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.

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 still 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

1 Cameron Jetty Pier and Beach, 799 Davis Road (Only one block east of the Shell gas station, and then almost 3 miles south of LA 27/82 on Davis road.), ☏ +1 337-775-5127. Daily 6AM-10PM. 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. $5 per person for entry. (updated Aug 2018)

Nature and Wildlife Watching

2 Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, 1428 LA-27, Bell City (26 miles northeast on Louisiana Highway 27), ☏ +1 337-598-2216. Visitor Center M-Th 7:30AM-4PM, F 7:30AM-3PM, Sa 9AM-4PM. Wildlife Drive, Boardwalk, and Hiking Trails, Daily Sunrise-Sunset. 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. Free. (updated Aug 2018)

Eat

1 Anchors Up Grill, 465 Marshall Street (0.25 miles east of parish courthouse; next to local Shell gas station), ☏ +1 337-775-5409. M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM. General Louisiana and coastal fare, with fried fish and shrimp plates. Po-boys are excellent with multiple options. All seating is outside. $10 and up. (updated Aug 2018)

Sleep

1 Cameron Motel, 531 Marshall Street (Half a mile east of the parish courthouse on LA 27/82), ☏ +1 337-775-5442. 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. $90 and up. (updated Aug 2018)