameron Motel: A classic motel with reasonable rates, free breakfast, and Wi-Fi.
  • Gulfway Motel and Marina: Located on the water, this motel offers beautiful views, a seafood restaurant, and reasonable rooms.

What to Buy in Cameron: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cameron has plenty of unique Souvenirs and local products to bring home, such as:

  • Cajun seasonings: Local Cajun seasoning blends are a must-buy and are available in most local gift shops.
  • Art and crafts: Cameron is home to several talented artisans displaying their craft, from paintings to sculptures to wood carvings at the arts and crafts market.

Local Culture and Customs of Cameron

Cameron has a unique local culture with ties to the Cajun and Creole traditions of Louisiana. The residents are friendly and welcoming, and it’s not uncommon to hear French spoken on the streets. The locals are proud of their cultural heritage and are eager to share it with visitors.

Best Time to Visit Cameron

The best time to visit Cameron is in the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild, and you can fully enjoy outdoor activities without the summer heat and humidity.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cameron

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and indulge in some Cajun and Creole flavors.
  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
  • Visit the local museums and historical sites to understand the region’s rich history.

Don’t:

  • Trespass on private property or fishing in unauthorized areas.
  • Ignore wildlife and safety warnings in natural areas.
  • Litter or damage the natural habitat in any way.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cameron

Cameron is generally a safe place to visit. However, some parts of the area may be prone to flooding during natural disasters and hurricane seasons. Visitors should be aware of the potential risks and should stay up-to-date with the latest local weather warnings.

Health in Cameron

It is essential to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and Zika by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent to avoid bites.

Getting to Cameron: Transportation Options and Logistics

Cameron is located about 200 miles west of New Orleans, Louisiana, and can be easily reached by car or taxi. Visitors may also fly into the nearby airports, including the Lake Charles Regional Airport.

Airports Near Cameron

  • Lake Charles Regional Airport: Located 30 miles away from Cameron, this airport has daily flights to and from major U.S. cities.

Bus Stations Near Cameron

  • Greyhound Bus Station: This bus station is located in Lake Charles, approximately 30 miles from Cameron.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Car rental companies, such as Enterprise and National, are available at Lake Charles Regional Airport and Lake Charles Parish.

How to Get Around in Cameron

The best way to get around Cameron is by car or bicycle. Biking is ideal for exploring the Creole Nature Trail, while having a car gives visitors the freedom to explore places to visit.

Where to Go Next from Cameron: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cameron is located near several other destinations that are worth exploring, including:

  • Lafayette: The heart of the Cajun and Creole culture, Lafayette is approximately 70 miles away from Cameron and is known for its vibrant music, cuisine, and festivals.
  • New Orleans: A world-famous cultural hub, New Orleans is approximately 200 miles away from Cameron and is known for its music, food, and Mardi Gras festivals.
  • Houston: An economic and cultural powerhouse that is only 140 miles away from Cameron and is home to several amazing museums and attractions.

Conclusion

Cameron is a hidden gem in Louisiana that is perfect for those seeking a unique travel experience. From its natural wonders to its authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Cameron. We hope that this travel guide helped you plan your trip to Cameron and enjoy your experience to the fullest.