Best Tent Camping near Boyce, LA
Kisatchie National Forest surrounds Boyce, Louisiana with numerous primitive tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Indian Creek Recreation Area in nearby Woodworth offers dedicated tent camping areas with 200 acres set aside for primitive tent sites separate from developed camping sections. Stuart Lake Recreation Complex provides eight spacious tent-only sites with dedicated tent pads, fire rings, and lantern poles. Other notable tent camping destinations include Kisatchie Bayou Campground (temporarily closed), Coyote Camp, and Red Bluff Camp, all within 30-45 minutes of Boyce.
Most tent campsites in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. Primitive tent camping areas typically include vault toilets but limited or no potable water sources. Campers should bring sufficient water supplies, especially at locations like Red Bluff Camp and Coyote Camp where no water is available. Access roads to backcountry tent sites often involve gravel or dirt roads that may become rutted after rain. A 14-day stay limit applies at most locations. Fire rings are common at established sites, but some primitive areas require campers to bring portable stoves. Wildlife activity, including wild hogs, is present throughout the forest, requiring proper food storage.
The tent-only experience at these campgrounds offers distinct advantages over developed sites. At Kisatchie Bayou, campers noted the "peace is amazing especially alongside the bayou" with walk-in tent sites providing greater seclusion. The hardwood and pine forests create natural sound barriers between campsites. Stuart Lake's tent camping area connects directly to swimming and fishing areas via hiking trails, making it ideal for tent campers seeking water activities. According to reviews, Indian Creek's primitive tent sites offer "beautiful views of the lake from almost all primitive sites" while maintaining separation between campsites. Winter camping provides fewer insects but temperatures can still reach the 80s. Weekday visits typically ensure greater solitude, particularly at the more remote walk-in tent sites.
