Overview
On the Louisiana coast, in the far southwestern corner of the state, lies the small port town of Cameron. Sparsely populated, this city is the parish seat for Cameron Parish, which has been designated by the parish tourism commission as the "Louisiana Outback." When driving into this area from Lake Charles or the Texas coastal city of Port Arthur, such a moniker seems well founded, as the feeling of isolation quickly washes over a person and the sense of being in a wetlands-filled wilderness spreads. The mid-point town on the nationally designated Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, Cameron often acts as a stopping and break point for travelers taking in the wetlands scenery of the Trail.
But also a sense of freedom arrives when getting to the local beaches... it is possible to have an entire portion of beach all to yourself depending on location and time of day. Camping, beachcombing, fishing, and wildlife watching are the most popular activities in the area. Two U.S. National Wildlife Refuges are within half an hour of Cameron, where one can watch alligators lazily laying by the roadside, almost inattentive to passers by, or blue herons wading through the shallow wetlands.
2 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cameron
Cameron Jetty Pier and Beach
Just south of Cameron is the pier and jetty. Good place to get in the water, or fish from the pier. The only beach access in the parish that has an admission fee. RV camping available. This beach is best for people who w…
Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
The wetlands of this refuge often provide haven and shelter for more than 200 bird species, as well as alligators and other small mammals living in the wetlands. The visitor center contains exhibits and rangers that can …
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LCH Lake Charles Regional Airport, Lake Charles — 24 mi away. Directions
- BPT Jack Brooks Regional Airport, Beaumont/Port Arthur — 44 mi away. Directions
- HOU William P. Hobby Airport, Houston — 118 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Cameron Jetty Pier and Beach
- Lunch Anchors Up Grill
- Afternoon Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Hurricane Rita
In 2005, Hurricane Rita completely leveled Cameron and the other coastal villages on the Cameron Parish coast. Virtually nothing remained of the city afterwards, with the exception of the parish courthouse. Today, when driving through the city, the evidence of this remains with empty concrete foundations dotting the city blocks, as well as new construction throughout the entire town. The city has since made a major comeback, but that being said, it is not proper to ask questions or talk about the hurricane to local residents. Most residents lost almost everything in the storm, and even though time has passed since, it is still very fresh on the minds of locals and will clearly make people uncomfortable discussing it.
Do
Beaches
Do Cameron Jetty Pier and Beach
Just south of Cameron is the pier and jetty. Good place to get in the water, or fish from the pier. The only beach access in the parish that has an admission fee. RV camping available. This beach is best for people who want to be close to the water, but equally close amenities in town.
Nature and wildlife watching
Do Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
The wetlands of this refuge often provide haven and shelter for more than 200 bird species, as well as alligators and other small mammals living in the wetlands. The visitor center contains exhibits and rangers that can provide info. The wildlife drive contains a scenic driving loop, boardwalk, and levee hiking, where various animals can be seen close in their natural habitat.
Eat
Eat Anchors Up Grill
General Louisiana and coastal fare, with fried fish and shrimp plates. Po-boys are excellent with multiple options. All seating is outside.
Sleep
Stay Cameron Motel
The only accommodations in Cameron itself, a nice but pricey option for what you get. Very basic features, including cable and Wi-Fi. Can be booked up for walk-ins, due to oilfield personnel and activity in the local area, so best to book in advance.
Nearby
Lake Charles
City / town · 38 listings · 30 mi away
Orange
City / town · 8 listings · 33 mi away
Sulphur
City / town · 4 listings · 34 mi away
Port Arthur
City / town · 13 listings · 38 mi away
Nederland
City / town · 3 listings · 43 mi away
Dequincy
City / town · 2 listings · 46 mi away
Jennings
City / town · 5 listings · 49 mi away
Beaumont
City / town · 37 listings · 53 mi away
My experience
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