louisiana tourist information rest area

Louisiana Rest Areas

Find a Louisiana Rest Area fast!

If you’re planning a road trip of any distance, take a look at using Louisiana’s Rest Areas on your route to stop at. It’s a great way not to over stress yourself. Louisiana Rest Areas are designed to provide highway travelers a safe and convenient facility to rest before continuing with their journey.

Louisiana Rest Area Locations

Louisiana rest areas are typically roadside facilities that provide, parking at a minimum. Although some may have picnic areas and so much more. They are mainly maintained by the Louisiana Department of Transportation. Some may be closed due to maintenance issues, its always best to have an alternate rest stop just in case.

Louisiana State Rest Areas

Interstate i-10 la rest areas.

I-10 Toomey (Vinton) Rest Area & Visitor’s Center I-10 E/B | MAP

(at Mile Marker 1 near the Texas State Line in Calcasieu Parish) serves eastbound traffic. This Rest Area has 61 auto and 6 truck parking spots, 12-hour security, vending and free wireless internet. 

I-10 Butte La Rose Rest Area and Tourist Information Center  (Atchafalaya Welcome Center) I-10 Bidirectional | MAP

(at Mile Marker 122 in St. Martin Parish) serves traffic in both directions. This Rest Area has 50 auto and 47 truck parking spots, 12-hour security, vending and wireless internet (at the Welcome Center). 

I-10 Slidell Rest Area & Visitor’s Center I-10 W/B | MAP

(at Mile Marker 270 in St. Tammany Parish) serves westbound traffic. This Rest Area has 94 auto and 34 truck parking space, 24-hour security, vending, video surveillance, free wireless internet and an RV dump station . 

Interstate I-20 LA Rest Areas

I-20 Greenwood Rest Area & Visitor’s Center I-20 E/B | MAP

(at Mile Marker 3 in Caddo Parish) serves east-bound traffic. This Rest Area has 59 auto and 23 truck parking spaces, 12-hour security, vending, video surveillance, wireless internet, RV dump station and pay phones.

I-20 Tremont Rest Area I-20 E/B | MAP

(at Mile Marker 95 ) in Lincoln Parish serves eastbound traffic. This Rest Area has 33 auto and 21 truck parking spaces, 12-hour security, and vending.

I-20 Tremont Rest Area I-20 W/B | MAP

(at Mile Marker 97 ) in Lincoln Parish serves westbound traffic in both directions. Site has 33 auto and 21 truck parking spaces, 12-hour security, and vending.

I-20 Mound Rest Area & Visitor’s Center I-20 W/B | MAP  

(at Mile Marker 184 in Madison Parish) serves traffic in the west-bound direction. Site has 114 auto and 12 truck parking spaces, 12-hour security, free wireless internet, RV dump station and vending.

Interstate I-49 LA Rest Areas

I-49 Grand Prairie Rest Area I-49 Bidirectional | MAP

(at Mile Marker 34 in St Landry Parish) serves traffic in both directions. This Rest Area has 60 auto and 30 truck parking spaces, 12-hour nighttime security and vending.

I-49 North and Southbound  Rest Area   (at Mile Marker 94) Closed

Interstate I-55 LA Rest Area

I-55 Kentwood Rest Area & Visitor’s Center I-55 S/B | MAP

(at Mile Marker 65 in Tangipahoa Parish) serves traffic in the southbound direction. This Rest Area has 56 auto and 30 truck parking spaces, 24-hour security, vending, free wireless internet and a RV dump station .

Interstate I-59 LA Rest Area

I-59 slidell i-59 (pearl river) rest area & visitor’s center i-59 s/b  | map.

(at Mile Marker 1 in St. Tammany Parish) serves traffic in the southbound direction. Site has 27 auto and 6 truck parking spaces, 24-hour security, vending, and free wireless internet

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Louisiana Official Visitors Guide

Get your comprehensive companion with the inside scoop on where to go and what to see on your next Louisiana adventure - official trip ideas,things to do, places to stay and restaurants to enjoy.

Louisiana Rest Stops

Embarking on a voyage through Louisiana promises an itinerary filled with colorful landscapes and distinctive cultural experiences. The Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development maintains several rest stops and welcome areas along your route to allow you to relax, refuel, and immerse in local insights. For the most up-to-date information on Louisiana rest stops and a complete list of rest areas, visit the DOTD’s website , dial 511 from your phone, or visit https://www.511la.org/ . In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most popular Louisiana rest stops, ensuring a comforting and captivating journey for all who are on the road.

Butte La Rose Rest Area and Tourist Information Center / Atchafalaya Welcome Center – Breaux Bridge

Located on Interstate 10, the Butte La Rose Rest Area and Tourist Information Center, also known as the Atchafalaya Welcome Center , is a go-to rest stop for travelers looking for a bit of history and fun along their way. It boasts a range of conveniences, including:

• Well-maintained restrooms
• Snack machines
• Restful picnic spots
• Informative panels on regional history and culture
• Ample parking for cars, trucks, and RVs

Cane River Creole National Historical Park – Natchez, Cloutierville

Positioned on U.S. Route 71, the Cane River Creole National Historical Park serves as both an adventure and a refreshing pause when navigating through the historic region of Natchitoches. There are two areas to stop at, the Oakland Plantation in Natchez and the Magnolia Plantation in Cloutierville. Both have stores that serve as seasonal visitor centers. Be aware that these stores may be closed during the off-season and holidays. However, restrooms are open daily, except on federal holidays, even if the stores are not staffed. These stops also include:

• Picnic tables and shelters
• Walking trails offering splendid views of the Cane River
• Historical information and exhibits about the plantations
• Generous parking spaces

Slidell (Pearl River) Rest Area & Visitor’s Center – St. Tammany Parish

Situated near Pearl River on Interstate 59, this rest area offers a serene stopover with magnificent views of the adjacent river and swampland. Features at this stop include:

• Picnic spots and vending machines
• Trails along the river
• Opportunities for observing local wildlife
• Free wireless internet
• RV dump station
• Parking for cars, trucks, and RVs

Greenwood Rest Area & Visitor’s Center - Caddo Parish

Just off Interstate 20 eastbound near Caddo Parish, the Greenwood Rest Area & Visitor’s Center is one of many welcome centers maintained by the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development. It offers various services, including:

• Vending machines
• Wireless internet
• Ample parking for all types of vehicles

SleepDog® Mattresses: Your Companion for Relaxing Road Rests

Not only is it important to know where you can stop and take a break along your journey through Louisiana, it is equally important to get a good night’s rest. At SleepDog® , we champion the cause of restorative sleep during your travels, utilizing the best cooling memory foam and hybrid technology to create a selection of truck and RV mattresses that promise the highest comfort and support. From bunk sizes to RV Queen and RV King, we’ve got what you need to ensure a memorable and comfortable journey. Contact our expert team today to find the mattress that’s right for you as you prepare to travel through the vibrant landscapes of Louisiana.

Learn about camping and boondocking in Louisiana

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Louisiana Rest Area Rules

February 13, 2021

April 5, 2024

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Is overnight parking allowed at Louisiana rest areas? How long can you stay at a Louisiana rest area? Is camping permitted at Louisiana rest areas? What are the full Louisiana rest area rules?

The State of Louisiana has not adopted any laws or administrative rules specifically about use of its highway rest areas. In addition, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has not posted any signs with respect to how long you can stay at a rest area, overnight parking, or camping.

This is not to say that you can remain at a rest area indefinitely. In recent years, rest areas in Louisiana now include 24 hour on-site security, usually in the form of a Sheriff’s deputy. If you extend your stay too long, a deputy will check on you.

How Long Can You Stay at a Louisiana Rest Area?

The DOTD has not specified any maximum time limit for staying at its rest areas. Generally, you are allowed to remain at a rest area as long as you need to recuperate well enough to resume driving safely.

Is Overnight Parking Permitted at Louisiana Rest Areas?

Yes. Because Louisiana rest areas are open 24 hours a day, you can arrive at a rest area during night time hours and park overnight . With no specified maximum time limit, you are allowed to park overnight.

Can You Sleep Overnight at a Louisiana Rest Area?

Yes. There are no rules or laws against sleeping in your vehicle while at a Louisiana rest area. And because there is no maximum time limit, that would also include overnight sleeping.

Is Camping Allowed at a Louisiana Rest Area?

Yes, camping is allowed as long as you don’t draw too much attention to yourself.

Generally, the DOTD doesn’t mind travelers spending extra time to enjoy their rest area facilities. They just don’t want you to create too much pubic commotion, nor draw too much attention to yourself. They want you to sleep inside your vehicle, and keep your belongings inside as well. This means keeping your camping gear inside, your patio equipment, your barbecue grill, and most importantly your pets. If you can do that, then technically camping is welcome.

Many Louisiana rest areas have facilities that could be used as part of recreational camping. These include picnic tables, cooking grills, children’s play areas, pet exercise areas, scenic viewing areas, paved trails, and kiosks with historical information. You are welcome to enjoy rest area facilities and grounds for recreation. But, don’t draw too much attention to yourself, and stay inside your vehicle at night.

Listing of Louisiana Rest Areas

The DOTD publishes a listing all of its rest areas and welcome centers .

More About Overnighting at Rest Areas & Truck Stops

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

See How the Solar Eclipse Will Look Anywhere in America

Today's total solar eclipse will cut a 2,000-mile path across the United States in just over an hour, casting near darkness over a region of more than 200,000 square miles from Texas to Maine. The rest of the continental United States — plus Hawaii and a spot of southern Alaska — will enjoy a consolation prize of partial occlusion. The following interactive simulates what this will look like from any location in the U.S., no special glasses needed .

This eclipse is the second time in seven years that such an astronomical rarity has favored a large part of the nation. The August 2017 total solar eclipse — for which TIME rented a private four-seat plane to document the phenomenon — cut a mirroring path from Oregon to South Carolina.

This means there is 9,286 square-mile quadrangle centered on southern Illinois that the cosmos has favored with two complete solar eclipses in less than a decade. As astrophysical odds go, one envies the residents of this anointed parallelogram.

How the simulation works

TIME's solar eclipse simulation uses coordinates for the sun, Earth, and moon from NASA's industrial-grade SPICE toolkit , which we calculated in the J2000 reference frame centered on the Earth. (Many modern calculations use this pre-Copernican view of the cosmos as a matter of convenience.)

Rather than calculating the exact moment that the eclipse begins and ends for thousands of locations, our simulation uses these coordinates to create a realtime 3D simulation with the same type of computer programming that is common in video games. This includes rotating the viewer's camera in accordance with the Earth's rotation over the course of the eclipse, which accounts for why the moon appears to cut a curved path across the sky.

We took a few small artistic liberties in moderately exaggerating the degree of darkness one witnesses in a partial eclipse by adding a faint ambient light to see the surface of the moon in better detail.

Where the times you see in this simulation differ from other sources of eclipse data by a minute or two, the discrepancy is most likely a small difference in the precise location of the calculation or a slightly different way of accounting for the time it takes the speed of light to travel from the sun to the Earth.

More Must-Reads From TIME

• Exclusive: Google Workers Revolt Over $1.2 Billion Contract With Israel
• Stop Looking for Your Forever Home
• Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
• Hormonal Birth Control Doesn’t Deserve Its Bad Reputation
• The Sympathizer Counters 50 Years of Hollywood Vietnam War Narratives
• Essay: The Relentless Cost of Chronic Diseases
• The Best TV Shows to Watch on Peacock
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Write to Chris Wilson at [email protected]

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Interstate Rest Areas

Rest Areas along Interstate Highways

Louisiana Interstate 10

Below is a list of rest areas along Interstate 10 in Louisiana. Rest areas are listed from east to west. Eastbound travelers read up the page; westbound travelers read down the page.

Mile Marker 270 – Slidell

• Welcome Center (westbound)

Exit 121 – Breaux Bridge

• Welcome Center

Mile Marker 1 – Vinton

• Welcome Center (eastbound)

6 thoughts on “Louisiana Interstate 10”

NO RESTROOMS LOuisiana ,t

Driving RV. Looking for rest stops. Really sad for and all the truckers, that the doesn’t consider us with any.

When will the I-10 east bound rest stop at the Texas line reopen?

When will the I-10 East bound from Texas be open in

According to the Louisiana Tourism website, it appears this location is open. Have you found that it is still closed?

[Edit] I was told when I called this location that they expect to be open to the public by mid-January. Evidently they had experienced some damage from recent hurricanes.

are restrooms open exit 121

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Watch CBS News

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S.? See the paths for the 2044 and 2045 events

By Cara Tabachnick

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 2:31 AM EDT / CBS News

Eclipse-watchers waited more than six years since the last time a total solar eclipse charted its way across the United States,  in 2017 . After the  April 8 event , prepare to wait a lot longer — the next chance won't be coming around any time soon.

Viewers in what's called " the path of totality " saw the moon completely block the sun  — an opportunity those in North America won't have again for 20-plus years. The next total solar eclipses in North America are not anticipated until 2044 and 2045.

"A total solar eclipse is one of the most spectacular things anyone can see in their lifetime," Virginia Tech astrophysicist Nahum Arav told CBS News. The eclipse "looks like a black hole in the sky," said Arav, who watched the paths of totality of eclipses in 1991 and 2017.

Monday's eclipse started around 11:07 a.m. PDT on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and then moved into Texas . The eclipse's visibility tracked  through 15 states  — Oklahoma, Illinois , Ohio,  Pennsylvania , New York , Vermont ,  New Hampshire  and Maine , among them — before heading northward into Canada and then exiting North America.

Even with spotty weather in some states, millions of people from coast to coast saw a partial solar eclipse, in which the moon partially covers the sun. However, only those within the path of totality experienced the darkness of the total solar eclipse. 

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. after the 2024 eclipse?

Solar eclipses happen about twice a year, said Arav. "Eclipses happen all over the Earth evenly," he told CBS News — but noted the timings when they occur are not regular. That means  eclipses can occur within just a few years, or every few decades, in North America.

Before the eclipse in 2017, the last total solar eclipse to cross North America was in 1979 . That was the first eclipse whose path of totality crossed the entire continent in 99 years. 

Even though eclipses may seem to occur randomly, scientists can pinpoint exactly when and where they will happen.

"There is no ambiguity, as we know exactly where it will land," said Arav. 

There will be eight total solar eclipses visible from North America in the 21st century, Arav said, with one occurring about every 12 years, on average.   

The next total solar eclipse to cross North America is predicted to occur on Aug. 23, 2044 , NASA said. However, the path of totality from this eclipse will only touch three states, according to  The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to public interest in space.  

This next eclipse will mainly be observed in Canada, Arav said. 

Path of totality for the 2044 total solar eclipse

The 2044 eclipse will start in Greenland on Aug. 23, 2044, and will continue its path through Canada. 

The 2044 total solar eclipse will be short, mostly appearing in Canada. It will be visible from three states in the U.S.: Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.  

The path of totality will cross Williston and Dickinson, North Dakota, and Great Falls, Montana.

Path of totality for the 2045 total solar eclipse

The next solar eclipse that crosses a significant portion of the continental U.S. will be in 2045, said Arav. That year, a solar eclipse will darken skies in parts of the U.S., Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Brazil. 

In North America, the 2045 total eclipse will be visible in many states as it moves from coast to coast. The eclipse will start in California and move east to end in Florida, similar to 2017, Arav said. 

There will be numerous U.S. cities where eclipse watchers can view the total eclipse, including Reno, Nevada; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Orlando, Florida.

Future solar eclipses in North America after 2045

Scientists have predicted eight total solar eclipses will appear in North America in the 21st century.

"Natural phenomena are like a Swiss clock," Arav said. "We know exactly when and where they will appear."

After the 2044 and 2045 total solar eclipses, the next total eclipses in North America will occur in 2078 and 2099.

May 11, 2078

This total solar eclipse on May 11, 2078 , will pass over the southern United States.

Cities include:

Atlanta, Georgia

New Orleans, Louisiana

Charlotte, North Carolina

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sept. 14, 2099

This total solar eclipse on Sept. 14, 2099 , will cross a wide swath of the United States.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chicago, Illinois

Columbus, Ohio

Fargo, North Dakota

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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Louisiana I-20 Mile 184 West

Mound rest area and visitor’s center.

Welcome Center on Interstate 20 at Mile 184 near Tallulah, Louisiana. This rest area is also known as Mound Rest Area and Visitor’s Center.

The access from Louisiana Interstate I-20 is in the Westbound direction only.

• Accessible Facilities
• On-Site Security
• Pet Exercise Area
• Picnic Tables
• RV Dump Station
• Tourist Information
• Vending Machines

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When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.