Finding a good spot to dump your tanks in the middle of a bustling city can be a real challenge. Urban areas are often a maze of tight streets, low-hanging branches, and campgrounds that are either miles out of the way or priced for a king. That’s what makes BREC Farr Park in Baton Rouge such a surprising and welcome discovery. Located just two miles south of Louisiana State University and perched right alongside the mighty Mississippi River, this place is a true urban oasis. It’s not your typical RV park; it’s a unique hybrid, an equestrian arena and a 108-site campground all rolled into one. For a ten-dollar fee, the park offers public access to its dump station, providing a fantastic option for RVers who are in town to soak up some of that famous Cajun-Creole culture or to cheer on the LSU Tigers on a football Saturday. It’s a rare find that gives you the feeling of being out in the country while keeping you just minutes from the heart of the city.
The location is everything here. Baton Rouge is a city that’s brimming with history, energy, and flavor. From Farr Park, you’re just a short drive or Uber ride away from some of Louisiana’s most iconic attractions. You can explore the stunning Gothic architecture of the Old State Capitol, which looks more like a medieval castle than a government building. Or you can spend a day at the LSU Rural Life Museum, an incredible outdoor museum that has been globally recognized for its authentic portrayal of 18th and 19th-century Louisiana life. If you’re a nature lover, you can escape to the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center and wander through cypress-tupelo swamps on elevated boardwalks. And of course, there’s the food. Baton Rouge is a foodie’s paradise, and from the park, you’re never far from a plate of spicy boudin, a rich crawfish étouffée, or a pile of hot, powdered sugar-dusted beignets. Having a secure and affordable home base like Farr Park makes exploring all that the city has to offer so much easier.
Using the dump station here is a bit different from your average campground, thanks to its primary function as an equestrian center. The entire facility is designed to accommodate large horse trailers and big rigs, which is great news for those of us with larger motorhomes or fifth wheels. The access lanes are extra-wide and angled perfectly for long-bed trucks pulling living-quarter horse trailers, meaning you’ll have plenty of room to maneuver without feeling squeezed. To get in, you’ll pass through the main gate and stop at the campground office. There, you’ll pay your fee and likely receive a key card for access. The staff is used to dealing with all sorts of rigs, so the process is usually smooth and professional. One of the standout features is that there are water and 30/50-amp shore power hookups located right near the dump station. This allows you to plug in and give your batteries a quick boost while you’re flushing your tanks, a small but very welcome convenience.
Now, there are a few very important things you need to know before you plan a stop here. First and foremost, and this is a big one for many travelers, pets are generally not allowed. Because of the presence of valuable horses on the property, there are strict rules about outside animals. If you travel with a dog or cat, you will likely need to make arrangements for them at a local kennel or doggy daycare for the duration of your stop. This is a potential deal-breaker for many, so it’s critical to call ahead and confirm the current pet policy before you even think about heading over. The other thing to plan for is trash disposal and propane. You won’t find a propane filling station on-site, and there isn’t a large dumpster conveniently located at the dump pad. You’ll need to hold on to your trash and plan for a propane fill at another location. Luckily, there are other RV resorts and service centers within a few miles that can help with that.
The ten-dollar fee is a fair price for a secure, gated facility in a major city, especially one that includes fresh water access. Be aware that on LSU home game weekends, the entire area becomes electric with activity, and there might be temporary surcharges or access restrictions, so planning is essential. Payment is typically handled by credit or debit card in the office, though it’s always a good idea to have some small bills on hand just in case. A few insider tips for a smooth visit: try to avoid arriving between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. This is when LSU classes let out, and the traffic on River Road can come to a standstill. Also, the dump pad is built on a slight, engineered slope to help with runoff, so be sure to use your wheel chocks for safety. Finally, if you’re pulling a toad or have a high-profile rig, take the turns slowly. The majestic oak trees that line the driveway are beautiful, but their lower branches can reach out and scrape anything you have mounted up high. If you have some extra time, stick around for one of the equestrian events. Watching a hunter-jumper show from the comfort of your own traveling home is a unique and memorable bonus. All in all, BREC Farr Park is a top-notch choice for a dump stop in Baton Rouge. As long as you can plan around the pet restrictions, you’ll be rewarded with a safe, roomy, and incredibly convenient base for exploring one of the Gulf Coast’s most vibrant cities.
6402 River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70820
(225) 769-7805
Cost: $10
Category: Equestrian facility
Has Water
brec.org/farr