Military lodging can give you access to incredible places, and sometimes the quarters themselves are part of the experience. Such is the case with the historic Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, LA.
Poppin’ Smoke reader and U.S. Army Reserve retiree Bruce Becker and his family recently stayed there and shared both details and photos from their visit. Bruce and his wife often choose military lodging when they travel, and he discovered Jackson Barracks while researching a trip to New Orleans. After his stay, he summed it up simply: it was an amazing historical place to stay while visiting the city.
If you are planning a trip to New Orleans, here is what you need to know about staying at Jackson Barracks.
Overview of Jackson Barracks
Jackson Barracks is a Louisiana National Guard installation located less than five miles east of the lively French Quarter in New Orleans.
The Army established the post in 1834 as New Orleans Barracks. In 1866, officials renamed it to honor Andrew Jackson, who had earlier advocated building a U.S. military base at that strategic location. Jackson Barracks has a storied history that spans multiple wars.
Hurricane Katrina devastated the base in 2005, flooding every structure on the installation. It has since been restored and re-built, preserving the historic architectural style.
Today Jackson Barracks serves as headquarters for the Louisiana National Guard and functions as a command and control center for emergency operations across the state.
Lodging at Jackson Barracks
Jackson Barracks offers three categories of rooms. The rates below apply to unofficial leisure travel and reflect pricing as of February 2026.
Regular Rooms
– Queen: $85
– Two full-sized beds: $80
VIP Rooms (05, E8, CW4 & GS12 and above)
– Queen: $95
Other Lodging (06, E9, GS14 and above)
– Cottage: $95
– West Tower: $95
– East Tower: $95
Bruce and his family stayed in the East Tower, which offered plenty of space for four people. Their unit had two bedrooms with full beds, a living room, one full bathroom, one half bathroom, and a full kitchen.
Note that units in the towers are two stories and not handicap accessible. The bedrooms and full bathroom are on the second floor.
Eligibility & Reservation Policies
All Uniformed Services ID cardholders may stay at Jackson Barracks. Service disabled veterans with a VA disability rating of 0% or higher are also eligible.
To make a reservation, call the billeting office at 504-278-8224 or e-mail jbbilleting@outlook.com.
| Related Reading: Tips for Reserving Military Lodging
Leisure travelers may book up to 30 days in advance. Each sponsor may reserve up to two rooms. The facility does not allow pets.
You must secure your reservation with a credit card, and if you cancel less than 24 hours before arrival, the facility charges a $15 fee.
Exploring the New Orleans Area
There are several great places to explore nearby. A few top picks within easy driving distance:
- Louisiana National Guard Museum – Located on the barracks, this museum features exhibits highlighting the Louisiana National Guard’s role in various wars, its response to Hurricane Katrina, and the history of Jackson Barracks itself. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday and the last Saturday of the month.
- National WWII Museum – A must-visit stop while you’re in the area, this museum is 7.5 miles from the barracks in downtown New Orleans. Bruce and his family purchased tickets through the Navy MWR Ticket Office in Pensacola. The one-day pass with the movie “Beyond All Boundaries” was $33.25 per person. With verification of eligibility, Bruce was able to purchase in advance, and they sent the tickets via e-mail.
- The French Quarter – The most popular area in New Orleans is only 4.5 miles from the barracks. Bruce used premiumparking.com to find a parking lot. Through the website, you can research lots and prices, reserving based on how far you are willing to walk. You pay online in advance. During their visit, his family enjoyed lunch, stopped at Café Du Monde (famous for their beignets), and visited the Basilica St. Louis.
Read to Go to New Orleans?
Jackson Barracks offers more than a comfortable stay. Its history sets it apart while its location makes it easy to explore New Orleans.
With spacious, reasonably-priced quarters and a convenient location, Jackson Barracks makes it easy to explore New Orleans. Pair comfortable lodging with the food, music, and history of New Orleans, and you have the makings of a memorable trip.
All photos are courtesy of Bruce Becker unless otherwise noted. Use of Louisiana National Guard photos does not imply or constitute endorsement.
Another lodging alternative is the NAS/JRB New Orleans located in Belle Chasse, LA which is slightly further from New Orleans than Jackson Barracks. It is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The Navy Lodge, located on the base, provides the occupant the opportunity to have all military base facilities available to them – for retirees and eligible disabled veterans the ability to pick up meds at the base pharmacy, a commissary, and the Navy Exchange for shopping.