Glamping options near Benton, Louisiana offer full hookup sites within proximity to Wright Patman Lake and Caddo Lake. The region sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures average between 35-60°F while summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on Caddo Lake: Visitors to Caddo Lake State Park Campground can explore the lake's unique cypress tree formations. "Beautifully creepy with its Spanish moss covered trees all through the lake. Quiet and great trails for you and the doggies!" according to one camper. The park offers canoe rentals or launch sites for personal watercraft.
Fishing from designated piers: Fish for bass, catfish, and crappie at Lake Claiborne State Park Campground. The park features accessible piers extending over the water. One visitor reports, "Very pretty camping area. We stayed here at site 14. Had a long pier over the water, and plenty of space between campers."
Hiking through piney woods: Explore the trail system at Atlanta State Park where well-maintained paths wind through east Texas woodland. A visitor noted, "Trails are beautiful and if you piece them together can be challenging. These are not wide, take the baby stroller kind of trails. The nature trail goes over a couple foot bridges and has a lot to see."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at Atlanta State Park Campground, with one reviewer noting it's "nestled pretty far off the beaten path deep in the pineywoods" and has "plentiful campgrounds that are nearly maintained, two different boat ramps (both in good condition) for fishing, along with multiple swimming areas."
Modern bathroom facilities: Lake Claiborne State Park receives consistent praise for its facilities. "Bath houses are new, clean and climate controlled. Plenty of sites to choose from when I stayed though all of the waterfront sites were taken. Family friendly, not rowdy," reports one visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting around Buffalo Bayou RV Park offers glimpses of local wildlife. "An absolutely beautiful setting. This is a quiet, quaint park with the most beautiful views. I hosted a kayak camp out with 23 ladies to go kayaking. There is a kayak rental right next door which is a very short paddle to the camp," one camper shared.
What you should know
Reservation recommendations: During peak seasons, securing spots at popular campgrounds becomes challenging. "We rolled in without a reservation which led to a wonderful interaction with the gate people... I had the pick of many because it was February," noted a visitor to Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, suggesting off-season visits offer more flexibility.
Insect preparation: The region's water features attract mosquitoes and other insects, particularly in warmer months. A visitor to Shreveport Bossier City KOA advised, "Very neat and grass cut. Sites are reasonably spaced. Staff very nice." However, other campers recommend bringing insect repellent regardless of the season.
Water levels affect accessibility: Seasonal rainfall impacts shorelines and water activities. A camper at Atlanta State Park observed, "The sand on the beach is bad. Due to flooding and earth slides the beach front is super deep mud. If there has been even a trickle of rain on the past week you will lose your shoes the mud is so thick."
Tips for camping with families
Disc golf courses for older children: Lake Claiborne State Park offers recreational options beyond water activities. One visitor highlighted, "Many wonderfully marked hiking trails, two of the best frisbee golf courses in Louisiana. There's a nice little beach where the kids can play and a playground area as well."
Consider cabin options for luxury glamping in Benton: Families seeking more comfort might prefer the structured accommodations. "We loved the cabin, it made winter camping with kids do-able! Loved hiking and exploring! A ton of CCC history and beautiful bald cypress here!" shared a visitor at Caddo Lake State Park.
Playground access: Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area provides dedicated children's play areas along with educational opportunities. "Great sized sites. Nice lake. Watch for snakes. Lots of trees. Great walking," advised one camper, highlighting the balance of natural environment and structured recreation.
Tips from RVers
Hookup arrangements: RVers should note the configuration of utilities at different sites. At Shreveport Bossier City KOA, a camper observed, "Plenty of room for 44 ft motorhome and Jeep toad without unhooking. Grounds are well maintained and staff friendly. Would have given a 5 but phone is faster than Wi-Fi."
Leveling considerations: The natural terrain creates challenges for larger vehicles. "Sites are pretty good size with table, grill and fire ring. Pads are fairly level, only took 1 2x12 in the one side, make sure to bring blocks for the rear stabilizers as the pad drops off at the back," advised a visitor to Atlanta State Park.
Site selection strategy: For optimal glamping experiences in the Benton area, waterfront sites offer superior views but may have limited availability. A camper at Lake Claiborne noted, "Not level ground, but we managed with enough blocks to get it level. This was a back in site. Water and electric, no sewer, but had a dump station."
