Camper submitted image from Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed - 3
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed - 4
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed - 5
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground, near Pineville, Louisiana, is a primitive camping spot that offers a serene escape into nature. With tent-only sites lining the picturesque Kisatchie Bayou, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the beauty of the surrounding hardwood and pine forest.

This campground is all about simplicity, featuring basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting, “The area is very beautiful and the peace is amazing especially alongside the bayou.” The lack of modern conveniences like drinking water and showers means you’ll be fully immersed in the outdoors, perfect for those who appreciate a no-frills experience.

For outdoor lovers, the Caroline Dorman Trail is right at your doorstep, offering excellent hiking opportunities. Some campers have enjoyed the nearby waterfalls during high water levels, adding to the natural charm of the area. Just be aware that the road to get there is gravel, and cell service can be spotty, so it’s a true getaway from the hustle and bustle.

While the campground can get crowded at times, especially on weekends, it still provides a variety of tent sites to choose from, whether you want to be near fellow campers or tucked away for some solitude. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat where you can connect with nature, Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground is definitely worth a visit.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed is located in Louisiana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the intersection of I-49 and Highway 6 (Natchitoches) drive west on Hwy 6 for 4 miles. Turn left (south) on Louisiana Hwy 117 and proceed 16 miles to Forest Highway 59, Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway. Turn left (east) on FH 59 and go 7 miles to FR 321. Turn right (south) on FR 321 and go 4 miles to Forest Road 366. Turn right (west) on FR 366 and proceed to the end of the road.

Coordinates

31.445113711729608 N
93.0936110380259 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

58%
43%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 22, 2021

Beauty on the Bayou

Fee: $2.00 day use $2.00 per vehicle 

17 primitive walk in tent sites with the sites running along side the beautiful Kisatchie Bayou. There is one drive in that is located in the parking lot.  The bayou looks more like a creek in Arkansas than a Louisiana bayou. Don't think you will find a gator in that bayou. The hardwood and pine forest has lain down a beautiful carpet under your feet with very little noise when you walk. NO WATER. Nice parking area and great hiking. There are a lot of picnic tables and grills close to the parking lots for day use. Pit toilet, grill, picnic table, fire ring, lantern pole.  The area is very beautiful and the peace is amazing especially along side the bayou.  Road in is in very good shape.

LNT

BTYFI

Travel safe

Month of VisitNovember
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by N I., December 22, 2021
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2020

Nice tent-only campground

This is a US Forest Service campground. It’s located on the Caroline Dorman trail. When the water levels are high there are beautiful waterfalls. It’s remote and requires travel down gravel roads to access it. I didn’t have a cell signal there with AT&T and didn’t have one for some time prior to arrival at the campground. It’s a great location especially if you are backpacking the Caroline Dorman Trail. It’s not too far from the Backbone and Longleaf Vista trails either. A pretty peaceful place for those who appreciate a “no frills” camping experience. These are clearly defined, walk-in, first come, first serve campsites. No bathhouse, vault toilets. You park in a designated parking area then walk in to the campsite.

Reviewed Feb. 9, 2020

A lot of folks say this is their favorite

And it took about ten minutes to become one of mine. The Caroline doorman trail runs right off of the spaces out camp sites. Setting up camp along the small rapids made for some wonderful relaxing and naps.

The only thing I have to say about it is to be aware, as we walked into our campsite almost every bit of ground that wasn’t packed had been torn up by hogs, like a lot of hogs. Also had a creepy van park on the road after we got there, they stayed until about ten at night, a guy camping higher up the hill saw a flashlight moving through the woods, said he started walking up on them and they bolted! It’s a very easy place to let your guard down.

  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Van N., February 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Van N., February 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Van N., February 9, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2019

Beautiful creekside weekend

Camp next to this beautiful sounding creek, there is a beach to lay out on while the kids play in the water or you can hit the Caroline dorman trail on foot or horseback. Excellent site. My personal favorite in Louisiana

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2018

Bayou and trails

Located inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Kisatchie District this campsite is at the same location as Kisatchie Bayou Campground Day Use Area. The 2 spots share a pit toilet and access to the bayou. The sites are basic and secluded and beautiful with the bayou water running in the background.

This is a great campground to explore the entire forest and all the hiking trails. My photos are of all the things we explored while staying at this campground, some things are not inside campground.

SiteNon specific
Month of VisitJuly
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Paula W., August 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Paula W., August 5, 2018
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2018

Beautiful!

This campground is beautiful. You almost feel as if you're in Arkansas with the clear water bayou running over sandstone creating a relaxing waterfall sound. No potable water, very primitive. Vault toilets. Campsites are spread out nicely. Some really great backpacking trails!

  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Nicki M., June 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Nicki M., June 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Nicki M., June 15, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 25, 2018

A favorite campground

This campground has plenty of tent spots to choose from. Whether you want to be close by other campers, or farther away, they have a spot for you. The creek is great both night and day. If its warm enough, you can swim! Has one vault toilet and features the Caroline Dorman trail... but sometimes this campground does get crowded.

  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Kayli M., May 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Kayli M., May 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed by Kayli M., May 25, 2018
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Kisatchie Bayou Campground?

Kisatchie Bayou Campground offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. The campground features vault toilets, 17 walk-in tent sites along the bayou, and one drive-in site located in the parking lot. There is no potable water available. The campground provides access to the Caroline Dorman trail for hiking and horseback riding. The beautiful bayou itself is a natural amenity where visitors can swim during warmer months and enjoy the sound of water flowing over sandstone.

Where is Kisatchie Bayou Campground located in Kisatchie National Forest?

Kisatchie Bayou Campground is located in the Kisatchie District of Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. The campground shares its location with the Kisatchie Bayou Campground Day Use Area. It's situated in a remote area that requires travel down gravel roads to access. The campground is positioned alongside Kisatchie Bayou, which resembles a creek more typical of Arkansas than a Louisiana bayou, and is located directly on the Caroline Dorman trail.

What do visitor reviews say about Kisatchie Bayou Campground?

Kisatchie Bayou Campground is highly regarded for its natural beauty and secluded setting. The clear water bayou running over sandstone creates relaxing waterfall sounds that many find peaceful. Campsites are nicely spread out, offering both privacy and options for those who prefer to be closer to other campers. Many consider it a hidden gem in Louisiana, with the creek and small rapids adding to the camping experience. The bayou features a beach area where kids can play. Cell service is limited, with AT&T reported to have no signal in the area. Fee for camping is approximately $2.00 per vehicle.

Are there photos available of Kisatchie Bayou Campground?

Photos of Kisatchie Bayou Campground would typically showcase its distinctive features, including the clear flowing bayou with small rapids and sandstone formations that create natural waterfall effects. Images would likely highlight the primitive tent sites nestled along the bayou, the surrounding forest scenery, and access points to the Caroline Dorman trail. For current official photos, it's recommended to check the US Forest Service website for Kisatchie National Forest or contact the ranger district directly, as they maintain the most up-to-date visual information about the campground.