Free dispersed camping spreads through forested sections of Kisatchie National Forest, where campers access sites via forest roads of varying condition. The US Forest Service maintains this complex with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections alongside basic amenities like restrooms and showers. Road conditions vary significantly across the area, with some routes requiring careful navigation through mud holes and steep inclines that challenge trailers and low-clearance vehicles.
Campers report well-maintained sites with good shade coverage, though GPS coordinates may lead to less developed areas requiring further exploration along forest roads. Cell service reaches AT&T users with solid coverage in most locations. The combination of free camping with full hookups makes this a practical base for exploring dispersed options around Kisatchie National Forest.
Description
The Evangeline Camp is located 4 miles south of Louisiana Highway 28 on Forest Road 273 (Messina Road). This road is paved until about 1/2 mile from the camp where it turns into gravel. The best camping flats are just down the hill past the vaulted restroom. There is no water at this site.
Map & DirectionsEvangeline Camp Complex is located in Louisiana near Gardner
Directions
From Alexandria, drive west on Louisiana Highway 28 for 8 miles to Forest Road 273. Turn left (south) on Messina Road (FR 273) and go 4 miles to the signed camping area and Wild Azalea Trailhead on the right.
Coordinates
31.23300098 N
92.61100028 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/16/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Evangeline Camp Complex needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 24 min from Alexandria, LA
- 1 hr 37 min from Lafayette, LA
- 1 hr 50 min from Lake Charles, LA
- 2 hrs 12 min from Baton Rouge, LA
