Near Blanchard, Louisiana, campers can explore a variety of waterside camping options set within the characteristic cypress forests of northwestern Louisiana. Elevations in this area rarely exceed 300 feet above sea level, creating flat, accessible camping terrain throughout the region. Fall through spring typically offers the most comfortable camping conditions, with winter temperatures averaging 40-60°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Fishing at prime spots: Caddo Lake State Park offers unique fishing opportunities in its cypress swamp environment, located 45 miles east of Blanchard. "The big attraction here is the lake, which looks like something straight out of a Louisiana swamp movie. Huge old cypress trees with Spanish moss hanging from the limbs," notes Bill N. The shallow lake requires careful navigation, and visitors recommend getting a lake map from local bait shops.
Disc golf course access: Earl Williamson Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that's free to use. "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!" shared Jeff & Alison H., who visited in late fall.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area includes a small wildlife sanctuary and free-roaming peacocks. "There is much to do at this park. Trails, swimming, boating, fishing, small zoo and museum," notes Lane M. The sanctuary requires no additional fee beyond park admission, making it an economical addition to camping trips.
Water recreation: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming access during warmer months. "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," reports one camper about Earl Williamson Park, which charges just $12 per night for hookup sites.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Shreveport Bossier City KOA offers well-maintained sites with reasonable spacing. "Plenty of room for 44 ft motorhome and Jeep toad without unhooking. Grounds are well maintained and staff friendly," notes James R. This KOA provides full hookups and is approximately 10 miles from Blanchard.
Clean facilities: Barksdale AFB FamCamp maintains high standards for their amenities. "Shower and laundry facilities are nice and well maintained. The campground is a good distance from main base and town, but that ensures a quiet place to stay," explains Sheila B. Military ID is required for access to this campground.
Dog-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds in the area feature dedicated pet areas. "Quiet, clean, nice staff. We were right by the dog park, which the dogs loved!" shares Amanda B. about the Shreveport Bossier City KOA. The KOA offers two separate dog park areas to accommodate different sized pets.
Waterfront camping views: Caddo Lake State Park Campground provides distinctive scenery unique to this region. "Beautifully creepy with its Spanish moss covered trees all through the lake. Quiet and great trails for you and the doggies!" says Jeff N. The lake represents one of Texas's only natural lakes and extends into Louisiana.
What you should know
Traffic noise varies by location: Some campgrounds experience road noise despite natural settings. "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," shares Sarah D. about Caddo Lake State Park. Consider requesting sites furthest from highways when making reservations.
Insect preparation essential: The region's waterways create ideal mosquito habitat, particularly from late spring through early fall. "The bugs are awful, the gators are a little scary, but that's the price you pay for the beauty," notes Kim B. about Caddo Lake. Pack appropriate repellents and consider screened accommodations during peak insect seasons.
Limited connectivity: TravelCenters of America RV Park offers reliable cellular service for those needing to stay connected. "Right off interstate by gas stations and food. We were in a pull through spot, which was level, but barely long enough for our truck and 30 ft camper. Full hookups (bring extra long electric cord!), picnic table, showers, cable, dog park," reports Cat R.
Cash-only policies: Some parks operate on cash-only payment systems with no reservation capabilities. "Right on the lake in town Park, cash only and no reservations but can call camp host to see if a spot is open," mentions one visitor about Earl Williamson Park, where campsites cost $12 nightly.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Barksdale AFB FamCamp provides child-friendly amenities. "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 Brittany H. The base also features a walking trail with aircraft displays that appeal to children.
Consider cabin options: Multiple campgrounds offer cabin accommodations for families wanting camping experiences without tent setup. "We loved the cabin, it made winter camping with kids do-able! Loved hiking and exploring!" notes Becca H. about Caddo Lake State Park's cabins, which provide shelter during unpredictable weather.
Check swimming access: Earl Williamson Park includes swimming areas that provide recreation for children. "This park is now a KOA. It appears to have more long term campers living here than anything else. The campgrounds offered are split across a highway. The pool is only on one section," explains Kimberly N. about one local campground's swimming access.
Tips from RVers
Electric cord length matters: TravelCenters of America RV Park requires longer-than-standard electric cords for some sites. "We were in a pull through spot, which was level, but barely long enough for our truck and 30 ft camper. Full hookups (bring extra long electric cord!)," advises Cat R.
Dump station availability: Earl Williamson Park provides dump stations though not all sites have full hookups. "Inexpensive camping sites. No full hook up sites," notes Lane M. RVers staying multiple days should plan water usage accordingly.
Level site considerations: Several campgrounds feature concrete pads that aid in leveling. "Kind of an odd location— behind an auction yard. Nice concrete slabs for RVs. Fair gravel roads, 3 very nice log cabins, at least 2 covered RV spaces," explains Den O. about Gavel Falls Cabin Rentals and RV Campground.
