Chatham, Louisiana provides several campground options along the shores of lakes and within forested areas of northern Louisiana. Jimmie Davis State Park Campground, located directly in Chatham, offers a range of accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options with yurts. Lincoln Parish Park in nearby Ruston and Lake D'Arbonne State Park in Bernice expand the camping possibilities with well-maintained facilities approximately 30-45 minutes from Chatham. These established campgrounds feature amenities like electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, making them suitable for both tent and RV camping experiences.
Road conditions throughout the region are generally good, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads. The climate in northern Louisiana features hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for camping. Most established campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during weekends and summer months. Cell phone coverage varies but is generally available at the larger state parks and established campgrounds. Elevation changes are minimal in this part of Louisiana, with most camping areas situated in gently rolling terrain near lakes and waterways. According to one visitor, "Lincoln Parish Park is a relaxing and beautiful place to park it for one night or six. The park is clean, well maintained and easily navigated."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with Lake D'Arbonne State Park and Jimmie Davis State Park offering prime lakeside sites. Campers particularly appreciate the fishing opportunities, with several reviews mentioning the quality of fishing at these locations. A recent review noted that Jimmie Davis State Park offers "great fishing with all the amenities" and "Louisiana hospitality." The region's campgrounds typically provide good shade coverage from the abundant trees, offering relief during hot summer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with birds and waterfowl being common sightings. While some campgrounds like Cheniere Lake Park provide a more rustic experience, others like Lincoln Parish Park offer more developed facilities with amenities such as walking paths, playgrounds, and even mountain biking trails that have received national recognition.
$40 / night
"We really love this place to stop on our trips across Louisiana. Only 3 hr drive from our family, it give us a perfect first night stop."
"Central Louisiana! The site was amazing - nestled in the back of a vineyard, on the top of a hill."
$25 - $35 / night
"Family friendly, Louisiana hospitality."
"Caney Lake is clean and beautiful. I enjoyed walking and sitting along the lake in the mornings. Bathrooms were clean. Stayed in campsite#52."
$25 - $50 / night
"Ruston is also an adorable little downtown areas to explore and has that heart of Louisiana fill. It’s also close to west Monroe where Duck dynasty hometown so that was a fun plus to visit!"
"Close to the restrooms but not much through traffic. Large wide spots with paved cement made it easy to park and level. Full hook ups were nice. Trash cans were at every other campsite."
"Other than that it’s in a developed area near a truck stop, an exhibition center, across the interstate there are many restaurant selections, and there’s a tractor supply."
$32 / night
"This little RV park is less than 5 minutes off I - 20 in north east Louisiana. Being that close, I thought it would have been really loud, but it wasn't! I heard more birds than anything."
"Close to the interstate, quiet and beautiful sunset next to the pond, safe and tons of big pull thrus. This is our second time staying here."
"Secluded in the North Louisiana Farms, on Lake D’arbonne, with large forest trails. Immense campground with back to forest or lake front and all have RV hookup. RV pumping station available."
"Lake Darbonne is our first experience with camping."
$50 / night
"We walked back to our tent in the clearing behind the house with full bellies and good spirits. There are lots of spots to pitch your tent on property."
ScoutLandry Vineyard was a quick overnight stop but couldn’t have been more idyllic. We purchased a bottle of port upon arrival and enjoyed sipping on it at the edge of the grape vines, under the stars. The vineyard is close enough to the highway for easy access but far enough away. The personnel at the vineyard were friendly and welcoming.
GuideI am out here at the end of January on a cold couple days and have not seen another human. Beautiful forest.
ScoutThere are many signs to help know which site and how to get there in this large property that is split by a main country road. We stayed on the lot across from the Vineyard’s tasting room at Site #5.
The site was gravel and level and very nice. We had electric & water hook ups, both of which were solid and clean.
Very pretty area and Vineyard. The host also was very accommodating and quick to respond with any questions we had.
GuideWe really love this place to stop on our trips across Louisiana. Only 3 hr drive from our family, it give us a perfect first night stop. We there with a delay from a tire problem, so we were to late to go to the tasting room this time. As soon as we parked, the owner drove up to make sure we knew there was a power issue and they assured her it would be on in the next 2 hours. We were very happy that she let us know, and it wasnt a problem to use our generator if there was an issue where the power didnt come back on in time. It was a quick hour and we had power to use without needing the generator.
Very beautiful place to relax at and have been very pleased with our stays.
Scoutbeautiful location , peaceful, well kept. definitely a hidden gem.
ScoutClean quiet campgrounds! Police patrol every hour. 2 bathhouses with laundry. Beautiful lake!
GuideGreat place to stop for an overnight, about 6 miles from I-20, very quiet. You're nestled in a vineyard with 30 and 50 amp service as well as potable water. Winery is open until 5:30 and has lots of seating.
RangerWe were here 2 nights, the park is currently getting sewers installed at many sites so I imagine it will become even more popular.
The staff was great, grounds clean. The shower house was great.
Pretty place with tall pines and Caney Lake is fantastic.
GuideI stayed in the primitive area, site 44. Large sites. Not flat. If you are a tent or SUV camper you will have a far different experience than the RV campers. The tree canopy in the primitive area is thick, and the primitive sites are completely under the trees, even the parking, so not much sunlight gets through in the daytime. The parking areas are dirt. No tent pads. After dusk, the harvestmen "spiders" were plenteous, even around my fire. I had to put bright lights out to somewhat ward them off. They are very large, harmless (they eat spiders), but creepy nonetheless because they come right at you (random scurrying) which is just not relaxing. At dusk I also heard a loud scream from the women's bathroom.... Not sure what was in there, as I have my own facilities, but in the very early morning, a pest control vehicle showed up. Well cared for place, gated, with friendly staff, just too jungly for my liking. Regarding the site map, the bath house, 43, and 44 are well within view of the RVs. You might prefer a site on tent camp road, as RV folks walk and ride bikes past 43 and 44 frequently.
Camping spots near Chatham, Louisiana offer varied experiences across northern Louisiana's rolling terrain. The region features gentle hills surrounding several lakes with elevations ranging between 150-250 feet above sea level. Most camping areas remain open year-round with fall through spring providing the most comfortable temperatures, typically between 50-80°F during these seasons.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Caney Lake at Jimmie Davis State Park Campground draws anglers for its trophy bass fishing. "The only park on caney lake. Good lake for fishing and water sports, many sites you can park your boat very close," notes Adam R.
Mountain biking trails: Lincoln Parish Park offers nationally recognized mountain biking courses. "11 mile trail system for hiking/mt bike. Exceptional mt bike course," shares Brett B., who appreciates the technical challenges.
Vineyard tours: Wine enthusiasts can visit Landry Vineyards Grape Escape RV Sites where camping spaces adjoin a working vineyard. "We took a tour of the facility, guided by the winemaker and owner. Well worth it. The wines are great, so much so that we left with 6 bottles!" according to Shaun C.
Lakefront access: Campers at Lake D'Arbonne State Park appreciate the waterfront sites. One reviewer notes, "Great piers on a very nice lake with big, beautiful cypress trees. Just a beautiful, hilly campground on a gorgeous lake."
Level, spacious sites: Many campsites in the region offer easy setup on level ground. At Landry Vineyards, Jamie R. shares: "It was very easy to get into and out of with our 45' 5th wheel. We really appreciate the directions that were given in terms of which roads to take to the vineyard."
Quiet surroundings: Despite proximity to highways, camping areas maintain peaceful environments. At Ouachita RV Park, Jeff B. mentions: "Was stopped for the night in Monroe. Park is clean, quiet and very easy to get in and out of."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during weekends. For Lincoln Parish Park, Carrie I. advises: "You aren't assigned a site at reservation, so you'll need to get there early if you want a specific one."
Seasonal considerations: Northern Louisiana experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. A visitor to Cheniere Lake Park notes: "Very pretty and quiet location... The scenery is unique and beautiful... Sheriff's department is nearby and they patrol frequently so you feel very safe."
Facility variations: Campground amenities differ significantly throughout the region. At Jimmie Davis State Park, Katina T. points out: "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."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. One camper at Lake D'Arbonne State Park shares: "Tennis courses, disc golf course, hiking/biking trails, swimming pool, cabins, lodges, several playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions & WiFi."
Water recreation options: Families appreciate swimming areas during warmer months. Sherrie N. mentions Jimmie Davis State Park has a "Beautiful lake with splash pad and park for the kids to play nice beach area."
Tent-friendly areas: Louisiana Herbs on Breston Plantation offers unique tent camping experiences. "We chose the clearing in the back, surrounded by towering trees, next to the levee. The ground was soft and cushy, perfect if you're light car-campers like we are," according to LaRee S.
Full hookup availability: Most RV sites offer complete utilities. At Ouachita RV Park, Jenifer K. explains: "Stayed 1 night in site 26, PT FHU on grass. Close to the interstate, quiet and beautiful sunset next to the pond, safe and tons of big pull thrus."
Accessibility considerations: RVers should note varying road conditions to campgrounds. Regarding Pavilion RV Park, Allison N. cautions: "The layout is a bit tricky to navigate with a trailer, spots are close and the turns are sharp with bad angles."
Internet connectivity: Many campsites now offer internet options. Bruce F. notes about Lake D'Arbonne State Park: "Bath houses stayed super clean all weekend. Park hosts were very nice. Walking trails were very clean around lake with TentRR glamping being added."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chatham, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chatham, LA offers a wide range of camping options, with 47 campgrounds and RV parks near Chatham, LA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chatham, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chatham, LA is Landry Vineyards Grape Escape RV Sites with a 4.9-star rating from 50 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chatham, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Chatham, LA.
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