Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Bentley? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
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 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 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 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.
Visitors to Red Bluff Camp can expect a primitive camp inside the National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve. This camping area is a walk-in tent type camping facility which users must hike in 1/4 mile from the parking area to get to the Kisatchie Bayou shore. General camping, no water available, vault toilets, and trash receptacles.
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!
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
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!
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
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
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!!
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!
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.
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.
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!
Scout
The sign designating Saddle Bayou Campground fell into the ditch in early 2019. As of August 2019 it is still down, so if you are trying to find this campground for the first time, please note that there is no sign visible. Otherwise it is a nice primitive campground, no running water but dump toilets are available. No designated camp sites, just find a good spot and pitch your tent.
TravelerThis 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.
LegendInside 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
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
LegendFee: $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 or trailer. Hard pavement pads but they are narrow and crumbling on the edges. Site is well maintained. Beautiful water sites. Valentine Lake is a 46 acre lake surrounded by pine and hard woods. Motorized boats are not allowed. The lake is serene as is the campground.
LNT
AIS
BTYFI
Travel safe
Legend
This campground is AWESOME. Fishing, hiking, biking (road and off road trails), swimming (beach), playground (loop B), boating, secluded.
I took 2 of my boys (8,6), sister, and her boy (10). We stayed in loop A and there were only a few people there. Lots of things to keep us busy and peaceful enough to just relax. This campground is in the Kisatchie National Forrest. Will definitely be back with the whole family. Tent or RV camping. The hiking trails are gorgeous, the beach area is pristine with lots of shade and picnic areas. Nice boat launch area. Great fishing too.
Legend
see Stuart Lake Recreation area and campground
Perfect campground. This little campground has 8 spacious sites with picnic table, tent pad, fire ring, and lantern pole. Beautiful pine trees provide shade and a beauty like none other. There is a trail from the campground to the swimming and fishing pond at the day use area and beyond. Perfect summer weekend retreat. Beautiful forest, clean campground and quiet.
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. There is camping, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and nature study. The day use facility includes flush toilets, 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 has a covered picnic shelter, a large party barbeque pit, trash bins, restrooms, and access to day use facilities including the lake. Group use area facilities 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.
Legend
Perfect campground. This little campground has 8 spacious sites with picnic table, tent pad, fire ring, and lantern pole. Beautiful pine trees provide shade and a beauty like none other. There is a trail from the campground to the swimming and fishing pond at the day use area and beyond. Perfect summer weekend retreat. Beautiful forest, clean campground and quiet.
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. There is camping, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and nature study. The day use facility includes flush toilets, 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 has a covered picnic shelter, a large party barbeque pit, trash bins, restrooms, and access to day use facilities including the lake. Group use area facilities 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.
Legend
PRODUCT REVIEW BANNER AND OAK T-SHIRT As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - today I am testing a Banner and Oak T-shirt. https://bannerandoak.com/products/camp-navy?variant=441825624068&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwtO7qBRBQEiwAl5WC2_0XqYiJxOuate5OBrZoqMXBxOQJYNVPo5C4gRHVLoRXmsNnkAvO9BoCA78QAvD_BwE This shirt is fantastic! My husband is very tough on clothes, but after several washes, it still maintains it's size and shape! The shirt is super soft and held up well in the extreme heat of Louisiana summer. Thanks for the honor of trying this out, and I hope you all do as well! You won't be disappointed! CAMPGROUND REVIEW: PARAGON CASINO RESORT AND RV PARK When my sons suggested that we all go camping here, I was leary at first. I thought since it was a Casino that it would be all concrete and flashing lights. I am a woods and water type of girl so I really didn't want to go, but am glad I did! There was ample room for our camper which is 32 feet. Our site number 3, had full hookups and room for a couple of canapies. (Very little shade!) Also had a concrete picnic table and lots of space between campers. The kids were able to go swimming in the large outdoor pool. There's also one inside! There is a walking trail, golf course and of course, if you gamble the casino. If it rains there's also a movie theater. I didn't use the showers or laundry facilities but they had those provided, too.
Guide
Went here for my first ever solo camping trip, and I couldn't have chosen a better time or place. It was early November, and aside from a couple of hunters and afternoon fishers, the entire place was mine for 3 days. Aside from the aforementioned gunfire from a nearby shooting range, I had a wonderfully peaceful time here. It's a pretty small campground, but is not lacking in anything if all you need to do is get out there for a while.
ScoutCamped in December, nobody else was there, score! 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. Lots of day picnic tables and bbq grills on daytime use side of the lake. Small beach for playing.
Legend
following the map/location here and on google maps, you have to hike in. The problem is there is no safe place to park your car on the dirt road. before traveling here, I would suggest calling the Kisatchie Catahoula district for more information.
Legend
The Whole campground is missing. While exploring the Kisatchie National Forest, Catahoula district, I searched for this campground. It either does not exist or the location listed here is incorrect. What I did find at this location was some amazing trails. The trails here are long and according to the US forest website, there is no backpacking on these trails. Be sure to contact the Catahoula District before counting on this site.
Tent camping near Bentley, Louisiana offers a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kisatchie National Forest, with various campgrounds catering to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bentley, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bentley, 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 Bentley, LA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Bentley, LA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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