Plan Your Next Adventure: Louisiana Camping Spots
There is nothing quite like being immersed in the great outdoors. Sharing a fire, cooking for everyone, and simply enjoying the moment. For many, camping is more than just a weekend getaway. All around Louisiana there is unique landscape and wildlife to enjoy. Here are the best camping spots in Louisiana that provide an array of activities and scenery.
Kisatchie Ranger District, Provencal, LA
This 8,700-acre area has some of the most rugged, hilly, and steep terrain to be found in all the state. The area surrounds the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area, which is Louisiana’s second highest point of elevation and provides a spectacular view of the forest. Sandstone bluffs and outcroppings, flat-topped mesas, an abundance of wildlife, and several forest types can all be found in this one forest that is undeveloped except for a few trail systems. Known as the “Little Grand Canyon,” the landscape is unique for Louisiana and walk-in tent camping along the banks of the Kisatchie Bayou never disappoint.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, St. Martinville, LA
Located on the edge of the Atchafalaya River Basin Spillway, this camping area has many different types of sites to choose from. Eighteen deluxe cabins are available for those not looking to rough-it, however the improved and premium campsites are not so bad either. They both come with water and electrical hookups, while giving visitors the peace and tranquility of sleeping in a tent. The canoe campsites are accessible by water only and have no hook ups, while the primitive campsites have a maximum capacity of fifty people. This park is full of natural beauty and history. Dominated by the French and Acadian trappers starting in the 1700’s, this area originally was inhabited by the Chitimacha Indians. Its abundance in wildlife and beauty persists to this day in this waterfront paradise that has camping, boating, hiking, and canoeing activities for days.
Tunica Hills Campground, St. Francisville, LA
This paradise in the hills has campgrounds that come with tent pads, grills, picnic tables and more. Nestled in the pristine, centuries-old hardwood forests of the area, there are two nature areas located directly outside the campgrounds that make for great hiking. Clark Creek Natural runs along a shallow creek trail that follows a path of breath taking waterfalls, ridges, and boulders. Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area takes visitors through a holly walk through the woods in a peaceful, quiet setting. Tent camping is welcome, though for city dwellers there are also cabin rentals and a covered dining pavilion that has all the comforts of home such as bathrooms, showers, and BBQ grills.
Lake Chicot State Park, Ville Platte, LA
This state park has two different entrances with many different camping options. The South Landing has 15 deluxe and three standard cabins along with group camping sites. The cabins have water, heat, A/C and electricity. The North Landing comes with 90 campsites that include water and electricity, as well as a 400-foot fishing pier, primitive group camping, and lodges that can sleep up to fourteen people. The over 6,400 acres that make up the park are filled with bottomland hardwood forests, rolling hills and the lake itself. Enjoy canoeing, fishing for freshwater catches, and the new Louisiana State Arboretum that features a beech-magnolia forest along with several miles of nature trails!
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA
This park is mostly designed for an array of water activities though over 900 acres of land are also set aside of camping, hiking, and simply relaxing. Being known as a camper’s delight, the park has accommodations for both tent camping, which includes water and electrical outlets, as well as a host of vacation cabins that can sleep from six to eight people. Mixed pine and hardwood forests cover most of the park, while rolling hills, ravines, and interconnected valleys are definitive features of the landscape. Rent a boat or bring your own to experience the pristine waters of the Toledo Bend Reservoir, enjoy the community swimming pool, or simply immerse yourself in the heart of nature.
Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Bastrop, LA
Sitting on a tall bluff overlooking Bayou Bartholomew, this camping area is known as a “natural paradise” with unspoiled beauty. Taking its name from the French word meaning “high road,” this region was used by the Native Americans centuries ago for their seasonal migrations to avoid flooded areas. During the hot summer months, campers can relax poolside, while the kids enjoy either of two playgrounds. There are also three hiking trails to choose from, including the quarter-mile Boy Scout Trail and the one-mile Bobcat Trail. However, the Equestrian Trail is a whopping eight miles long and is open to horseback riders. Bayou Bartholomew also offers pure tranquility as well as over 115 different species of fish, making it one of the most diverse streams in all of North America.
Beaver Dam Campground, Minden, LA
This site is great for a weekend getaway. Tents, trailers, and RVs are all welcome at this park that also has a Sanitary Dump Station along with water and electrical hook-ups. Situated on the isolated shores of the Upper Caney Lake, the setting of this site has woods, hills, and lakes. Being in the Kisatchie National Forest, this site is littered with bald cypress trees, old growth pines, bayous and tons of wildlife. However, one of the best things about this site is that the Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail passes directly through the campsite, making for easy access to hiking through woods of wildflowers and more. The trails loop around the upper and lower sections of Caney Lake so campers can enjoy all the diverse landscape of the area!
Indian Creek Recreation Area, Woodworth, LA
Alexander State Forest is known as some of the most beautiful woods in the whole state. Kept up by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, this area is known as a true natural escape. It boasts 100 acres of developed recreational facilities, 200 acres of primitive camping area, and over five miles of lake views from the Indian Creek Reservoir. This includes three beach areas! Trails run throughout the entire place with tress marked with white paint indicating the homes of the threatened Red Cockaded Woodpecker. Over 100 campsites are available for use that all have water, electricity, and sewage.
Lake Claiborne State Park, Homer, LA
This park truly has all the amenities and activities to be provided by a campsite in Louisiana. Boating, hiking, fishing, water skiing, birding, you name it and this park has it. Trails run throughout the peaceful woods with recreational nature tours given regularly for guests interested in more information on the area. Boats are available for rental for use on the lake along with plenty of fishing areas for freshwater fishermen looking to score a largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, and more. The lake is known for its pristine water quality that is clear and beautiful. It is no wonder one of the most popular activities during the hot summer months is swimming in the designated swimming area where no boats or fishermen are allowed. Other activities include disc golf, which the park has two different courses to choose from. Primitive camping is the most popular form of experiencing Lake Claiborne though Deluxe Cabins are available for rental if desired.
Key Insights at a Glance
