Campgrounds near Benton, Louisiana offer access to the southern edge of Caddo Lake and several waterways with elevations averaging 150-250 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters where freezing temperatures are rare. Most campgrounds maintain open status year-round with peak season running March through October when water activities are most comfortable.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Tom Merrill Recreation Area features a dedicated disc golf course among its amenities. "Bodcau has a wonderful new disc golf course! Among tons of land to explore. Campground in by the Reservoir/Dam. Great facilities and well maintained," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Caddo Lake State Park Campground offers unique cypress tree ecosystems for nature observation. "Beautifully creepy with its Spanish moss covered trees all through the lake. Quiet and great trails for you and the doggies!" writes a visitor. The park provides habitat for numerous bird species, small mammals, and reptiles.
Fishing: Earl Williamson Park provides lakeside access for anglers. "The waterfront sites have an amazing sun set view of Caddo Lake. Inexpensive camping sites. No full hook up sites," reports one camper. The park maintains multiple fishing piers with no license required for bank fishing within designated areas.
Kayaking: Caddo Lake State Park Campground offers paddling opportunities through cypress forests. "You get to camp among the trees and spanish moss and water. There are some choices on just how much you get at your campsite," says a reviewer. Rental canoes are available at the park office for $25 per day.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Beaver Dam Campground receives praise for its well-designed campsites. "The campsites are huge, many with water views, and spaced out well. Very quiet and starry at night. Decent hiking trails and fishing/boating/swimming at the lakes," notes one visitor. Sites average 50-60 feet in length with 30-40 feet between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area maintains high standards for its amenities. "The bathhouse was immaculately clean. I went in expecting a typical park shower room with spiders or bugs. There were NONE. The bathhouse was heated and a welcome chance to shower in something other than a matchbox," reports a reviewer.
Affordable options: Earl Williamson Park offers budget-friendly camping. "Right on the lake in town Park, cash only and no reservations but can call camp host to see if a spot is open. Only $12 a night cash only, 2 week max," states a camper. The primitive camping area costs just $6 per night for those with minimal needs.
Concrete pads: Many sites at Tom Merrill Recreation Area feature solid foundations. "Concrete pads, electric, water, grills, and fire pits all well maintained. Cell service operational but not top notch. Site 8 and 17 best for tents," a visitor mentions.
What you should know
Shower access codes: At Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, bathroom facilities require special access. "There is a new bathhouse that is very clean and requires a code to be entered on a keypad for entry," explains a visitor. Campers receive the code upon check-in.
Road noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience traffic disturbance. "The big turn off for me on this park is that, despite its beauty, there is incessant road noise that you hear from every campsite," warns a visitor about Caddo Lake State Park.
Wildlife precautions: Alligators inhabit several area waterways. "They pulled a ten foot alligator out of there so my morning swim was a little faster than usual," reports a camper at Beaver Dam Campground. Keep pets leashed and supervised near water.
Seasonal bugs: Insect activity increases during warmer months. "Okay so we visited at the beginning of fall so the mosquitos were on the Down slide but if you come, bring bug spray. It should go without saying, big bits of standing water in Texas," notes a visitor to Caddo Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Barksdale AFB FamCamp offers family-friendly facilities. "Tent spots are $4 a night, enclosed in a lightly wooded area, and only few yards away from both the bathroom and the playground. It was perfect for our needs," shares one military family. The base also features a walking trail with aircraft displays children enjoy.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with varying amenities. "Park has swimming, boat launch, disc golf, corn hole and much more," notes a visitor to Earl Williamson Park. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards and operate seasonally between May and September.
Educational opportunities: Caddo Lake State Park Campground provides nature learning experiences. "A ton of CCC history and beautiful bald cypress here!" mentions a family with children who stayed in the cabins. The park visitor center offers junior ranger programs on weekends during summer months.
Budget camping with kids: Tom Merrill Recreation Area accommodates families with basic amenities. "Trails, a few exercise equipment, playground, and friendly hosts makes for a wonderful experience," notes a visitor. The campground maintains playground equipment suitable for ages 5-12.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Shreveport Bossier City KOA offers pull-through sites for easy access. "We stayed here for one night on our cross country trip. It was clean, well maintained, nice layout and landscaping, great dog park, and friendly service. We had a level pull through with full service with no need to disconnect," shares an RV traveler.
Hookup locations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility arrangements. "Hookups are a little backwards," notes a visitor to Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, suggesting RVers should bring extension cords and longer water hoses than typically needed.
Dog-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds cater to RVers with pets. "Quiet, clean, nice staff. We were right by the dog park, which the dogs loved!" reports a visitor to Shreveport Bossier City KOA. The fenced dog park measures approximately 30x50 feet with separate areas for large and small dogs.
Water pressure variations: Beaver Dam Campground provides basic hookups with inconsistent water pressure. "Electric and water. Dump station only," notes a camper. Water pressure can fluctuate between 30-60 psi depending on campground occupancy.
