Angola Prison Rodeo
The inmate show at the Angola Prison Rodeo is the longest-running of its kind and is an excellent stop for RVers looking for a fun time.
Event information
The Angola Prison Rodeo celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, continuing as America's longest-running prison rodeo held at Louisiana State Penitentiary every Sunday in October and one weekend in April. This unique spectacle features voluntary inmate participants competing in traditional rodeo events plus signature competitions like Convict Poker, Guts & Glory, and Bust Out, where men face 2,000-pound Brahma bulls for prize money and pride. Located 22 miles northwest of St. Francisville on Highway 66, the rodeo draws thousands to its 10,000-seat stadium for $20 admission tickets. For RV travelers, the event offers exceptional access to Louisiana's historic plantation country, with nearby campgrounds like Bayou Creek RV Park and Peaceful Pines RV Park providing full hookups within minutes of both the rodeo grounds and Mississippi River attractions. Whether you're witnessing this controversial yet compelling tradition or exploring Louisiana's rich cultural heritage, an RV adventure puts you at the heart of authentic Southern experiences found nowhere else in America.
What is the Angola Prison Rodeo?
The Angola Prison Rodeo is America's longest-running prison rodeo, featuring Louisiana State Penitentiary inmates who voluntarily compete in both traditional rodeo events and unique prison-specific competitions for prize money, recognition, and a rare connection to the outside world.
Founded in 1965, this extraordinary event began as entertainment for prisoners and employees but evolved into a significant spectacle, drawing thousands of visitors annually to witness genuine competition between men and bulls. The rodeo operates as both entertainment and rehabilitation, with proceeds funding educational programs, GED classes, trade schools, and the Inmate Welfare Fund that supports prisoner development initiatives.
The competition features traditional rodeo event,s including bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling, governed by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rules. However, the prison rodeo's signature events capture national attention: Convict Poker seats four inmates at a table while a bull charges to unseat them; Guts & Glory requires men to snatch poker chips tied to massive Brahma bulls; and Bust Out simultaneously releases six bulls with attached cowboys to see who stays mounted longest.
Beyond the arena action, the event includes an extensive Arts & Crafts Festival where inmates sell handmade furniture, artwork, jewelry, and leather goods, with some vendors earning thousands of dollars during rodeo weekends, significantly more than typical prison work that pays a maximum $8 weekly.
Planning your Louisiana adventure? Explore Baton Rouge RV rentals perfect for your rodeo journey, or discover New Orleans RV rentals offering cultural exploration before heading to plantation country.
When and Where is the Angola Prison Rodeo Held?
The Angola Prison Rodeo takes place every Sunday in October and one weekend in April at Louisiana State Penitentiary, located at the end of Highway 66, approximately 22 miles northwest of St. Francisville, Louisiana.
- Dates: Every Sunday in October, plus one April weekend (typically April 26-27, 2025)
- Location: Louisiana State Penitentiary, 17544 Tunica Trace, Angola, LA 70775
- Stadium: 10,000-seat capacity facility built in 2000
- Hours: Gates open at 12:00 PM, rodeo runs 1:00-3:00 PM, crafts until 4:00 PM
- Anniversary: Celebrating 60th year in 2025
The prison sits along the Mississippi River between Lake Killarney and Bob's Bayou, accessible only via Highway 66 (also marked as Tunica Trace). Traffic can create significant delays, especially during peak attendance periods, so arriving early is essential for optimal parking and seating.
Tickets
How Much Does the Angola Prison Rodeo Cost?
Angola Prison Rodeo tickets cost $20 per person for all ages, with children 2 years and under admitted free when sitting on an adult's lap.
2025 Ticket Information:
- General Admission: $20.00 per person (all ages)
- Children 2 & Under: Free (must sit on adult's lap)
- Parking: Free in designated fields around the stadium
- No Refunds: All ticket sales are final with no exchanges permitted
Ticket Purchase Options:
- Phone: (225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607
- Online: angolarodeo.com
- Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Check out the Angola Rodoe website for updated information on tickets and pricing.
How Do I Rent an RV Near Louisiana for the Festival?
Louisiana's central location makes it ideal for RV rentals, with major providers in Baton Rouge and New Orleans offering convenient access to the Angola region while positioning you perfectly for extended Southern adventure exploration.
Baton Rouge RV rentals, approximately 45 minutes south of the rodeo, provide easy access via Highway 61 and US-190, with numerous providers offering everything from compact camper vans to luxury motorhomes. New Orleans locations, about 90 minutes southeast, allow you to combine rodeo attendance with French Quarter culture and Mississippi River experiences.
The rural location requires navigation of winding back roads, particularly the 22-mile stretch on Highway 66 to the prison. Traffic bottlenecks are common during rodeo weekends, with some visitors reporting 3-hour delays on the single-lane approach road.
Explore Angola Prison Rodeo RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The Angola Prison Rodeo is located just outside the Louisiana State Penitentiary, located at 17544 Tunica Trace, St. Francisville, LA 70775, which is along the Mississippi River near Red River Landing. Tunica Trace is also seen as LA-66, so you may see signage for both road titles as you near the stadium.
You'll find it situated between Lake Killarney to the north and Bob's Bayou to the south. It may be helpful to note that some routes from the northwest will be difficult to navigate, and catching LA-66 from the south may be necessary. Road and weather updates can be reviewed on the Louisiana.gov website or by calling 511.
Parking areas
Public Transportation
During previous events, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber has provided coach bus transportation to the Angola Prison Rodeo. Private shuttling services, while not impossible, are not recommended because of the traffic getting into the parking area. If you do use a taxi or other service, it is recommended to be dropped off just before the grounds
Where to stay
Onsite
Because of the limitations posed upon the event and the parking, RV camping spots are not available at the Angola Prison Rodeo. Thankfully, there are many great camping locations in the surrounding area.
Nearby
The St. Francisville area offers several RV camping options that provide convenient access to the rodeo while showcasing Louisiana's historic plantation country and natural beauty along the Mississippi River.
Premium Area Accommodations:
Bayou Creek RV Park offers a 30+ space facility with full hookups (power, water, sewer, and gas) on large, flat sites surrounded by the beautiful Tunica Hills. Located minutes from historic St. Francisville and mere miles from the Angola rodeo grounds, this park features a seasonal pool, laundry services, two year-round fishing creeks, and proximity to Clark Creek Falls with its 13 waterfalls.
Peaceful Pines RV Park provides owner-managed facilities about 5 miles from the John James Audubon Bridge, serving the Baton Rouge, New Roads, and St. Francisville area. This family-owned park offers on-site management ensuring peace, safety, and attention to visitor needs in a clean, landscaped environment.
Historic Plantation Access:
Both parks position you perfectly for exploring West Feliciana Parish, which boasts more Antebellum and plantation homes than any other Southern region. Popular nearby attractions include Greenwood Plantation, Angola Museum, and numerous historic sites within easy driving distance.
Natural Recreation:
The area provides access to extensive wildlife management areas perfect for hiking and riding, plus Clark Creek's waterfall system and multiple fishing opportunities along bayous and the Mississippi River.
Getting around
What to pack
Clothing
With the Angola Prison Rodeo held in the middle of spring and fall, temperatures may range from mild to warm in Louisiana. Since the rodeo happens during the day, you may want to have things like shirts, shorts, and good walking shoes. Of course, if you're the type that likes to dress up getting out that cowboy outfit would be a fun addition.
Gear
Bags, purses, belt pouches, and so forth are allowed on the premises, but they must be clear and within the size parameters. Anything superfluous shouldn't be brought as the prison is especially strict on what can be brought onto the grounds, including cell phones. Cards may be accepted on the premises, but cash might make transactions simpler.
Health & Safety
The rodeo is home to peanut vendors; guests are responsible for any related medication needs. Since this is an outside event, be sure to put on sunscreen before you get there so the container can be left outside. Other items you're going to want to have in your RV include a first aid kit and basic personal belongings. Vehicles must be locked when parked on the grounds and are subject to search.
Where to eat
Cooking
Make sure to check with your RV campground on their limitations with cooking. Some sites allow for the use of grills, stoves, and firepits with restrictions. If you run out of necessary food supplies, there are a plethora of shopping opportunities south of the rodeo on US-61 and LA-10 or further south near I-10. Store options may be about an hour from the rodeo area by vehicle, so it may be easiest to load up on your way into the area.
Restaurants
Around the US-61 and LA-10 junction, hungry travelers will find several restaurants to choose from, ranging from fast burgers and tasty Mexican. Closer to the Mississippi River, there are other places that offer a sit-down atmosphere and live music.
Vendors
Aside from the rodeo itself, the Angola Prison Rodeo hosts a hobbycraft fair that allows visitors to look through handcrafted jewelry, clothes, woodworking, and much more. There are also multiple concession stands throughout the grounds. Candy apples, jambalaya, and roasted peanuts are also some of the treats that may be available.
Safety
Security
The Angola Prison Rodeo is located in the vicinity of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, a maximum-security prison; guests can expect security to be extra tight. Once on the grounds, you are consenting to a search of your person, property, and vehicle. The property retains a long list of items like cellphones, cameras, tools, and tools that are prohibited on the grounds. Look over the Angola Rodeo's policies to get a full list of prohibited items.
Weather
Temperatures in the State of Louisiana during April and October are not often terribly hot, but major fluctuations are possible. While most of the rainy season is reserved for the summer months, cooler weather to the north can push wet weather down. A glance at the Louisiana.gov website can help you anticipate what type of weather may be in the area during your trip.
Medical
Located on the prison grounds is a first aid station ready in case of an emergency. Like other amenities in the area, a couple of pharmacies and medical care facilities are situated to the south, but they may often be 30 to 60 minutes away from the rodeo site. It would be wise to bring any medical items that you may need before arriving in the area since options may be somewhat limited.
