Lake D'Arbonne State Park provides campgrounds nestled in northern Louisiana's forested hills, with sites positioned along the 15,000-acre lake. The park encompasses over 600 acres of wooded terrain with elevation changes unusual for Louisiana. Weather remains mild year-round with hot, humid summers and brief, mild winters, creating extended camping seasons. Yurt accommodations near Scotland, Arkansas can be found at nearby Lake Claiborne State Park, which offers similar terrain and water-based recreation opportunities.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Lake Claiborne State Park features two highly rated disc golf courses through wooded terrain. "There's a nice little beach where the kids can play and a playground area as well. Two of the best frisbe golf courses in Louisiana," notes Sarah B., who tent camps there regularly in early spring.
Hiking trail exploration: The trail system at Lake Claiborne includes the distinctive King of the Mountain Trail. "The King of the Moutain Trail is my favorite because of it's wooden bridge and tiny waterfall," shares Sarah B., who appreciates the well-marked hiking paths throughout the park.
Kayaking: Lake D'Arbonne offers calm waters ideal for paddling, with rentals available on-site. "Lake Darbonne is our first experience with camping. The view on the lake is beautiful. We already planned to go back there on our way home to Louisiana," mentions Gil C., who gave the park a 5-star rating.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The parks support diverse ecosystems with abundant animal sightings. "The park is beautiful, especially right now with all the changing colors of the trees. The locals and park rangers are also very nice," shares Alayna J. after staying at Lake D'Arbonne State Park.
Clean facilities: Lake Claiborne maintains well-kept comfort stations. "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," reports Jason W., who stayed during business trips to northern Louisiana.
Helpful staff: Park rangers at Lake D'Arbonne provide assistance beyond basic duties. "I locked my keys in my car and the park ranger helped me get ahold to a person to unlock it. He also gave us some camping tips and helped us build a fire and gather firewood," explains Alayna J. about her tent camping experience.
What you should know
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and internet can be unreliable throughout the region. At Lake Claiborne State Park, Brent C. found that "Wi-Fi did not work anywhere in park (signal broadcasted fine just no connection to internet) AT&T is non existent."
Site leveling challenges: Some lakefront sites require equipment for leveling. Cat R. from Lake Claiborne State Park noted, "We stayed here at site 14. Had a long pier over the water, and plenty of space between campers. Not level ground, but we managed with enough blocks to get it level."
Seasonal closures: Certain amenities close during winter months. Steve S. observed at Lake D'Arbonne State Park: "Really nice like a resort. Tennis courts, swimming pool (closed for winter), horse shoe pit, laundry mat, disc golf, and awesome clean bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Lake Claiborne offers a dedicated swimming area for children. "There's a nice little beach where the kids can play and a playground area as well," mentions Sarah B., who frequently returns with her family.
Biking opportunities: Paved roads at Lake D'Arbonne provide safe cycling for children. "The pavement is well kept and great for kids to ride bikes or scooters," notes Sarah B. about the family-friendly environment.
Watch for poison ivy: Be aware of potential hazards around some sites. Sam B. shares this caution about Lake Claiborne: "Very nice campground, great area for kids. Campsite was right on the lake and had a gorgeous sunset. The only really bad thing was that there was poison ivy all around our campsight."
Tips from RVers
Premium waterfront sites: Lakefront RV spots at Lake D'Arbonne provide direct water access but book quickly. Bruce F. advises, "4 lake front premium spots. We were lucky enough to have one. Piers are super nice."
Dump station availability: Not all lake sites include sewer hookups. Aleia B. notes about Lake Claiborne, "Great Lake spots no sewer on lake spots," indicating RVers should plan accordingly for waste management.
Off-peak advantages: Weekday camping offers a quieter experience with better site selection. Gil C. observed at Lake D'Arbonne State Park that "the campsite is really cosy (and not crowded during week days)," making midweek visits ideal for those seeking more solitude.
