Camping sites near Bastrop, Louisiana range from state parks with modern facilities to primitive dispersed options in wildlife management areas. The region sits at approximately 170 feet above sea level in Louisiana's pine forests, creating a transitional zone between upland forests and lowland bayous. Weather conditions can impact site access during rainy seasons when low-lying areas may become muddy or temporarily flooded.
What to do
Paddle to ancient cypress trees: At Chemin-A-Haut State Park, visitors can explore thousand-year-old cypress trees by water. "Best feature in the park is the Chemin-A-Haut Creek were 1000 year old Cypress trees are scattered throughout. Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle to them," notes Nicki M.
Fishing opportunities: Fish from well-maintained piers at Lake D'Arbonne State Park about 45 miles from Bastrop. The park offers multiple fishing piers and boat launches. "Piers are super nice," reports Bruce F., while another camper mentions the "beautiful, hilly campground on a gorgeous lake with big, beautiful cypress trees."
Trail exploration: Hiking trails vary in maintenance levels across camping areas near Bastrop. "We went trial hiking but this was a little difficult as the walking trails aren't really maintained (the horse trails are maintained and clearly marked)," shares Zack M. about Chemin-A-Haut State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained shower and restroom facilities at parks near Bastrop. At Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, "Bathrooms are hands down the best I've ever seen," according to Taylor C. Similarly, another review notes, "Bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen in a public park."
Quiet atmosphere: Campers regularly mention the peaceful settings. Sarah B. simply states Chemin-A-Haut State Park is "Just what I needed today. Quiet and clean," while Jim G. adds it's a "Nice little campground. Upgrades have recently been made to a good campground."
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around Bastrop camping sites offer wildlife observation opportunities. At Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area, visitors can experience a more rustic camping experience. "This is a nice site at end of turn around. Next to a nice pond. About 5 miles from I20. No amenities," reports Eric G.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Uneven campsites can require equipment adjustments. Heath H. notes about Chemin-A-Haut State Park: "Nice RV spots with full hookups. Cellular service isn't great but they do have Wi-Fi."
Weather impacts access: Seasonal changes affect water levels and site conditions. "Water has been high for a few months so its ugly and not so useable. There's supposed to be a route by canoe to old growth trees but water is too high," reports Pam G. at Chemin-A-Haut State Park.
Varying amenities between parks: While state parks offer modern facilities, dispersed camping options have minimal or no amenities. Harrison M. describes Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area: "For quick free road side camping this is the spot! Easy parking, Zero cops, had a campfire, cooked food, slept in my hammock right between the wildlife sign."
Permit requirements: Some areas that were previously free now require permits. Cole J. reports about Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area: "Perfectly fine site, a very nice ranger kindly told me that it's 5 dollars, just FYI!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several camping areas near Bastrop feature play areas for children. At Landry Vineyards, families can combine camping with vineyard activities. "Am amazing area for an overnight stop. The vinyard is clean and the space for parking was a great spot. Don't miss this one. Have a flight of wine and cheese sit back and enjoy," suggests Craig I.
Swimming options: Seasonal pool facilities are available at some state parks. "The park is on the smaller side with plenty of cabins and good places to kayak, canoe, and fish. The bayou is very nice. The pool is a little run down looking as of late summer 2019," reports Zack M. about Chemin-A-Haut State Park.
Tent camping surfaces: For tent campers, surface conditions vary by park. At Lake D'Arbonne State Park, "We camped in a tent and they have sand pits for the tents to sit in," notes Alayna J., who adds, "The locals and park rangers are also very nice."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several parks offer comprehensive utility connections for RVs. At Ouachita RV Park in Monroe, visitors find convenient facilities. "This little RV park is less than 5 minutes off I - 20 in north east Louisiana. Being that close, I thought it would have been really loud, but it wasn't! I heard more birds than anything," reports Cat R.
Cellular connectivity: Signal strength varies across camping locations. "Cellular service isn't great but they do have Wi-Fi. The RV camping area has a nice, new, and clean restroom and shower facility with coin-operated laundry," explains Heath H. about Chemin-A-Haut State Park.
Pull-through site access: Some parks feature easier-to-navigate spaces for larger rigs. Jeff B. notes about Ouachita RV Park: "Park is clean, quiet and very easy to get in and out of. Used the laundry and all was clean and operational."
