St. Martinville Property Owner Aims to Boost Tourism with Bayou Camping Experience

New Camping Venture Brings Visitors Closer to Nature
ST. MARTIN PARISH — Along the scenic waters of the Bayou Teche, property owner Howard Ratliff is creating a new destination for campers with his venture, Camping on the Bayou. Working in partnership with the City of St. Martinville, Ratliff hopes to offer visitors a peaceful, immersive outdoor experience while showcasing the charm of Acadiana.

“We want this to be an exclusive event to come visit St. Martinville, St. Martin Parish and Acadiana to enjoy a new kind of camping experience,” Ratliff said. Unlike traditional campgrounds, his property offers more privacy and fewer distractions, creating a relaxed environment for families and travelers seeking a quiet getaway.

Turning Data into Development Plans
Ratliff and his son initially used the booking platform Harvest Host to bring visitors to their property. Observing the positive response, Ratliff collected data showing the site’s potential for expanded tourism. He has since presented his findings to city officials, exploring partnerships to develop additional campsites near the city’s festival grounds and potentially other locations along the Bayou Teche.

“And we’re working closely with the city of St. Martinville on this development and we hope to expand it as well in the future,” Ratliff said. “We want to maximize the tourist impact of having us all work together to benefit the city and the parish.”

Community Welcomes the Initiative
Campers such as Crow and Terry Thibodeaux from Texas praised the project, highlighting St. Martinville’s rich history and quaint charm. “Anything you can do to help your city grow, I’m all for that,” Terry said.

Ratliff emphasized that this is just the beginning. By combining outdoor recreation with cultural tourism, Camping on the Bayou seeks to draw more visitors to the parish, strengthen the local economy, and celebrate the beauty of Acadiana.

Prayer for the Community
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gifts of nature, community, and creativity. Bless the work of Mr. Ratliff and the City of St. Martinville as they seek to share the beauty of the Bayou Teche with visitors. May this endeavor bring joy, connection, and prosperity to the people of Acadiana. Amen.