Tent camping near Benton, Louisiana centers around the Bodcau Wildlife Management Area's 34,500 acres of pine-hardwood forest and wetlands. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters where nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 150-200 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat terrain suitable for tent setups.
What to do
Fishing access options: Ivan Lake campground provides direct lake access for anglers seeking catfish, bass, and bream. "We camp here while hunting...love this camp site no worries or problems, all nice red blooded Americans loving Gods outdoor country," notes camper David D. at Ivan Lake.
Disc golf course play: Earl Williamson Park features a free 18-hole disc golf course open to all campers. As one visitor shared, "We got to play disc golf at their very nice public (free) 18 hole course. I've been carrying around the discs for years and never got to play. Now I'm hooked!" Jeff & Alison H. at Earl Williamson Park discovered this unexpected activity during their stay.
Quiet lakeside relaxation: Camping near boat launches provides peaceful waterfront experiences. "Stayed 1 night for rooftop camping on car. Chose to set up in the primitive camping area on the grass near the boat docking area. Quiet and peaceful with beautiful sounds off the lake at night," reported Jaye C. about their experience at Wenks Landing Recreation Area.
What campers like
Budget-friendly rates: Campgrounds in this region remain affordable compared to other areas. "Right on the lake in town Park, cash only and no reservations but can call camp host to see if a spot is open. Park has swimming, boat launch, disc golf, corn hole and much more highly recommend. Only $12 a night cash only, 2 week max," reports Explorer about Earl Williamson Park.
Safety and security: The presence of local law enforcement adds peace of mind for solo campers and families. "The local sheriff's office sits at the entrance so we felt very safe there too. Also don't miss the little Mexican restaurant down the road!" advises Lea B. about their stay at Earl Williamson Park.
Solitude and privacy: The less-developed nature of some sites offers rare isolation. One camper at Wenks Landing noted, "If you want to tent camp or sleep in your car, only book sites 1-5. The others don't seem to have flat spots for much of anything. Perhaps hammocking would work!" Alice C. continues, "I didn't see a single soul while I was there."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Flat areas for tents can be limited at certain campgrounds. "Upon arrival when I noticed the not-flat site I had booked, I easily switched my site via my booking to site 1, which is the best for car sleeping and in my opinion the best site at the campground," advises Alice C. about Camp Quapaw, adding "It is set off from the others and has a large flat grassy area."
Bathroom facilities vary: Expect functional but basic facilities at most locations. "Bathrooms are not the best," notes Jaye C. about Earl Williamson Park, while another camper mentioned, "The bath house was very clean but dated. The showers were clean."
Primitive areas can become overgrown: Some designated primitive camping areas require preparation. "We paid for full hookups since the primitive area was overgrown and VERY primitive," explains one visitor who opted for developed sites instead of the primitive options at the same location.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Multiple campgrounds feature children's play areas. "There was a nice playground, public boat launch and I think there was an old unmaintained beach. Plenty of access to the lake that had amazing sunsets," notes a visitor to Teague Lake Primitive.
Swimming access during summer: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas, though quality varies by season. "The park has a day use area that includes playgrounds, disc golf, fishing piers, and a swim beach (that we made good use of)," shares Lea B. about facilities near camping areas.
Watch for site closures: Some previously accessible campgrounds have closed permanently. "It's in a really pretty location but it's overgrown and has obviously been closed for a while. I bet it was nice when it was open," reports Cheri H. about Turtle Slide Campground, adding "A fellow campground visitor speculated that it closed after a really destructive tornado several years ago."
Tips from RVers
Cash-only policies: Come prepared with cash at some locations. "Only $12 a night cash only, 2 week max," reminds one camper about Earl Williamson Park, where no credit cards are accepted for payment.
Limited full hookup sites: RVers should call ahead to confirm hookup availability. "We stayed late fall of '23 for about a week. This place was wonderful. Our site had water and 50 amp service. There was a dump station that was easy to get to and maintained," shares Jeff & Alison H. about their Turtle Slide Campground experience.
Seasonal insect considerations: Prepare for bugs regardless of season. "It was quite buggy even in early April, but I managed to keep moving and make a fire so the smoke would help the bugs stay away," advises Alice C. about their early spring camping experience.
