Lake Claiborne State Park Campground and Lake D'Arbonne State Park offer distinctive glamping experiences in northern Louisiana. Lake Claiborne spans 6,400 acres with multiple campground areas featuring diverse accommodation options. The parks provide year-round access with peak seasons occurring during spring and fall when temperatures range from 65-85°F. Winter temperatures can drop to the 40s, making climate-controlled accommodations particularly valuable.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Lake Claiborne State Park features two well-maintained courses through wooded areas. "The King of the Mountain Trail is my favorite because of its wooden bridge and tiny waterfall," notes Sarah B. about one of the park's hiking trails that connects to the disc golf area.
Kayaking cypress-lined waters: The lakes offer protected paddling routes ideal for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. A visitor to Lake D'Arbonne State Park shared, "We had a great time even with bad weather. Rained the entire weekend but we still had a blast on the trails and docks."
Wildlife observation: Both parks offer abundant wildlife viewing opportunities beyond what's visible from main camping areas. "Secluded in the North Louisiana Farms, on Lake D'arbonne, with large forest trails. Immense campground with back to forest or lake front," explains Timothy H. about the park's layout that maximizes nature encounters.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: The bath facilities receive consistent praise for maintenance and comfort. One camper at Lake Claiborne State Park Campground mentioned, "Bath houses are new, clean and climate controlled. Plenty of sites to choose from when I stayed though all of the waterfront sites were taken."
Fishing access: Dedicated fishing piers provide anglers easy lake access without requiring a boat. "Very pretty camping area. We stayed here at site 14. Had a long pier over the water, and plenty of space between campers," reports Cat R. about the lakefront fishing opportunities.
Resort-like amenities: The parks offer unexpected amenities beyond standard campground features. A visitor to Lake D'Arbonne noted, "Tennis courses, disc golf course, hiking/biking trails, swimming pool, cabins, lodges, several playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions & WiFi. Very reasonable sites for $23/night unless you're in the lakeside premium sites which are more."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is restricted or nonexistent in most park areas. "Wi-Fi did not work anywhere in park (signal broadcasted fine just no connection to internet) AT&T is non-existent," reports Brent C. about Lake D'Arbonne State Park.
Terrain challenges: Some sites require leveling equipment for RVs due to uneven ground. "Not level ground, but we managed with enough blocks to get it level. This was a back in site. Water and electric, no sewer, but had a dump station," explains a camper about their Lake Claiborne experience.
Vegetation awareness: Native plants including poison ivy can be found around campsites. "Very nice campground, great area for kids. Campsite was right on the lake and had a gorgeous sunset. Bathrooms werent the greatest but still good. The only really bad thing was that there was poison ivy all around our campsight," warns Sam B.
Tips for camping with families
Beach and swimming options: The parks feature designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "There's a nice little beach where the kids can play and a playground area as well. The bathrooms are clean and warm (welcome in the winter and spring)," mentions a visitor to Frank Anthony RV Park.
Paved paths for activities: Many campground roads are ideal for children's bikes and scooters. "The pavement is well kept and great for kids to ride bikes or scooters," notes a Lake Claiborne camper about the family-friendly layout.
Premium sites selection: Waterfront sites offer the best experience but require advance booking. "Four lake front premium spots. We were lucky enough to have one. Piers are super nice," explains Bruce F. about securing the most desirable family camping locations.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Lakefront sites often have different utility configurations than standard sites. "Great Lake spots no sewer on lake spots, no hot water last night in the bath house," mentions Aleia B. about the tradeoff between lake views and full hookups at Lake Claiborne.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping offers quiet settings but may come with facility limitations. "Really nice like a resort. Tennis courts, swimming pool (closed for winter), horse shoe pit, laundry mat, disc golf, and awesome clean bathrooms," notes Steve S. about off-season glamping in Louisiana.
Site spacing comfort: The campgrounds feature well-designed site placement with adequate privacy. "Very nice sites and BEAUTIFUL cabins. Great piers on a very nice lake with big, beautiful cypress trees. Just a beautiful, hilly campground on a gorgeous lake," shares an RVer about the spacious layout that accommodates larger rigs without feeling crowded.
