D
Douglas T.
Scout
ScoutIndian Creek Recreation Area
Great Place!
This is our favorite place to go camping. Great, clean campground with lots of trees for shade. A good place for both summer and winter camping.
Camping near Cloutierville, LA
98 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Cloutierville, Louisiana ranges from free dispersed tent sites to full-hookup RV parks, with options spread across both primitive and developed campgrounds in the surrounding national forest. Coyote Camp, Oak Camp Complex, and Custis Camp provide free or low-cost tent camping with basic amenities. These sites are primarily located within the forest's Kisatchie District and are connected by trail systems including the Sandstone Trail. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though hookup availability varies significantly throughout the region.
Road conditions to many of the forest campgrounds require preparation, especially after rain. A camper noted, "The road here is a little rutted out and has a couple of potholes, but nothing crazy." Campground stay limits typically range from 14 to 30 days, with most forest service sites charging minimal fees ($5-10) or offering free camping. The region experiences warm temperatures year-round, though winter nights can occasionally dip below freezing. Several sites like Coyote Camp provide vault toilets but no drinking water, while others like Lotus Camp offer both. Cell service is limited or non-existent at more remote sites, with one reviewer mentioning "ZERO cell service" at some forest road camping areas.
Primitive camping locations receive consistently positive reviews for their solitude and natural setting. Multiple campgrounds support mixed-use activities, with some designated for horse camping while others allow OHV access on connected trail systems. According to visitor reports, hunting seasons significantly impact campground occupancy, with one camper advising, "We arrived during hunting season and it was a little busy, but the hunters were very friendly." Wildlife sightings are common, with reviews mentioning deer, bobcats, coyotes, and snakes. For those seeking more amenities, Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park and Colfax Recreation Area offer full hookups, showers, and other facilities, though at higher nightly rates. These developed campgrounds typically provide concrete pads and accommodate larger rigs, making them suitable options for RV travelers wanting more comfortable accommodations. Whether you are searching for top-rated campgrounds with full hookups or free primitive campsites near Cloutierville, the region offers a broad range of options to suit different budgets and camping styles.
Best Campgrounds near Cloutierville (98)
1. Coyote Camp
"Direct access to the overlook and the sandstone trail."
"So just be aware when walking on the trails. Lots of deer and bobcats. Absolutely no highway noise and the bathrooms are always stocked and cleaned.
No water or trash pickup."
2. Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed
"Camp next to this beautiful sounding creek, there is a beach to lay out on while the kids play in the water or you can hit the Caroline dorman trail on foot or horseback. Excellent site."
"Fee: $2.00 day use $2.00 per vehicle 17 primitive walk in tent sites with the sites running along side the beautiful Kisatchie Bayou. There is one drive in that is located in the parking lot. "
from $2 / night
Check Availability3. Kisatchie Bayou Complex
"Primitive camping along the 10mi Backbone trail. Took out the hammock and camped out around the halfway mark along the trail. You can set up shop around an old fire pit or make one of your own."
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Located inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Kisatchie District, this campground is great. This section of National Forest is home to over 30 miles of nature trails."
4. Oak Camp Complex
"We hiked along a few trails that were open (many have been closed due to covid maybe) and it was really fun, mostly flat hikes."
"This one is free though and is only about a 2 min drive. No hook ups and we got our 43 ft 5th wheel in just fine. There are atvs out here they didn’t bother us."
from $5 / night
Check Availability5. Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park
"We stayed here for 4 days due to proximity to Kisatchie National Forest for the Red Dirt Ultra. We liked having laundry on site, clean and affordable. Our kids loved our long horn neighbors!"
6. Corral Camp
"We arrived during hunting season and it was a little busy but the hunters were very friendly if you don't mind a lot of people running around with rifles, etc. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability7. Colfax Recreation Area RV Park & Campground
"The sites are spaced nicely and tucked into the trees. All spots are full hookup and 50 amp service. The water pressure is a little low, but sufficient."
"Close to home so we visit often. Very nice bathroom facilities. On the Red River but no swimming unless you have a boat, lock thru, and hit the sandbars."
8. Custis Camp
9. Colfax RV Park
from $32 / night
Check Availability10. Lotus Camp
"Isnide the Kisatchie National Forest, Kisatchie District Lotus campground offers water, flush toilets and easy access to the Sandstone Trail."
"Status: open Fee: $10.00 per night $ 5.00 Sandstone Trail Day Use
This camp is for the purpose of OTV riding but regular camping is allowed."
Drive Time
- 28 min from Alexandria, LA
- 1 hr 13 min from Shreveport, LA
- 2 hrs 2 min from Lake Charles, LA
Recent Camping Photos near Cloutierville, LA
61 Photos of 98 Cloutierville Campgrounds
Daisee Mae S.
Custis Camp
Fabein D.
Coyote Camp
Hannah L.
Oak Camp Complex
Potsie D.
Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest
Marcie P.
Kisatchie Bayou Complex
Van N.
Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed
N I.
Lotus Camp
Jerry H.
Midway RV Park & Marina
Justin O.
Cotile Recreation Area
Cat R.
Hidden Treasure RV Resort
Thomas M.
Saddle Bayou Camp Complex
Keith R.
Valentine Lake South Shore
Recent Reviews near Cloutierville, LA
230 Reviews of 98 Cloutierville Campgrounds
- d
debbie J.ScoutWildwood Resort
RV park needs improvement but cabin area is beautiful!
We attended a family reunion held in this park. The RV section is across from water park making it convenient. The grounds in the cabin area were peaceful with a nice pool. The community building was very convenient and had everything you would need to cook and serve however there is a cost. We did not use the bath facilities.
The campground was not spectacular and is beside the main road to water park. Our shore power was inefficient as we didn’t have electricity to our second a/c. Family in cabin 26 didn’t have power to their lights. Strange. Also, internet was non existent to both cabin and RV. We have notified the mgt.
- Brenley R.
TravelerSt Luke RV Park
Five-Star Hospitality and a Peaceful Stay
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Phenomenal service and an exceptional host. I called at the very last minute after a severe thunderstorm made my original plan to camp in the national forest unsafe. Despite the late notice, he stayed and waited for my arrival, even though it took me longer than expected to get through the storm.
When I arrived, he set me up with the perfect spot to pitch my tent and get a few hours of much-needed rest before continuing my journey. He gave me his personal phone number in case I needed anything, provided a comfortable area to sit, access to a hot shower, a well-lit campsite, and even electrical power.
The campground itself is exceptionally well maintained. The grounds are spotless, the roads are in great condition, and the entire property has a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. As the evening settled in, the fireflies were everywhere, making for a beautiful and relaxing end to a long day of travel. It was incredibly quiet, and everyone I encountered was friendly, respectful, and courteous.
His kindness, generosity, and genuine hospitality truly stood out. It's rare to find someone willing to go so far out of their way to help a weary traveler. I highly encourage anyone passing through the area to support this campground—you'll be in excellent hands.
Marcie P.
GuideKisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed
Bayou Campground is my happy place.
Bayou Campground is my happy place.
My family has been camping here regularly for about a year, and we’ve experienced it in beautiful spring weather, the heat of summer, and even some surprisingly cold winter nights. No matter the season, it is always breathtaking, peaceful, and secluded.
The campsites are spacious and vary in amenities. Some have concrete pads, picnic tables, and metal fire rings, while others are more primitive with only a fire ring. We usually tent camp and hammock camp, and we’ve always found plenty of room to spread out and enjoy nature.
One thing visitors should know is that you cannot drive directly to your campsite. There are separate parking areas for overnight campers and day visitors, and you’ll need to carry your gear to your site. Depending on where you park, your campsite may only be a short walk away.
The campground is generally very clean, aside from the occasional inconsiderate visitor who leaves trash behind. There are vault toilets available, but no running water, and there is absolutely no cell service—which, honestly, is one of the things I love most about it.
There is a paved pathway that leads to stairs down to the water. The swimming area is popular with families during the day, and the water is shallow enough that it feels safe for children. You’ll often see people swimming with their kids or bringing their dogs along to enjoy the water.
The campground is usually very quiet. Most of the noise comes during the day from swimmers, and occasionally from someone playing music or talking loudly at night. Otherwise, it’s an incredibly peaceful place to relax and disconnect.
Getting there requires driving several miles on unpaved roads, so watch for potholes and take your time. The journey is well worth it.
If you’re looking for luxury amenities, this may not be the campground for you. But if you’re looking for natural beauty, solitude, family-friendly swimming, spacious campsites, and a chance to truly unplug, Bayou Campground is a special place. We will continue coming back for years to come.
Kai Z.
RangerIndian Creek Recreation Area
Beautiful Waterfront Campground
The natural setting at this campground is absolutely beautiful. For $35, you can get a full-hookup site right by the water, which is a really good value. There’s even a small beach, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. Overall, the campground is peaceful, scenic, and a great place to unwind. The only downside is the bathhouse. We visited two different ones, and while they weren’t dirty, they were definitely showing their age and felt a bit worn down. A renovation would make a big difference. Other than that, this was a truly beautiful campground, and we really enjoyed our stay.
- GGlen B.Ranger
Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
Oh, so close.
Would like to have made it to the campgrounds, but a fallen tree a ½ mile before them thwarted my stay. Ended up in a clearing back up the road from said tree.
Tim W.GuideCotile Recreation Area
Great overnight or more
Beautiful location. Site 24 had small deck overlooking the lake. T-Mobile had 2 bars of service.
- HHope H.Guide
Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
Beautiful Location
I stayed here in mid- September 2025. I was the only person in the campground, but a ranger drove by in the morning. I think I was there on a Wednesday night. The pit toilet was very dirty, but it was stocked with TP. I chose a site that was adjacent to the lake, but not low to the shore (a little above). In the morning, as I enjoyed coffee, I did see an alligator in the lake.
Ashley F.ScoutRed River Valley RV Park
Gorgeous!
This place is so beautiful and peaceful. The walking trail is a highlight. We enjoyed our month stay!
Guide to Cloutierville
Kisatchie National Forest offers accessible primitive camping within minutes of Cloutierville, Louisiana. The region contains sandy soil and rolling hills unlike typical Louisiana terrain, with elevations ranging from 80-300 feet. Camping areas connect through multi-use trail systems with forest roads that become challenging after rainfall, though most campsites remain accessible to standard vehicles.
What to do
Hiking trails: Kisatchie Bayou Complex provides access to multiple trail systems. "This section of National Forest is home to over 30 miles of nature trails. The trails are for hiking, biking, horseback riding and off road vehicle riding," notes a camper. The Backbone Trail offers unique terrain features not typically found in Louisiana.
Water recreation: Kisatchie Bayou offers opportunities for paddling and swimming in clear water that's unusual for the region. "The Bayou Campground has a stream with a beach. Toilets are available by the parking lot, but no sinks. Bring extra toilet paper just in case they run out," advises one visitor.
Dark sky viewing: Coyote Camp provides excellent stargazing opportunities. "Clean pit toilets. Extremely quiet, great dark sky opportunities. Mostly used as a hunter's camp," reports a camper. Clear nights offer exceptional star visibility due to minimal light pollution.
What campers like
Solitude: Primitive campsites throughout Kisatchie National Forest offer private camping experiences. At Custis Camp, "This campground does not permit OHV's, so it's a little more on the quiet side." The restriction on off-highway vehicles creates a quieter atmosphere than other nearby camping areas.
Waterfront access: The unusual clear-water streams create swimming opportunities. At Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground, "You almost feel as if you're in Arkansas with the clear water bayou running over sandstone creating a relaxing waterfall sound." These small rapids provide both visual and auditory elements that enhance the camping experience.
Wildlife viewing: The forest hosts diverse wildlife. At Coyote Camp, one visitor reported, "We have seen a lot of snakes and it rains a lot. Some bees but not a serious nuisance. So just be aware when walking on the trails. Lots of deer and bobcats."
What you should know
Seasonal hunting impacts: Hunting seasons significantly affect campground availability and atmosphere. At Oak Camp Complex, "We arrived during hunting season and it was a little busy but the hunters were very friendly if you don't mind a lot of people running around with rifles, etc."
Fee structures: Most primitive campgrounds charge minimal fees. A visitor to Lotus Camp noted, "Fee: $10.00 per night $5.00 Sandstone Trail Day Use." Exact fee information should be verified before arrival as rates may change.
Animal activity: Evidence of wildlife may be present at campsites. At Kisatchie Bayou Campground, a camper observed, "As we walked into our campsite almost every bit of ground that wasn't packed had been torn up by hogs, like a lot of hogs."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Creekside campsites provide natural play areas. At Kisatchie Bayou, a visitor noted, "Camp next to this beautiful sounding creek, there is a beach to lay out on while the kids play in the water or you can hit the Caroline dorman trail on foot or horseback."
Full-service alternatives: Colfax RV Park offers more amenities for families wanting comfort. "The park has a nice playground for the kids as well as a nice shower house. The park has lots of picnic areas (34) set up under shade trees."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly across the forest. At Lotus Camp, campers reported moderate cell reception, while a visitor to Coyote Camp noted, "As for cell service I got between 2 and 3 bars I have cricket service. My Starlink wouldn't connect due to no clear view to many trees."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Several forest campgrounds can accommodate larger vehicles despite their primitive nature. At Lotus Camp, "There are some nice flat new sites that have been installed and it looks like more new ones are coming."
Hook-up options: For RVers requiring full facilities, developed campgrounds offer complete services. At Colfax Recreation Area, "Large sites with full hookups. There is a nice playground for the kids as well as a nice shower house."
Parking considerations: Even at primitive sites, careful parking allows for larger rigs. At Corral Camp, a visitor commented, "There were several fair sized trailers and RV. I admire their parking skills."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cloutierville, LA?
What camping is available near Cloutierville, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cloutierville, LA offers a wide range of camping options, with 98 campgrounds and RV parks near Cloutierville, LA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cloutierville, LA?
Which is the most popular campground near Cloutierville, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cloutierville, LA is Coyote Camp with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cloutierville, LA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cloutierville, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Cloutierville, LA.
Keep Exploring