The RVer’s Guide to Mardi Gras 2026: How to Visit New Orleans Safely & Affordably
December 2025
Enjoy the parades without the stress:
Secure camping, easy transportation, and local tips for a perfect trip.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is on every RVer’s bucket list. The parades, the food, the music—there is nothing else like it on Earth.
But if you travel in a motorhome or 5th wheel, the idea of navigating New Orleans during Carnival season can be intimidating. You might be asking: Where can I park my big rig? Is it safe? How do I get to the French Quarter without driving my truck?
1. Know the Key Dates for 2026
While Fat Tuesday is on February 17, 2026, the party starts long before that.
2. Safety First: Choosing the Right RV Park
New Orleans is a big city, and safety is the #1 priority for our guests. When choosing an RV park for Mardi Gras, look for one feature above all others: A Security Gate.
We cannot stress this enough: Do not try to drive your tow vehicle or RV near the French Quarter during Mardi Gras. Streets are closed, traffic is gridlocked, and parking is expensive (often $50+).
Instead, choose a park with easy transportation options.
4. Prepare for the Weather
Mardi Gras is in February. While days can be sunny and mild (60s), nights can drop into the 40s or even 30s.
5. Book Early to Save Money
Hotels in the French Quarter often charge $500+ per night during Mardi Gras. Staying in your own RV is the most affordable way to experience the festival.
Ready to book your Mardi Gras 2026 trip? Riverboat Travel Park offers paved sites, full hookups, free WiFi, and a secure, gated environment just minutes from the fun.
But if you travel in a motorhome or 5th wheel, the idea of navigating New Orleans during Carnival season can be intimidating. You might be asking: Where can I park my big rig? Is it safe? How do I get to the French Quarter without driving my truck?
We are here to help. As a locally owned RV park, we have hosted hundreds of Mardi Gras travelers. Here is your complete guide to enjoying Mardi Gras 2026 (February 17, 2026)
without the stress.
While Fat Tuesday is on February 17, 2026, the party starts long before that.
- The "Deep Weekend" (Feb 13–15): This is when the biggest "Super Krewes" roll, including Endymion and Bacchus.
- Fat Tuesday (Feb 17): The grand finale with Zulu and Rex.
- Pro Tip: Most RV parks sell out for the weekend of Feb 13–17 months in advance. If you are planning to come, book your site now.
2. Safety First: Choosing the Right RV Park
New Orleans is a big city, and safety is the #1 priority for our guests. When choosing an RV park for Mardi Gras, look for one feature above all others: A Security Gate.
At Riverboat Travel Park, we offer a fully fenced perimeter with a gated entrance and on-site staff. We know that your RV is your home, and we take that seriously. You can head downtown to catch beads knowing your rig is safe and sound.
3. Don't Drive Your Truck DowntownWe cannot stress this enough: Do not try to drive your tow vehicle or RV near the French Quarter during Mardi Gras. Streets are closed, traffic is gridlocked, and parking is expensive (often $50+).
Instead, choose a park with easy transportation options.
- Uber & Lyft: Rideshare is the easiest way to travel. Drivers pick you up right at our front gate, and the ride to the French Quarter takes about 15 minutes.
- Public Transit: We are located directly on the city bus line. The bus stops right in front of Riverboat Travel Park, offering you an affordable ride straight to the action.
4. Prepare for the Weather
Mardi Gras is in February. While days can be sunny and mild (60s), nights can drop into the 40s or even 30s.
- Make sure you book a site with 50-amp service so you can run your electric heaters without worry.
- Our bathhouse features hot showers—perfect for warming up after a long day on the parade route!
5. Book Early to Save Money
Hotels in the French Quarter often charge $500+ per night during Mardi Gras. Staying in your own RV is the most affordable way to experience the festival.
Ready to book your Mardi Gras 2026 trip? Riverboat Travel Park offers paved sites, full hookups, free WiFi, and a secure, gated environment just minutes from the fun.