Best Dispersed Camping near Anacoco, LA

Dispersed camping near Anacoco, Louisiana centers primarily around the Kisatchie National Forest, where several free primitive sites exist along Forest Road 380. The area includes multiple dispersed camping zones with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Forest Road 380 Kisatchie National Forest and Forest Road 380 Dispersed provide secluded camping opportunities in pine forest settings. Additional options include Hunter's Camp and the Wild Azalea Trail near Valentine Lake, which offers primitive camping at least 30 feet from the trail centerline. The Evangeline Camp Complex also permits dispersed camping in the region.

Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that can become challenging during wet conditions. Forest Road 380 features rutted sections but remains passable for most vehicles when dry. A natural spring with piped water is available near the entrance to FR380, though most sites lack amenities such as toilets, trash service, or hookups. Hunter's Camp provides basic facilities including vault toilets and trash receptacles. Camping duration is limited to 30 days at Forest Road 380 sites. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent throughout the area, particularly at the FR380 locations.

The dispersed camping experience in this region features peaceful seclusion among pine forests. "There is ZERO cell service," noted a visitor to Forest Road 380, adding that "this place is so secluded that no one drives out here and it's 100% peaceful." Sites along Forest Road 380 include several large group areas with ample space. The Wild Azalea Trail provides more remote options for hikers, with a review mentioning "great primitive camping" and "clearings nearby which would be great for a small group camp." Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with temperature drops occurring rapidly during winter months. Wildlife is common throughout the area, with Valentine Lake known for alligators and snapping turtles, making swimming inadvisable though fishing remains popular.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Anacoco, Louisiana (5)

    1. Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Gorum, LA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 472-1840

    "No trash pick up. No water hook ups.

    There is however, a natural spring that is piped just as you enter FR380. Locals come here to fill water. It’s very fresh and refreshing."

    "The drive there was beautiful. Getting to the camp site was pretty straightforward through google Maps. You can pull ur vehicle right up your camp site."

    2. Hunter's Camp

    1 Review
    Fort Polk, LA
    22 miles

    "Map shows a camping loop that appears to have been abandoned by the Forest Service. It had a dead hog blocking the loop."

    4. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    4 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    39 miles
    Website

    "I hiked about 7.5 miles in from the Valentine Lake trailhead to a large clearing by the bridge with a nice cool stream. There are other clearings nearby which would be great for a small group camp."

    "There is both primitive and fixed campsites.you have a couple Small trails in and around Valentine lake, or you caan hop on wild azeala trail and hike it. Its just short of 18 miles start to finish."

    5. Evangeline Camp Complex

    2 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 473-7160

    "Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail."

    "Very clean and and kept up very well nicely shaded"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Anacoco, LA

1 Photos of 5 Anacoco Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Anacoco, LA

9 Reviews of 5 Anacoco Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    Wild

    Open all year 

    Primitive 

    The Wild Azalea Trail is south west of Alexandria, Louisiana on the edge of the Valentine Lake Recreation Area. There is a trail head with parking on the grass, nicely mowed but if it has rained it could be muddy. Primitive camping is permitted adjacent to the trail but campsites must be at least 30 feet from the trail center line.

     Pack it in, Pack it out 

    LNT 

    BTYFI 

    NO FIRES 

    Travel safe

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 11, 2024

    Hunter's Camp

    Quiet spot in the Pine Trees

    Nice disbursed site. Map shows a camping loop that appears to have been abandoned by the Forest Service. It had a dead hog blocking the loop. This loop is about 150 yards from the vaulted toilet and garbage receptacle.

    There is another loop adjacent to the toilet and garbage that appears to have disbursed camping spots with places where fires were made.

    The camping area is open to the sky and has yellow pines that create random shade. Great place to charge with solar panels on a sunny day.

    The only other camper is a crazy dude on the old camping loop by the dead pig.

  • Daisee Mae S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2022

    Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    Secluded 100% Primitive

    Let me start of by saying there is ZERO cell service. We might have been able to set our phones down and it get ONE Bar, but as soon as you pick it up it’s gone.

    The road is fine. A little hard to get through if it’s wet. The spots to stay in have very rutted roads. Pretty easy to take just about anything down it.

    There are about 5 camp areas. a few of them are group sites. Very large and spacious.

    The stay here is 30 days. No bathroom. No trash pick up. No water hook ups.

    There is however, a natural spring that is piped just as you enter FR380. Locals come here to fill water. It’s very fresh and refreshing.

    It normally is warm all year round here. But we d coded to camp in every state so far when an artic blast is moving through. So, normally in december it’s not 12 degrees for a high ANYWHERE in this state.

    It rained about 16-17 days of our stay, but we did find some amazing things. My first time finding and eating Lions Maine Mushrooms.

    Lots of trash behind some of the sites. Can definitely tell it’s a party spot. Or at least it used to be.

    All in all, this place is so secluded that no one drives out here and it’s 100% peaceful. I will definitely return to this spot.

  • Sean S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    Great primitive camping!

    I hiked about 7.5 miles in from the Valentine Lake trailhead to a large clearing by the bridge with a nice cool stream. There are other clearings nearby which would be great for a small group camp. The trail itself is great and pretty well maintained. Be prepared for plenty of ups and downs and some rough terrain. There are adequate running streams to get water for filtering. From camp I went another 1.5 miles to the Evangeline primitive area parking lot (where there is a pit toilet), some beautiful views along that stretch. I would definitely do it again, but with a lighter pack and not in 90 degree weather!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2020

    Evangeline Camp Complex

    Great

    Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail.

  • P
    Nov. 27, 2024

    Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    Very peaceful

    The drive there was beautiful. Getting to the camp site was pretty straightforward through google Maps. You can pull ur vehicle right up your camp site. If you're into foraging, this is definitely not the place in the winter months. There is plenty of broken trees to use for fire wood. The forest is great to explore. There is a natural spring that runs on side of the road about a half mile from the campsite. It has been piped in for easy access. The temp drops quickly during the winter months so be prepared. You do not need any kind of permit to camp here.

  • S
    Feb. 28, 2022

    Evangeline Camp Complex

    Indian creek

    Very clean and and kept up very well nicely shaded

  • Chantelle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    Spent a ton of time out at Valentine lake.

    This a a cool place to spend a weekend. There is both primitive and fixed campsites.you have a couple Small trails in and around Valentine lake, or you caan hop on wild azeala trail and hike it. Its just short of 18 miles start to finish. Wouldn't recommend swimming in that lake. Lots of Gators and big snapping turtles. . Great fishing tho.. for me i enjoy middle to late October when it's cooler for sleeping in teepee hot tent..


Guide to Anacoco

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Anacoco, Louisiana, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Secluded Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • For those seeking solitude, Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest offers a peaceful retreat with spacious camping areas, perfect for larger groups or families.
  • This area is known for its primitive camping experience, featuring no amenities like toilets or trash services, allowing for a truly back-to-nature experience.
  • Campers can enjoy the natural spring located at the entrance of FR380, providing fresh water for those who are prepared to filter it.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Anacoco, Louisiana

  • Always remember to pack out what you pack in, especially at places like Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail, where maintaining the pristine environment is crucial.
  • Be prepared for limited cell service in remote areas, such as Forest Road 380, where connectivity can be spotty, enhancing your escape from technology.
  • Bring your own firewood, as many dispersed camping spots, including Hunter's Camp, do not provide firewood on-site, ensuring you have everything you need for a cozy campfire.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Anacoco

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities available at Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail, where the lake is known for its fishing potential, despite the presence of local wildlife.
  • Hiking is a must-do activity, especially along the Wild Azalea Trail, which offers a scenic 18-mile trek through beautiful landscapes, perfect for those staying at Evangeline Camp Complex.
  • For those interested in foraging, the area around Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest is known for unique finds like Lion's Mane mushrooms, adding an adventurous twist to your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Anacoco, LA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Anacoco, LA is Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Anacoco, LA?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Anacoco, LA, with real photos and reviews from campers.