Glamping close to Bienville, Louisiana provides access to cypress tree-lined lakes and forests set in the northern part of the state where elevations range from 200-400 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for luxury outdoor stays. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing from dedicated piers: Lake Claiborne State Park offers multiple fishing spots with excellent lake access. "Very pretty camping area. We stayed here at site 14. Had a long pier over the water, and plenty of space between campers," notes Cat R. The lake is known for bass fishing.
Wildlife viewing: Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area includes a small wildlife sanctuary with a variety of animals. "There is much to do at this park. Trails, swimming, boating, fishing, small zoo and museum," says Lane M. The free-roaming peacocks are a highlight for many visitors.
Disc golf courses: Lake D'Arbonne State Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through the natural landscape. A camper mentioned, "Really nice like a resort. Tennis courts, swimming pool (closed for winter), horse shoe pit, laundry mat, disc golf, and awesome clean bathrooms."
Water recreation: Grand Bayou Resort provides beach swimming areas along with fishing opportunities. "We didn't have a full hookup site, but it was clean and had pretty scenery. Fun little place if you're into boating/fishing," says Carrie I.
What campers like
Clean, updated bathhouses: Campers consistently praise the bathhouse facilities at multiple parks. "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," reports Jason W. about Lake Claiborne State Park.
Spacious sites: Jimmie Davis State Park Campground offers well-spaced camping areas with concrete pads. "Beautiful park. Large concrete pads with fire pit and table. Laundry and wifi. Wifi worked well in c14," says John R.
Waterfront camping: Many campsites offer direct water access. "We had a great time even with bad weather. Rained the entire weekend but we still had a blast on the trials and docks," shares James T. about his stay at Lake D'Arbonne State Park.
Biking opportunities: The paved roads throughout many campgrounds are ideal for cycling. "Really one of the state's nicer parks," says Zack M. about Lake D'Arbonne State Park, adding it has "nice hilly trails for hiking, huge/nice pool, nice cabins, fishing piers, plenty of tent and RV spots."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Pool facilities typically close during winter months. "Really nice like a resort. Tennis courts, swimming pool (closed for winter), horse shoe pit, laundry mat, disc golf," notes Steve S. about Lake D'Arbonne State Park.
Variable cell service: Mobile reception can be spotty. "Wi-Fi did not work anywhere in park (signal broadcasted fine just no connection to internet) AT&T is non existent," reports Brent C. from Lake Claiborne State Park.
Reservation recommendations: Waterfront sites are most popular and book quickly. "Very pretty camping area. We stayed here at site 14. Had a long pier over the water, and plenty of space between campers," says Cat R. about Lake Claiborne State Park.
Wildlife awareness: Magnolia Hill RV Park and other area campgrounds are set in natural environments. "In the wild so expect bugs but nothing that made our stay uncomfortable," advises Jess&Tony.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Multiple parks offer swimming areas designed with families in mind. "Clean, well kept park. Has a nice splash pad and beach for kids. Also a couple parks and many hammocks," says Katina T. about Jimmie Davis State Park.
Playgrounds and recreational options: Many campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "There's a nice little beach where the kids can play and a playground area as well," reports Sarah B. about her experience at Lake Claiborne State Park.
Educational opportunities: Grand Bayou Resort provides opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems. "This camp ground is well kept. There is a nice beach and really nice fishing pears and dock," shares Lane M.
Safety considerations: Be aware of natural hazards. "Very nice campground, great area for kids. Campsite was right on the lake and had a gorgeous sunset. Bathrooms werent the greatest but still good. The only really bad thing was that there was poison ivy all around our campsight," cautions Sam B. from Lake Claiborne State Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. "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," advises Cat R. about Lake Claiborne State Park.
Hookup limitations: Not all sites offer full hookups. "Only down side, no sewage hookup, only a dump station. Not a big deal for a weekend visit, but may be an inconvenience if it were a longer stay," notes Katina T. about Jimmie Davis State Park Campground.
Big rig accessibility: Most parks accommodate larger vehicles with designated sites. "Site are humped on pull thur sites so long rigs will have trouble leveling," warns Lee T. about Grand Bayou Resort.
Security features: Many parks offer gated access for added safety. "Security measures are excellent. The park is shaded and all sites are either lake side or almost," shares Cheryl C. about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
