Tent campsites near Bentley, Louisiana offer accessible primitive camping experiences in diverse forest settings. The Kisatchie National Forest spans over 604,000 acres across central and northern Louisiana with elevations ranging from 80 to 300 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-95°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing between December and February.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Stuart Lake Recreation Complex provides a small beach area for swimming during summer months. "Lots of day picnic tables and bbq grills on daytime use side of the lake. Small beach for playing," notes a camper who visited in December.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect the campgrounds throughout the forest. The Caroline Dorman trail at Kisatchie Bayou Campground offers scenic hiking options. "The Caroline doorman trail runs right off of the spaces out camp sites. Setting up camp along the small rapids made for some wonderful relaxing and naps," explains one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Forest areas around the campgrounds support diverse wildlife. One camper at Coyote Camp reported: "We have seen a lot of snakes and it rains a lot. Some bees but not a serious nuisance. So just be aware when walking on the trails. Lots of deer and bobcats."
ATV riding: Some campgrounds serve as access points for off-highway vehicle trails. A visitor to Coyote Camp mentioned, "Some people on the weekends rode their dirt bikes and OHV's. That wasn't too bad, not too obnoxious."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the spacing between sites at many locations. At Coyote Camp, a visitor noted: "Many open spots. Beautiful and quiet. Our GPS put us on a dirt road for a few miles - however it was well maintained and not too rutted. Large camping spot with fire ring."
Waterfront camping: Multiple camping areas offer direct water access. A camper at Valentine Lake South Shore shared: "Great water front sites at $10 a night is not bad!!! There is no power or water a sites but has community water faucets in a few areas... The bathouse is real nice... But the canoeing is wonderful there."
Natural soundscapes: The running water and forest sounds create peaceful camping environments. At Kisatchie Bayou, a camper described: "You almost feel as if you're in Arkansas with the clear water bayou running over sandstone creating a relaxing waterfall sound."
Budget-friendly options: Most primitive tent sites in the area are inexpensive or free. A visitor to Coyote Camp commented: "A true jem. Quiet, isolated but yet easily accessible. We found at least three sites that could accommodate our 26' class C. Two to three bars of Verizon 4g, fast service. 14day stay limit and FREE!"
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Pearson Camp, "There are vault toilets and trees. It is designated for hunters during hunting season and great for young explorers the rest of the time."
Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites can be challenging. A Coyote Camp visitor advised: "The road here is a little rutted out and has a couple of potholes, but nothing crazy."
Wildlife awareness: Bears and feral hogs are present in the forest. A camper at Kisatchie Bayou warned: "As we walked into our campsite almost every bit of ground that wasn't packed had been torn up by hogs, like a lot of hogs."
Seasonal hunting activity: Many campgrounds primarily serve as hunting bases during season. Saddle Bayou Camp Complex is described as "a hunters paradise campground. Dispersed camping with vault toilets and nothing else. The grounds are over grown bc it's not hunting season but it was peaceful and quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed campgrounds: Sites with more amenities work better for families with young children. Indian Creek Recreation Area has "multiple sandy beach areas to the playgrounds, there was lot for my elementary age children to do. The bathhouses were cleaned every morning and I didn't see much trash lying around."
Supervision considerations: Popular family sites can get busy with unsupervised children. A camper at Indian Creek noted: "Because this campground is geared toward young families, there were a lot of kids running around unsupervised. There was a group of boys tearing the roof off the play house in one of the play grounds."
Weekday camping: For quieter family experiences, avoid peak times. "We will likely try camping here again, but perhaps during the week while schools are in session to avoid the crowds," suggested a family that visited Indian Creek.
Water safety awareness: Beaches and water access points lack lifeguards. At Stuart Lake, facilities include "a fishing pier, shore fishing, a swimming beach, picnic tables and barbeque pits," but supervision is the responsibility of parents.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger units: Most primitive sites have limited space for RVs. At Indian Creek Recreation Area, a camper with a 21' travel trailer reported: "We have a 21' travel trailer and barely fit it and our Toyota Tundra in site 52. The lake was visible when standing inside the camper (driver side) but not from our chairs by the fire."
Leveling challenges: Some sites have significant drops or uneven terrain. The same Indian Creek visitor noted: "There was a pretty steep drop off from the concrete pad to the ground level forcing us to put our outdoor rug on the ground."
Camping without hookups: RVers staying at primitive tent sites should prepare for self-contained camping. A camper who tent camped at Indian Creek's primitive section advised: "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!"
