D
Douglas T.
Scout
ScoutIndian Creek Recreation Area
Great Place!
This is our favorite place to go camping. Great, clean campground with lots of trees for shade. A good place for both summer and winter camping.
Camping near Bentley, LA
81 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping opportunities around Bentley, Louisiana concentrate in the neighboring Kisatchie National Forest and nearby recreation areas, where visitors find both established campgrounds and primitive sites. Stuart Lake Campground offers tent camping with basic facilities including toilets and trash service, while Colfax Recreation Area provides full-service RV sites with electric hookups, water, and sewer connections. The region's campgrounds generally accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Indian Creek Recreation Area also offering cabin rentals amid the Louisiana pine forests.
Road conditions throughout the camping areas vary significantly depending on weather, with several campgrounds requiring travel on forest roads that may become difficult after rain. "The road in is in very good shape," noted one camper describing Kisatchie Bayou Campground, though others mention rougher access at more remote sites. Temperatures in central Louisiana can be extremely hot and humid during summer months, making spring and fall more comfortable for camping. Most established campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though water availability is inconsistent at primitive sites. Cell service ranges from good to non-existent depending on proximity to towns, with more remote forest campgrounds offering limited connectivity.
Waterfront campsites receive particularly positive reviews, with locations on Stuart Lake, Valentine Lake, and Cotile Lake providing scenic settings for outdoor recreation. A visitor to Valentine Lake Northshore Campground described it as offering "peace and beauty" with sites located directly along the 46-acre lake where motorized boats are not allowed. Several campgrounds in the area feature hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and boat launches. Indian Creek Recreation Area stands out with beaches for swimming and extensive recreational facilities. Camping fees range from free at dispersed sites like Highway 472 Camp to approximately $25-30 for developed sites with hookups. Weekends typically see higher visitation, especially during spring and fall when temperatures moderate and outdoor activities become more comfortable.
Best Campgrounds near Bentley (81)
1. Stuart Complex
"Campground and bathrooms clean, quiet except the background highway noise. Lake was pretty, and small, able to walk all the way around the lake in about 20 minutes."
"Within the Stuart Lake Recreation Complex there are lots of activities including fishing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. Located on a 5-acre lake in a pine forest."
from $5 / night
Check Availability2. Stuart Lake NF Campground
"Aside from the aforementioned gunfire from a nearby shooting range, I had a wonderfully peaceful time here."
3. Stuart Lake Recreation Complex, Camping/Day Use
"Within the Stuart Lake Recreation Complex there are lots of activities including fishing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. Located on a 5-acre lake in a pine forest."
from $5 - $20 / night
Check Availability4. Colfax RV Park
from $32 / night
Check Availability5. Colfax Recreation Area RV Park & Campground
"The sites are spaced nicely and tucked into the trees. All spots are full hookup and 50 amp service. The water pressure is a little low, but sufficient."
"Close to home so we visit often. Very nice bathroom facilities. On the Red River but no swimming unless you have a boat, lock thru, and hit the sandbars."
6. Indian Creek Recreation Area
"It was a very quiet spot tucked away on the far side of the campground. It was right off the water and had a beautiful view of the sunrise and all the birds."
"Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from almost all primitive sites. We were visited by raccoons one night, but they were easily & quickly scared away."
from $16 / night
Check Availability7. Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
"Well maintained grounds with flush toilet (no shower) drinking water tap near but not at the camp sites, fire ring and picnic tables at each site. Small (about 16 sites) and quiet."
"Fee: $10.00 cash or check Sites: 15 6 located right along the lake
No electric
FCFS
Camp host, pit toilet, trash, potable water, picnic table, lantern pole, fire ring Tent campers, small RV's"
from $10 / night
Check Availability8. River Island RV Park
"Something for everyone, mud riding, fishing, trail rides, and sits right on the gorgeous Red River!"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability9. Bankston Camp Complex
10. Saddle Bayou Camp Complex
Drive Time
- 19 min from Alexandria, LA
- 1 hr 32 min from Lafayette, LA
- 1 hr 52 min from Lake Charles, LA
Recent Camping Photos near Bentley, LA
47 Photos of 81 Bentley Campgrounds
Thomas M.
Saddle Bayou Camp Complex
Dion B.
Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, Camping/Day Use
Justin O.
Cotile Recreation Area
Cat R.
Hidden Treasure RV Resort
Charles P.
Kincaid Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed
Keith R.
Valentine Lake South Shore
Cat R.
Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot
Ron R.
Indian Creek Recreation Area
Fabein D.
Loran Site Complex
N I.
Ahtus Melder Camp
David H.
Gum Springs Recreation Area — Kisatchie National Forest
Recent Reviews near Bentley, LA
204 Reviews of 81 Bentley Campgrounds
Amanda F.
LegendNorth Campground — Chicot State Park
Great
Beautiful park with so many views.
- Brenley R.
TravelerSt Luke RV Park
Five-Star Hospitality and a Peaceful Stay
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Phenomenal service and an exceptional host. I called at the very last minute after a severe thunderstorm made my original plan to camp in the national forest unsafe. Despite the late notice, he stayed and waited for my arrival, even though it took me longer than expected to get through the storm.
When I arrived, he set me up with the perfect spot to pitch my tent and get a few hours of much-needed rest before continuing my journey. He gave me his personal phone number in case I needed anything, provided a comfortable area to sit, access to a hot shower, a well-lit campsite, and even electrical power.
The campground itself is exceptionally well maintained. The grounds are spotless, the roads are in great condition, and the entire property has a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. As the evening settled in, the fireflies were everywhere, making for a beautiful and relaxing end to a long day of travel. It was incredibly quiet, and everyone I encountered was friendly, respectful, and courteous.
His kindness, generosity, and genuine hospitality truly stood out. It's rare to find someone willing to go so far out of their way to help a weary traveler. I highly encourage anyone passing through the area to support this campground—you'll be in excellent hands.
Marcie P.
GuideKisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed
Bayou Campground is my happy place.
Bayou Campground is my happy place.
My family has been camping here regularly for about a year, and we’ve experienced it in beautiful spring weather, the heat of summer, and even some surprisingly cold winter nights. No matter the season, it is always breathtaking, peaceful, and secluded.
The campsites are spacious and vary in amenities. Some have concrete pads, picnic tables, and metal fire rings, while others are more primitive with only a fire ring. We usually tent camp and hammock camp, and we’ve always found plenty of room to spread out and enjoy nature.
One thing visitors should know is that you cannot drive directly to your campsite. There are separate parking areas for overnight campers and day visitors, and you’ll need to carry your gear to your site. Depending on where you park, your campsite may only be a short walk away.
The campground is generally very clean, aside from the occasional inconsiderate visitor who leaves trash behind. There are vault toilets available, but no running water, and there is absolutely no cell service—which, honestly, is one of the things I love most about it.
There is a paved pathway that leads to stairs down to the water. The swimming area is popular with families during the day, and the water is shallow enough that it feels safe for children. You’ll often see people swimming with their kids or bringing their dogs along to enjoy the water.
The campground is usually very quiet. Most of the noise comes during the day from swimmers, and occasionally from someone playing music or talking loudly at night. Otherwise, it’s an incredibly peaceful place to relax and disconnect.
Getting there requires driving several miles on unpaved roads, so watch for potholes and take your time. The journey is well worth it.
If you’re looking for luxury amenities, this may not be the campground for you. But if you’re looking for natural beauty, solitude, family-friendly swimming, spacious campsites, and a chance to truly unplug, Bayou Campground is a special place. We will continue coming back for years to come.
Kai Z.
RangerIndian Creek Recreation Area
Beautiful Waterfront Campground
The natural setting at this campground is absolutely beautiful. For $35, you can get a full-hookup site right by the water, which is a really good value. There’s even a small beach, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. Overall, the campground is peaceful, scenic, and a great place to unwind. The only downside is the bathhouse. We visited two different ones, and while they weren’t dirty, they were definitely showing their age and felt a bit worn down. A renovation would make a big difference. Other than that, this was a truly beautiful campground, and we really enjoyed our stay.
- GGlen B.Ranger
Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
Oh, so close.
Would like to have made it to the campgrounds, but a fallen tree a ½ mile before them thwarted my stay. Ended up in a clearing back up the road from said tree.
Tim W.GuideCotile Recreation Area
Great overnight or more
Beautiful location. Site 24 had small deck overlooking the lake. T-Mobile had 2 bars of service.
- HHope H.Guide
Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
Beautiful Location
I stayed here in mid- September 2025. I was the only person in the campground, but a ranger drove by in the morning. I think I was there on a Wednesday night. The pit toilet was very dirty, but it was stocked with TP. I chose a site that was adjacent to the lake, but not low to the shore (a little above). In the morning, as I enjoyed coffee, I did see an alligator in the lake.
Ashley F.ScoutRed River Valley RV Park
Gorgeous!
This place is so beautiful and peaceful. The walking trail is a highlight. We enjoyed our month stay!
Guide to Bentley
Dispersed camping sites near Bentley, Louisiana primarily concentrate in Kisatchie National Forest, offering rustic alternatives to established campgrounds. The forest spans nearly 604,000 acres across central Louisiana with pine-dominated ecosystems and elevations ranging from 80 to 410 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping conditions remain mild with occasional freezing temperatures at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Valentine Lake Northshore Campground offers a serene 46-acre lake where "motorized boats are not allowed" making it perfect for peaceful fishing. One visitor noted that their spot was "right by the fishing pier which was perfect for us."
Hiking trails: At Stuart Lake NF Campground, visitors can access multiple trails. One camper enjoyed "a wonderfully peaceful time" despite occasional "gunfire from a nearby shooting range." The campground connects to both the Stuart Nature Trail and Glenn Emery hiking and biking trail.
Swimming areas: Indian Creek Recreation Area features "multiple sandy beach areas" perfect for cooling off during hot Louisiana summers. A reviewer mentioned the campground is "designed for young families" with beaches that provide kid-friendly water access.
Kayaking: Colfax Recreation Area provides water access for paddlers. As one visitor shared, "We like to let the kids kayak in the oxbow at the landing," making it a good spot for families wanting to get on the water without traveling far.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: At Valentine Lake Northshore Campground, campers appreciate the lakeside locations. A visitor described it as offering "peace and beauty" with sites located directly along the lake. Another noted, "We were right by the fishing pier which was perfect for us."
Wildlife viewing: Campers report diverse wildlife encounters. One visitor to Valentine Lake "saw a gator while canoeing, and even saw an eagle!" Another at Indian Creek mentioned they "found massive wasps nests and turtle shells on the forest floor."
Quiet atmosphere: Stuart Lake Recreation Complex receives praise for its tranquility. A camper described it as a "perfect campground" with "beautiful pine trees" that "provide shade and beauty like none other," creating a "quiet" environment ideal for relaxation.
Clean facilities: Colfax Recreation Area maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. A visitor described it as a "very clean and quiet park" with "large sites with grill, fire pit, and picnic table," while another mentioned "manicured landscaping and clean bathhouses."
What you should know
Road access varies: Highway 472 Camp provides free dispersed camping but sits directly on a highway. A camper noted it's "split in half by a major hwy" with "vault toilets on both sides," making it convenient but potentially noisy.
Camping restrictions: Some areas have specific tent placement rules. At Valentine Lake Northshore Campground, "you can not put your tent on the grass," so campers should "make sure you have padding."
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds offer minimal facilities. Highway 472 Camp features "a few obvious clearings along the small gravel/mud loop" with "vault toilets" but little else, though it does provide "2 bars Verizon service, enough to send/receive & use internet/GPS."
First-come basis: Many sites don't accept reservations. Valentine Lake operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a $10 fee. A visitor advised, "Get there early because we saw only 12 sites to occupy."
Tips for camping with families
Choose family-oriented areas: Indian Creek Recreation Area is specifically "designed for young families" with "multiple sandy beach areas" and "playgrounds" that keep children entertained. One camper noted there was "lot for my elementary age children to do."
Designated swimming areas: Stuart Lake Recreation Complex offers a "swimming and fishing pond" with a dedicated beach area. A visitor mentioned "the swimming beach" is easily accessible from the campground via a trail.
Playground access: Colfax RV Park includes facilities for children. A reviewer mentioned "a nice playground for the kids as well as a nice shower house," making it suitable for family camping despite being primarily an RV-focused area.
Weekend crowd awareness: Indian Creek gets busy during weekends and school breaks. A camper observed "a lot of kids running around unsupervised" and "golf carts riding around with loud music until 1:30 am both nights," suggesting weekday visits might be more peaceful for families seeking quiet.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: At Colfax Recreation Area RV Park & Campground, RVers appreciate the "large sites" that are "spaced nicely and tucked into the trees." All spots feature "full hookup and 50 amp service," though "water pressure is a little low, but sufficient."
Leveling considerations: Cotile Recreation Area requires attention to site selection. One RVer mentioned "our site was kind of on a hill, and camper sat funny," suggesting campers should carefully assess the terrain before setting up.
Nighttime lighting: Light pollution can be an issue at some campgrounds. At Colfax Recreation Area, a camper noted "the only drawback is there is a large warehouse next door that is very well lit all night," which might affect those sensitive to light while sleeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bentley, LA?
What camping is available near Bentley, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bentley, LA offers a wide range of camping options, with 81 campgrounds and RV parks near Bentley, LA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bentley, LA?
Which is the most popular campground near Bentley, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bentley, LA is Stuart Complex with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bentley, LA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bentley, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Bentley, LA.
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