Hiking, fishing, and equestrian enthusiasts will find extensive trail access at Gum Springs Recreation Area, where a 17-mile horse trail system connects to multiple recreation opportunities within Kisatchie National Forest. This Forest Service campground sits on hilly terrain around natural springs and a small lake, featuring Civilian Conservation Corps-era stonework from the 1930s that includes stone stairs leading down to the water and several gazebos positioned around the shoreline.
The campground operates as a basic facility with spacious, shaded sites spread throughout the wooded loop. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post, with two water spigots and one vault toilet serving the area. Campers consistently note the site spacing provides privacy despite the campground's compact size. The lake offers fishing opportunities, while the surrounding forest provides habitat for local wildlife.
"Stairs that come from all areas leading down to the little lake by the campground," describes Chris & Rosanne C., highlighting the historic CCC construction that enhances lake access. At $10 per night, the facility attracts tent campers seeking forest access without hookups. The Winn Ranger Station operates adjacent to the campground for visitor information and permits.
Road noise from nearby highways occasionally reaches the sites, though the forest canopy helps buffer sound. For campers wanting developed amenities, Saline Lake Campground provides additional facilities six miles west.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Map & DirectionsGum Springs Recreation Area is located in Louisiana near Winnfield
Coordinates
31.899001 N
92.779001 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/14/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/14/26
AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/14/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/14/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 58 min from Alexandria, LA
- 1 hr 31 min from Shreveport, LA
- 2 hrs 32 min from Lake Charles, LA
