KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
From I-10 W: Take Exit 265 onto US Highway 190 East (Fremaux Ave). Turn left on US Highway 190 East. After 3.1 miles, the campground entrance is on your right.
From I-59 - I -10 S: Go South towards New Orleans. Merge onto I-10 W toward New Orleans. Take Exit 265 for US Highway 190 East (Fremaux Ave). Turn left on US Highway 190 East. After 3.1 miles, the campground entrance is on your right.
From I-12 E: Take Exit 85A to merge onto I-10 W toward New Orleans. Take Exit 265 for US Highway 190 East (Fremaux Ave). Turn left on US Highway 190 East. After 3.1 miles, the campground entrance is on your right.
From 1-10 E: Heading NE from New Orleans, take Exit 265 onto US Highway 190 East. Turn right onto US Highway 190 East. After 3.1 miles, the campground entrance is on your right.
Alternative from I-10 W: Take Exit 266 onto US Highway 190 East (Gause Blvd). Turn left on Gause Blvd. After 2 miles, turn right on US Highway 190 East (S Military Rd). After 2 miles, turn left on US Highway 190 East. After 1.5 miles, the campground entrance is on your right.
Get Google Directions
If there is one scent that defines Carnival season in Louisiana, it isn’t just the salty air of the bayou - it’s the sweet, cinnamon-laced aroma of a fresh King Cake.
For those staying with us at Slidell KOA Journey this season, you’ve likely noticed these colorful, oval-shaped pastries appearing in every bakery window from Slidell to the French Quarter. But the King Cake is much more than a dessert; it is a centuries-old cultural tradition that serves as the official "starting gun" for the Mardi Gras season.
The tradition of the King Cake was brought to Louisiana from France in the 1870s. It was originally used to mark Twelfth Night (January 6th), the traditional date that marks the start of the festive season leading up to Fat Tuesday.
In the early days, these cakes were simple rings of brioche dough topped with sugar. It wasn’t until 1872 - the same year the Krewe of Rex was founded in New Orleans - that the signature Carnival colors were established to give the pastry its royal look:
Purple for Justice
Green for Faith
Gold for Power
Perhaps the most famous part of the King Cake is the hidden plastic baby tucked inside. Historically, a bean or a pecan was hidden in the dough, but the tradition has evolved into the small charms we see today.
Finding the "baby" in your slice is a badge of honor, but it comes with a fun social responsibility! Tradition dictates that whoever finds the baby is crowned "King" or "Queen" for the day and is responsible for buying the next cake or hosting the next gathering. It’s a cycle of sweetness that keeps the party going all month long!
We are currently in the peak of "King Cake Season," and Slidell is the perfect place to experience it. Here are a few ways to celebrate the tradition during your stay:
Dong Phuong King Cakes (The Local Legend): People travel from across the country to get these James Beard Award-winning cakes. Located just a short drive from the park, their light, flaky crust is legendary. Pro-tip: Get there early or pre-order, as they sell out daily!
The Krewe of Selene Night Parade (Feb 13, 2026): While you wait for the glowing floats to arrive, you’ll find families all along the parade route sharing slices of King Cake. It’s the ultimate "street food" of the season.
Mardi Gras Day in Slidell (Feb 17, 2026): The final celebration! Most local bakeries will be working around the clock to ensure every table has a King Cake for the big day.
Whether you prefer the classic cinnamon-sugar or a modern version filled with cream cheese or praline, there’s a King Cake waiting for you in Slidell.
After a day of "tasting your way through town," head back to the serene and cozy atmosphere of Slidell KOA Journey. Grab a coffee, pull up a chair on our large recreation patio, and enjoy a slice of Louisiana culture under the pines.
Mardi Gras is filling up fast! Book your site for 2026 and join the festivities!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
