Searching for a tent camping spot near Alexandria? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Alexandria, Louisiana's most popular destinations.
Within the Alexander State Forest lies the Indian Creek Recreation Area located between I-49 and US Hwy 165 in central Rapides Parish. This sprawling area encompasses 100 acres of developed recreation facilities, 250 acres of primitive camping area, and the 2,250 acre Indian Creek Lake. The recreation area contains over 100 campsites with water and electricity. Other amenities include 3 beach areas, 5 bathrooms across the main park, laundry facilities, playground equipment, handicap parking, boat launch, wi-fi (in RV area) and a covered pavilion for rental. There are trails available for scouting out the various plant and tree species and abundant wildlife. This area is also home to the red-cockaded woodpecker. Trees marked with white paint indicate the homes of the endangered woodpecker.
$16 / night
$5 / night
There is an assortment of recreational opportunities within the Stuart Lake Recreation Complex including fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and much more. Situated on a beautiful 5-acre lake surrounded by pine-hardwood forest, this area provides outdoor recreational opportunities for camping, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and nature study. The day use facility includes flush toilets, paved parking, a fishing pier, shore fishing, a swimming beach, picnic tables and barbeque pits. The group use facility is located up the hill from the day use area and the swimming beach. It is equipped with a covered picnic shelter, a large party barbeque pit, trash bins, restrooms, and access to day use facilities including the lake. Group use area facilites include: restrooms, gravel parking, extra large barbeque pit, trash bins, large covered picnic shelter, and access to the day use facilities and lake. The Stuart Nature Trail and the Glenn Emery hiking and biking trail both be accessed here. The Stuart Lake Campground is a primitive campground with 8 sites that was renovated in 2009. General facilities also include drinking water, restrooms, and an open-air amphitheater. Trash disposal available.
$5 - $20 / night
Visitors to Coyote Camp can enjoy an out-of-the-way camping area within the National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve. Although this camp is a designated hunter's camp, it can be utilized year around by general forest visitors. Very primitive site with limited facilities. There is OHV access to the Sandstone Trail.
The campground and day-use area are temporarily closed for construction to stabilize the banks of the Bayou.
Visitors to the Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Complex can enjoy scenic views of the rocky bayou surrounded by beautiful old growth hardwood and pine which gives this out-of-the-way recreation area such a wonderful setting for visitors. Hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and just relaxing are all popular activities enjoyed here.
Kisatchie Bayou Campground is a primitive walk-in camping atmosphere with 17 walk-in sites and 1 drive-in site at the middle parking area. Tent pads, barbeque pits, and lantern posts are at each campsite. Trash receptacles and restrooms are available, but visitors should be aware that there is NO WATER AVAILABLE at this campground. This complex is a designated fee area.
At the Day Use Area, there are vault restroom facilities, trash receptacles, picnic tables and fire rings. There are access steps to the bank of the bayou which allows canoe users to unload from the lower parking lot to the waters edge. Fishing is a very popular activity at Kisatchie Bayou with the possibility of hooking a bass, perch, sunfish, or catfish.
$2 / night
The Saddle Bayou Camp is a very primitive camping experience in a bottomland hardwood setting. Nearby National Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve make the Saddle Bayou a popular camping area during hunting season.
The Hunter Camp is a very primitive camping area in the middle of the forest. There is a camping loop area and a vault restroom facility and is centrally located near the Ouiska Chitto Trail. The Longleaf Scenic Area is also nearby with the Big Branch Trail running right next to the camp.
The Pearson Camp is a very primitive camping experience which has been designated a Hunter's Camp. Located on U.S. Hwy 167, the easy access to the camp and to the National Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve make the Pearson Camp a very popular camp during hunting season.
Scout
We went camping in a tent this weekend at the park and really enjoyed it. We stayed at the south landing camping area in loop A. If you plan on camping in a tent I recommend the spots in loop A and most in loop D. B and C are more for RVs but you could still set up there, those two loops are more open and the spots are closer. Loops A and D are a little more spread out and have trees between some spots. The main bathroom was in good shape and had heat. Trash was picked up every morning by the park. Our spot had a fire ring, water , and electricity. The park allows you to use dead tree limbs for firewood. One thing to know about spots on loop A near the comfort station is that there’s a treatment plant in the center that kicks on every once in a while and makes a good bit of noise at night when the motor runs. It helped put me to sleep but it might bother others. Also theres no cell signal except in one or two random spots of the campground but it was nice to unplug for a weekend . We really enjoyed this campground and park though and will definitely be back .
Traveler
Probably the most beautiful recreational area in the state. Haven't used an RV there, but tent camped there for years.
Guide
Me and a few fellas went here fir a weekend trip tent camping it has water and a restroom but no shower or electricity. This was a GREAT weekend guys trip
ScoutHave camped here primitively on a quiet small peninsular and loved it, stayed away from the beaches but they look clean and well kept. Super friendly staff, nice tent site, cleared and well away from gen pop.. loved it and can’t wait to get my roof top tent to enjoy it further as a close to home getaway !!
Guide
My wife and I stayed one night, it was very nice and peaceful. We found it very easy, and was definitely in the woods. We were the only people there, it was a Sunday and we were disperse tent camping. Once it got dark, a few vehicles passed thru but did not stop. The wooden area was very shady too! We really enjoyed it!
TravelerWe go to Chicot often because it is close to us. It has good hiking trails and arboretum. We usually tent camp on the south loop. These sites are not too close together. The only complaint have is that the tent pads need to be redone. The bathhouse is old but kept clean. There is a playground and splash pad near by for the kids. The lake is beautiful. Convince store is near by and WalMart about 20 minutes away.
Legend
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
ScoutLake was beautiful. Awesome kayaking. Camp sites are a little close, especially because we usually go to tent only sections. The is none at Chicot, so the loud Rvs trucks and motorcycles were annoying. Like someone said, the raccoons are not your average raccoons, and the mosquitos were not even those of us In South Louisiana say are normal. The next time we go, I think we will rent a cabin.
Legend
I was out there on a weekday. This is a massive place with lots of history. I am not sure if I was in the right area for camping or not since things aren’t marked. I turned right before you get to the section where the headquarters were located. This place is massive with paved roads going in many different directions. I saw the other reviewers pictures and I never came across anything that looked like what they were showing. The roads were not well marked. I turned right off Hwy 165 south of Woodworth and then after passing the Camp Claiborne sign took a right by the Camp Claiborne Battalion sign. I then took another right and followed that road to the end. There was a barricade and no way to turn around so I backed all the up to the other road. Be careful here because some of the pavement had come loose and dropped into the creek. I would have stopped at the forestry office south of Alexandria but they were closed. As I was leaving and almost back to the highway, I saw truck pulling a large pontoon boat loaded down with water toys so I feel as though there may have been more to the area than what I saw. I would like to come back in the winter time and explore more on my e-bike.
ScoutIt's so well taken care of, it's beautiful, and there's so much to explore. It's a welcoming place to experience Louisiana outdoors.
GuideMe, my wife and lil dog stayed a weekend on the primitive area in a tent. When looking for a spot to put our tent, we found several peak areas that were very nice. We camped near the lake, watched fishermen and boaters during the day. We had a very nice time and would definitely go back!
Traveler
This park is absolutely stunning. the camping spots are spread out for a more personal experience. Here you can fish, kayak, swim, and dont forget to swing by the Arboretum. very scenic "Louisiana" park
TravelerOne of my favorite places to go camping, trails bring you right through the swamps of South louisiana. Love walking elevated on the path right over the mush and cypress knees galore!
ScoutCamp 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
Legend
Privately owned Campground in the heart of Louisiana. Slightly hilly with beautiful mature trees, some which have several bird feeders attached! Wildlife galore.Site 19 was quite unlevel, but nothing a few leveling blocks couldn't handle. Picnic table and fire pit, along with a gorgeous view of Cotile Lake. Bath house is sqeeky clean. Laundry available on site. The owners are sweet and very accommodating!!
GuideThis is where we go car camping in their primitive section. There are many, many car camping campsites on the lake/reservoir! There are a few pit toilets that are clean and there is a potable water spigot at each of the pit toilet locations. The campsites are basic tenting areas with no improvements such as fire rings, tables, trash barrels, tent platforms, etc. There is some privacy and separation between campsites! This is where we go when limited time is available. We bring everything we need with us. There is limited supplies in the village of woodworth, La.
GuideThis campground is located on the Cotile lake in Boyce, Louisiana. And it's only about 8 or 10 minutes from I-49, but well worth the time. There is a small boat launch/fishing area. A couple of the guests are long term, but it is very quiet here. No matter what site you are in, you will need to level your rv. We are in site #17 and it overlooks the lake. Owners are fantastic. Highly recommend.
Scout
I was looking for a Louisiana location for an extended stay, I wanted to find a riverside, quiet location with large sites. A place where there was room for my travel trailer, boat, and truck. I found that and much more at Jones' Riverside Marina & RV Park.
It is in the country but not that far from the charming city of Natchitoches. The staff members are always friendly and helpful. There is a well-stocked store along with a carry-out restaurant (sit down part is closed due to covid-19). They have a free boat ramp and docks (very handy for me). The fishing is always good from the bank or a boat. My travel trailer is small but this facility is big rig friendly. I like the laid-back atmosphere and southern hospitality that is present here. This is not a huge, fancy, "resort", but those are not for me. I don't care for the crowds, noise, price, and many restrictions of those places. This RV Park emulates the real Louisiana!
TravelerArrived just before the office closed, but the staff took the time to put us in a nice tent spot.near the showers.
LegendChicot State Park is located near Ville Platte, Louisiana. It’s a nice place to hangout for the day. This park has bathrooms and showers, electrical outlets, and clean facilities. The campsites are a mixed bag - some are great, others are extremely unlevel, & close to one another.
The park itself is great. Awesome hiking trails, good fishing, and great scenery! There’s a decent sized lake with some good fishing. I recommend kayaking at this park!
RangerOverall it is one of the best state parks in Louisiana. Miles of trails for hiking & biking. Even a paddle trail out on the lake. Two campgrounds with bathroom/shower bldgs. Also has scenic primitive campsites that you can hike to and/or paddle to. No swimming allowed here. There is some alligators in the water. Lake is popular for fishing. Lots of birds here. Negatives are the wasps, ticks, and chiggers.
GuideWe were there November 5th and basically had the whole campground to ourselves. (there were probably 6 other campers scattered around the park). Our site was huge and even if there were other campers we would not have been able to see them.
Not the easiest park to get to but well worth it. At dusk the mosquitoes came out but what do you expect staying in a Louisiana bayou?? Had decent cell coverage w/ T-mobile (3 bars). Have some great trails throughout the park (mainly at the north campground)
Scout
Primitive camping along the 10mi Backbone trail. Took out the hammock and camped out around the halfway mark along the trail. You can set up shop around an old fire pit or make one of your own. I chose the latter. The backbone trail has to be the prettiest trail in the state of Louisiana. It's really the only place in the state to experience actual hills. It reached 23 degrees at night which was one of the coldest temperatures recorded in the state this year. A must do!
Legend
This RV campground allows tents (at RV prices). The sites are big with full hookups. There is a nice playground for the kids as well as a nice shower house. The park has lots of picnic areas (34) set up under shade trees. Some sites have tent pads, but not all. They all have picnic tables and fire pits. It is a nice friendly campground with lots of boats and fisherman. You can make reservations or first come first serve. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
The park has a nice free day use boat launch as well as a floating dock with a fish cleaning station. The park is very clean and does not smell fishy. Really nice place, but at $32 a night, it was a little steep for me.
There is a security gate for after hours access. Comfort stations at boat launch and camping area. There is a wash house with washer, dryer and showers (heated and cooled). There are 2 picnic shelters with 6 picnic tables in each.
Legend
Inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Evangeline District lies this peaceful little oasis. Water, flush toilets, seclusion, lake, and fishing. This was an amazing spot to stay for a few nights. The sites are either on the lake or not, no reservations, picnic table, fire ring, lantern pole and shade. The only complaint I have with this campground is that you can not put your tent on the grass. Make sure you have padding.
Legend
Inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Calcasieu District, Vernon Unit. 2 loops of dispersed camping, grounds not well kept, vault toilet. There is no water and signs say pack in and pack out but there was a trash bin. Very basic place to pitch a tent and explore the area around.
Legend
FREE
FCFS
Clairborne Trail $5.00 access fee
This campground is free and will accommodate RV's, tents, and trailers. No facilities, totally primitive. This is a really great spot and plenty of room for all. Great open green space for grazing. No reason to park next to your neighbor. Site is well maintained but if it has rained it could be very muddy. Very open and it has nice mature trees.
Pack it in, Pack it out
LNT
Travel safe
Tent camping near Alexandria, Louisiana offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Alexandria, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Alexandria, LA is Indian Creek Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Alexandria, LA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Alexandria, LA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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