LAFAYETTE, La. — After several months of closure, Acadiana Park Campground is once again welcoming visitors. The popular outdoor destination, known for offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Lafayette, had been shut down since May 2024 due to staffing shortages.
The campground’s closure stemmed from the resignation of its previous attendant, which left the Lafayette Parish Parks and Recreation Department struggling to find a replacement. This staffing gap resulted in the extended closure, much to the disappointment of outdoor enthusiasts and local residents.
However, the park has now hired a new campground attendant, and it is ready to resume operations. “It’s just great for the public to re-access the campground again, especially in time for the upcoming festivals,” said Ross Gresham, the Programs and Maintenance Manager for Lafayette PARC. “We get a lot of campers, and we’re really excited to have it back open.”
During the closure, the Lafayette Parish Parks and Recreation Department took the opportunity to make several key upgrades to the campground. According to the Lafayette Consolidated Government, improvements included:
- Repairing security lighting and addressing plumbing leaks
- Cleaning and repainting showers and restrooms
- Mulching playgrounds and pressure washing picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms, and office buildings
- Cleaning site pads and inspecting BBQ pits, fire pits, breakers, and receptacles to ensure full functionality
With the upgrades now complete and the park fully staffed, the campground is expected to be a popular destination once again. The reopening comes at an ideal time, as many local festivals are scheduled for the coming months, drawing even more visitors to the area.