Free Camping in Mississippi

34-Day Cross Country RV Trip + 7-Day Caribbean Cruise 2022

Day 9: Darrow, Louisiana to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

May 5, 2022

As we were leaving the boondocking site at Houmas House this morning, we noticed that there were a lot of activities out in the parking lot near the garden entrance and foot bridge area. We figured that it could have been some school kids having their field trips there that morning. Not until we were pulling out of the parking lot, that we saw the top of a steam boat on the other side of the levee. I suppose that the school kids must have gotten on that boat for a ride on the Mississippi River. Too bad we did not get to have a closer look at that sight as we were already driving off for the day! 

Today, we will be driving from Darrow, past New Orleans, and into our destination at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. We have discussed about if we should make a stop in New Orleans, and I have already figured out where we could spend the night but after much discussions, we decided it's best for us not to stop in that city. For one thing, traffic seems to be hectic in that area, and I have read that the French Quarter area is not the safest place to be if we plan on spending the night there even at the RV park. Then, we also need to be very cautious in not getting the COVID virus on this trip since we have a cruise waiting for us in a week or so. French Quarter is a busy place with people bumping shoulders everywhere, making it much easier to catch something. We finally decided we should just skip it this time. 

Weather was not the best and as we drove past New Orleans it started to rain quite heavily. Then the sky started to light up after we went back on I-10 before reaching the state line into Mississippi. About two miles in, there is a rest area and welcome center that we wanted to stop at. It turned out to be another beautiful rest area. We found these rest stops in the southern states quite welcoming and all with its special designs. This one is no exceptions.

So pretty!

From the rest stop, we only had a short drive down south on 607/90 Hwy to the the Silver Slipper Casino RV Park where we've made reservation for the night.

Silver Slipper Casino RV Park, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

We were a little early for check-in but our assigned space #7 was vacant so we were able to just park there for the time being. The utility box was locked and we were not able to set up yet until a worker came by and unlocked the box later on. This RV park is right by the beach, making it a nice place to be for those who wants to spend some time at the private-like empty beach of Gulf of Mexico. 

Then we went across the road to the beach and explored a little. It is definitely a good beach to enjoy, water was calm and clean, with no one there. 

There is no public bathroom on site, just a little shed with a sign of a phone number.

It was a Friday and the park was still kind of empty.

Casino at the far end.

Right across from the RV park. There's no parking on either side of the road at this section, making it feel like it's a private beach for us.

Cross over to the beach

When it was about time to check in, we called the phone number posted and had the free shuttle come and pick us up to the casino. Definitely tipped the driver for their excellent service.

As I was told by the lady when I called for reservation, first, we went to get our Players Club cards before checking in. Then we took the card to the hotel check-in desk and registered. They deducted our one night stay there for free. It's first night free for players club members, a $50 saving for the night!

Escalator going up to the casino and restaurants.

We were ready for a Crab Feast buffet dinner at the casino. I was surprised by the long line of people waiting to get in.

$50 per person

Got a good table away from the crowds.

Hot and cold seafood available.

Salad Bar

Asian choices

Fried food, shrimp, chicken, hush puppies, etc.

BBQ meat

Variety of crabs

That was a great piece of smoked beef brisket!

End with a unusual dessert--funnel cake.

After that huge dinner, we decided to take a walk back to the RV park.

Silver Slipper Casino

No one's at the beach.

Just a 15-minute walk.

Back at the campground, we enjoyed an evening of peace and tranquility right by the gulf.

Conveniently just walk across to the beach.

What a nice place to camp! I will always remember this first night by the Gulf of Mexico. Our drive hugging the gulf begins! 

Video for the day, please click here.

"Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds."   -- Isaiah 3:10

City Park Camping and Houmas House and Garden

34-Day Cross Country RV Trip + 7-Day Caribbean Cruise 2022

Day 8: Welsh, Louisiana to Darrow, Louisiana

May 4, 2022

As I have mentioned before, we will not go into big cities on this trip to avoid difficulties finding parking spaces for the RV, and also to stay away from crowds. Even though we knew that we will past through Houston this morning, we will just watch where we were going in the web-like freeway system and get through this huge city in the south.

First thing first was to find a place to fill up our propane tank. The campground host told us about a store near I-10 called Tractor Supplies that would do the job. Sure enough, they were able to fill up our tank with great service! 

We were going to get on I-10 and maybe visit another Buc-ee's in Katy, but there was a huge traffic jam between Tractor Supplies and Katy so we just had to forget about that idea and went on local highway instead. We got to go through parts of Katy which seemed to be very nice and spacious. We also found a Costco where we were able to get gas and lunch at the same time before getting back on the freeway. 

Approaching Houston

Downtown Houston, got to watch where we were going!

Houston!

After crossing the state line into Louisiana, we crossed a 70-year old steep bridge which I do not have photos of. If interested you may check out our video to see how steep this old bridge is. Amazing!

We then arrived at the small town of Welsh in Louisiana where we will spend the night. I have found out that there is a public park in town that have full hook-ups for overnight camping here. The problem was that the procedure of spending the night not being very clear. Some said that we need to register at city hall first, others said register at the police station and still some said just park, no need to pre-registered. I have emailed the city hall and asked and they told me there is no need to register but did not say what the procedure would be. To make sure we were doing the right thing, we decided to stop at the city and go register in person. The staff inside seemed annoyed and like we were bothering them but at least we registered and paid our $15 right there before heading out to the park.

Welsh City Hall

Sportsman Park, Welsh, Louisiana

This is actually a nice park with lots of space. There are two separate camping areas. The bigger area is near the tennis court/baseball field with about 10-15 full hook-up sites. We also drove around to the other side of the baseball field and found maybe 6 sites by the river but only have electricity and water. We ended up in the main camping area where only one other motorhome was parked.

Some of these sites seemed to need some TLC but we were able to settle on a site that worked for us with no problem. Being far enough away from other campers made this a good overnight spot. 

Spacious camping spot.

vacant sites with full hook-ups

Just the two motorhomes on that day.

Nice!

A simple but delicious dinner.

What a relaxing way to end our long travel day!

To watch our video of the trip, please click here.

Day 8: Welsh to Darrow, Louisiana

May 4, 2022 

Early this morning, we noticed that there was a golf cart type of vehicle that came around the campground. We were wondering if that could be the person collecting camping fees from those who did not pay. As for us, we just had breakfast and unhooked, then on our way to our next destination.

I must say that Louisiana is an amazing state with some very different scenery, especially in the southern part of this state. One can see water everywhere, even on the freeways. Bayous and lakes are everywhere making the drive more enjoyable.

Atchafalaya Welcome Center

When we saw the sign of Atchafalaya Welcome Center coming up, we just had to stop. Sure glad that we did! This has to be the most beautiful welcome center we encountered on this trip. 

Beautiful landscape in the back of the welcome center.

With colorful flowers, gazebos and sculptures.

A whole building of information, resources, and relics inside the center.

Nicely decorated.

Informative displays.

There are short movies showing periodically also.

Definitely a good visit!

After a stop at the Costco in Baton Rouge, we turned south heading to the direction of the little town of Darrow. We realized that we have spent too much time at the Visitor Center and now we need to hurry a little to make it to the Houmas House and Garden where we would spend the night.

Houmas House and Garden

To overnight for free in our RV at the different locations as Harvest Hosts members, we were to visit the location, whether it's a winery, brewery, museum, or attractions, and prepare to support them with small purchase to say thank you for their hospitality. For this visit, we planned on having a buffet lunch at their Dixie Cafe and also purchase the Self-guided Garden Tour. 

This was actually our first time using a Harvest Hosts locations since we became a member for over a year. Mainly because we do not drink and feel kind of intimidated to visit these breweries and wineries. This location fits us perfectly because we wanted to see at least one plantation during our trip to the south anyway. A lunch of southern cuisine and a visit to the garden sounds wonderful!

Arrived at the huge parking lot. 

After checking in at the gift shop, we were given information about the different options as to meals and tours that we may participate but I did not feel the pressure of sales the whole time we were there. Some members said the staff made reservations for them to the restaurants but that did not happen to us. They also told us where to park the RV for the night and took down our membership information. Everything was done courteously. 

Hurry in to the Dixie Cafe before they close for lunch at 2:00.

Entering the Dixie Cafe which is right next to the museum.

Bar at the cafe.

A wonderful view of the garden as we were having the buffet lunch.

Nice and quiet.

$25 per person buffet lunch, including drinks and dessert.

Southern cuisine of fried cat fish, chili glazed chicken, beans, crawfish etouffee, etc.

View of the garden.

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and afterwards browsing the museum from the outside since they were not opened at that hour.

Lobby where the cafe and museum located. I assume that's where guests would check-in for their stay at the Inn also.

Parked at the far end of the parking lot near the Inn.

After resting a little we went through the gift shop, purchased our tickets, and visit the garden.

Mansion

Oak Alley

Old oak trees

Fountain in the back of the mansion.

Oriental Garden

Video of our detailed self-guided tour of the garden here. 

We spent close to two hours enjoying the beautiful sights of the garden without going inside the mansion. We still tried to avoid being too close to crowds, especially indoors, as we are still in the midst of a pandemic.

After the garden, we cross the footbridge to the levee on the other side of the highway where the Mississippi River is.

Footbridge right outside the gift shop at the parking lot.

overpass

The highway that we took to get here.

The Mississippi River, it's actually a dock for the steam boats to visit here.

New Orleans would be down in that direction.

There are a couple of benches there but no shades.

Our parking spot for the night. The hotel/Inn is right behind our RV.

To have a full record of our day visiting the Visitor Center, the buffet lunch, and better view of the Mississippi River, please click here.

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinner, Christ died for us."   -- Romans 5:8