Tent camping near Bernice, Louisiana centers primarily around the region's pine-forested terrain and waterways within the North Louisiana uplands. The area's moderate climate allows for year-round camping with most primitive sites positioned near lakes and within wildlife management areas. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall generally more comfortable for tent campers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ivan Lake provides accessible shoreline fishing with multiple designated areas for anglers. A reviewer noted, "We camp here while hunting..all nice red blooded Americans loving Gods outdoor country."
Boating access: Wenks Landing Recreation Area features a boat ramp adjacent to campsite 1, making it convenient for campers bringing watercraft. As one visitor observed, "There is a boat ramp right by site 1" and the area has "1-2 bars" of cell service for those needing to stay connected.
Nature education: While camping in the region, Logoly State Park Campground offers educational opportunities approximately 50 miles north of Bernice. A camper described it as having "a nature house nearby that is open to the public for free during operating hours. It houses various small animals such as a crocodile, snakes, spiders, and lizards."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Crossett Harbor RV Park provides a quieter camping experience about 45 miles southeast of Bernice. A visitor commented on its "nice day use area, boat ramp, bathrooms, slip rentals" available through the attendant at the nearby RV park.
Basic facilities: Many campers appreciate that despite the primitive nature of sites, some campgrounds maintain basic amenities. At Wenks Landing, a camper noted it has "Flush toilets, running water, and a spigot to fill up are provided," making it somewhat more comfortable than completely primitive options.
Hunting access: Multiple tent camping areas in the region serve primarily as bases for hunting expeditions during season. The hunt camps in the area, including Sugar Creek Hunt Camp and Turkey Trot Complex, provide strategic positioning for hunters with minimal amenities focused on practical access to hunting grounds.
What you should know
Booking requirements: Wenks Landing Recreation Area requires advance booking contrary to some outdated information. A camper clarified, "I thought I'd stay here because it said it was free on the app: IT IS NOT FREE. It's cheap though! $12/night and you can book on the recreation.gov app."
Site selection: When tent camping, choose sites carefully for level ground. At Wenks Landing, a visitor advised, "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!"
Facility closures: Always verify current status before planning a trip. Some previously established campgrounds in the region have closed, such as Turtle Slide Campground, where a visitor reported, "It's in a really pretty location but it's overgrown and has obviously been closed for a while... nature is slowly but surely reclaiming this former campground."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Logoly State Park Campground offers child-friendly nature education approximately 50 miles from Bernice. A visitor described it as "good for kids who need a tame introduction to nature. With trails, its a good place to take a day trip."
Insect protection: Bring substantial mosquito protection for tent camping with children, especially in warmer months. A camper at Wenks Landing reported, "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."
Privacy considerations: For families seeking quieter camping experiences, look for isolated sites. At Wenks Landing, site 1 was described as "set off from the others and has a large flat grassy area. If it is busy it may be less desirable as it is right on the parking lot, but I'd still take it."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most tent camping areas near Bernice offer no RV hookups, but some accommodate smaller RVs without services. At Ivan Lake, RVs can access the campground though no electric, water, or sewer connections are available.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs will face significant limitations throughout the region. None of the primitive camping areas near Bernice are designated as big-rig friendly, requiring RVers to carefully research vehicle size restrictions.
Alternative facilities: RVers requiring hookups should consider established campgrounds further from Bernice. The closest full-service options are typically located near larger towns such as Ruston or Monroe, approximately 30-45 miles from Bernice.
