Armstrong Airport - Where's a cool, scenic and affordable place to visit within about 1000 miles of New Orleans?

Where's a cool, scenic and affordable place to visit within about 1000 miles of New Orleans?

I'm considering going on a road trip this summer from New Orleans and have a budget of about $500. Can you recommend somewhere that has cheap accommodations like perhaps campgrounds. Or maybe somewhere for a day trip only? Actually, let's just say anywhere not farther than 2 states distance from Louisiana.

Public Comments

Consider Mobile: It is about 2 hours away and has more to do than you might think. We went there over the Easter weekend and had a nice time. It will also fit within your budget and doesn't have to be a day trip. http://www.mobile.org http://www.dauphinisland.org/ http://www.exploreum.net/ http://www.touralabama.org/
For $500, you won't get too far with gas prices these days... Don't know what you want exactly but a great place I've heard of is Chicot state park around Ville Platte (about 200 miles from New Orleans or so) basically has a great lake for fishing and great hiking and nature trails plus cabins that are said to be real good for $70 a night http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ichicot.aspx
This site lists the best travel hotel bargain sites on the web: http://www.travelstartingpoint.com
Natchez, MS. An exciting and scenic place with lots of history and beauty. Be sure and take your camera. Look for KOA campgrounds or Bed&Breakfast, wherever you go.
Come to Tennessee! We have great State Parks, some with cabins, lakes, rental boats. Look under www.TennesseeAnytime.org
Try Houston, TX. Not too far from you. I thought it'd be unbearably hot and humid for a summer roadtrip, but was pleasantly surprised, They have lots of scenic activities.