Camping opportunities near Bossier City include both state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region's flat terrain near the Red River creates cypress-lined waterways with elevations rarely exceeding 250 feet. Summer temperatures regularly reach 95°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons in this northwestern Louisiana region.
What to do
Fishing from dedicated piers: At Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, visitors can access multiple fishing spots. "Great fishing from the docks or by boat," notes reviewer Cheryl C., who also mentions the park is "close to shopping, casinos, and restaurants."
Kayaking through cypress trees: The waterways near Bossier City offer distinctive paddling experiences. Caddo Lake State Park Campground provides access to unique cypress forests. "The lake itself was fantastic and otherworldly. Absolutely beautiful in early November," reports Kara S., who visited in 2024.
Trail exploration: The recreation areas feature hiking options on maintained paths. "There are several hiking/biking trails but they were logging at the time of my visit so I wasn't able to hike them," shares Cheri H. about Beaver Dam Campground, adding that "the lake isn't huge but it does look like it would be nice to kayak or canoe on."
Disc golf: For camping enthusiasts who enjoy disc sports, local options exist. "Bodcau has a wonderful new disc golf course! Among tons of land to explore," writes Penny A. about Tom Merrill Recreation Area, noting additional amenities like a "gun range, and much more!"
What campers like
Spacious, well-separated sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing between sites. "I loved the spaciousness of each site leaving a lot of room between you and your neighbors," writes Lea B. about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, adding that the "bathhouse was immaculately clean" and heated during winter stays.
Concrete pads with extras: Tom Merrill Recreation Area receives positive feedback for site quality. "Concrete pads, electric, water, grills, and fire pits all well maintained," writes Betsy W., who also notes "bank fishing is good" and the campground has "trails, a few exercise equipment, playground, and friendly hosts."
Waterfront camping options: Many sites offer direct lake access. "Big sites, with a lot of them on the water. A lot have full hookups including sewer. Very quiet. Swim beaches and fishing piers," says Mark S. about his stay at Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
Clean facilities with security features: Bathhouse cleanliness stands out in reviews. "The bathhouse was immaculately clean. I went in expecting a typical park shower room with spiders or bugs. There were NONE," reports Lea B., highlighting unexpected comfort levels.
What you should know
Seasonal tick concerns: Bug protection is essential during warmer months. "Stayed in January, ticks were really bad, despite not going into the woods," warns a reviewer about Barksdale AFB FamCamp, though they still rated their overall experience positively.
Wildlife awareness: Snakes are common in waterfront areas. "Great sized sites. Nice lake. Watch for snakes. Lots of trees. Great walking," advises Stephanie B. about her stay at Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
Reservations recommended: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "We arrived around 2:00, about half of the sites were open. We stayed in #6 with great view of lake," reports Steve C. about Beaver Dam Campground.
Water level variations: Lake conditions change throughout the year. "A taste of the swamps in north Louisiana. Spanish moss clad Bald Cypress trees in a stereotypical Louisiana lake," writes Jason W. about Lake Bistineau State Park, noting that small dogs should be kept leashed due to alligator presence.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. Shreveport Bossier City KOA offers family-oriented facilities. "They have a pool and playground. Full hook up, no issues," reports Christina, who found the staff friendly during their stay.
Budget-friendly options: Military families have affordable choices. "Came to town from a nearby base for our child's specialized medical treatments. Tent spots are $4 a night, enclosed in a lightly wooded area, and only few yards away from both the bathroom and the playground," shares Brittany H. about her experience at Barksdale AFB FamCamp.
Educational opportunities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Bossier City include nature learning components. "There is a small wildlife sanctuary (zoo but no petting) and free roaming peacocks," mentions Cheryl C. about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
Morning wildlife viewing: Schedule early walks for animal sightings. "I took an evening walk on the Discovery Trail and saw two deer. There are several other, longer trails," notes Jacob W. about his experience at Lake Bistineau State Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Beaver Dam Campground offers electric and water connections. "Level concrete pads. Electric and water. Dump station only," reports Cat R., who appreciated the "peace and quiet" and "large trees" at this federal campground.
Site selection for level parking: Choose carefully for minimal setup time. "Site 18 was reasonably level. I had 1-2 bars from AT&T," notes Randall D. about his quick overnight at Beaver Dam Campground.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies by provider. "Got in some kayaking. Beautiful lake for paddling. Looking forward to going back. Only wish they had some full hookup sites available. I hear that's coming soon," shares Daniel H. about Lake Bistineau State Park.
Extended stay policies: Some RV parks have minimum stay requirements. "On monthly rate they charge for electric which I get but it continued to go up even though outside temps continued to drop," notes Todd W. about Shreveport Bossier City KOA, suggesting it's better for short-term rather than long-term stays.
