Bernice, Louisiana camping spots sit primarily within the state's piney woods region at an elevation of about 220 feet. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F while winters remain relatively mild with occasional frost. Most campgrounds maintain water access year-round with fishing particularly productive during spring and fall months when temperatures moderate.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Corney Lake South Shore Campground offers excellent bank fishing with convenient access points. "This little park next to the campsite is a nice hangout spot shaded by the mature pines complete with a little pavilion, trash cans, bathrooms, fishing dock and boat ramp," notes one visitor. The lake supports bass, crappie, and catfish populations.
Trail exploration: Beaver Dam Campground provides access to the Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail which loops around the lake. The trails accommodate both hiking and biking with moderate terrain suitable for most skill levels. One camper mentioned, "Great US Forest Service campground especially if you enjoy hiking, biking or fishing. The Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail loops around the lake."
Water activities: Launch kayaks, canoes or motorboats from several area ramps to explore the cypress-lined shorelines. "Quiet spot with heavy tree cover... Fantastic lakeside views, especially in the morning," reports one visitor about Corney Lake. Water temperatures reach the high 80s during summer months, making swimming comfortable from May through September.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: The relative seclusion of Sugar Creek Hunt Camp Dispersed appeals to campers seeking solitude. "We found this spot after seeing that North shore wasn't maintained and south shore was too crowded. It's just a pull off area at the end of a two mile gravel road... we were the only ones out here so it was real quiet," reports one camper. Weekdays typically see fewer visitors than weekends.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. At Lincoln Parish Park, "This campground has some pull through sites which are very convenient. Nice lake with a walking path. Quiet, spacious lots," according to one visitor. Most sites accommodate standard camping setups with room for additional equipment.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours bring active wildlife, particularly birds and deer. "Whitetail deer, owls, fish/gar, butterflies, dragonflies, fireflies, and much more!" notes a camper at Lake Claiborne State Park. Early mornings often provide the best viewing opportunities, especially around water edges.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for heat. "We were deciding whether to go or not. It had to be (or feel like) 10 deg cooler with the breeze of off the lake," mentions a Corney Lake camper. Afternoon temperatures regularly reach 95°F with high humidity from June through August.
Primitive campsite conditions: Lake Claiborne State Park Campground offers varied site types. "Very pretty camping area. We stayed here at site 14. Had a long pier over the water, and plenty of space between campers. Not level ground, but we managed with enough blocks to get it level," reports one visitor. Bringing leveling equipment proves essential at many area campgrounds.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly by provider. "Absolutely 0 service for AT&T or Verizon," notes one Sugar Creek Hunt Camp visitor. AT&T generally performs better than other carriers in the region, though signal strength remains inconsistent throughout wooded areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake D'Arbonne State Park provides multiple play areas for children. "The park was very quiet and clean. The shower house and bathrooms were clean too. The park is beautiful, especially right now with all the changing colors of the trees," reports a camper. The park maintains several playground structures suitable for different age groups.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas during warmer months. "Bath house, water, electric, lake, pavement bike/walking path, playground, nationally recognized mountain bike course, group pavilions, primitive camping, beautiful rv spots, great place!" notes a Lincoln Parish Park visitor. Swimming areas typically open from late spring through early fall.
Safety considerations: Keep children supervised near water areas as wildlife can present hazards. "The locals and park rangers are also very nice. I locked my keys in my car and the park ranger helped me get ahold to a person to unlock it. He also gave us some camping tips and helped us build a fire and gather firewood," shares a Lake D'Arbonne visitor. Rangers provide assistance and educational information suitable for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose level sites when possible as terrain varies across campgrounds. "Flat site and plenty of distance between sites. Clean and we had no problems building a fire every evening," notes a Beaver Dam camper. Calling ahead to request specific sites can improve camping experiences.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections exist at most established campgrounds but sewer hookups remain limited. "We only stayed one night but we will be coming back. There are only a couple of sites big enough for large rigs, but my 30' motorhome fit easy enough. There is no fee, a toilet and water available," shares a Corney Lake South Shore visitor.
Access routes: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "The road down there is full of huge potholes, be aware! Especially at night," warns a Sugar Creek Hunt Camp visitor. RVs exceeding 35 feet should research access conditions before arrival, particularly during or after rainy periods.
