Best Dispersed Camping near Columbia, LA
Dispersed camping near Columbia, Louisiana centers on Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area and the Highway 472 Camp in Kisatchie National Forest. Russell Sage WMA offers primitive camping with minimal facilities approximately 5 miles from Interstate 20. The Highway 472 Camp, located near Georgetown, provides designated hunter camping areas in a predominantly pine setting within the Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve district of Kisatchie National Forest.
Access to Russell Sage WMA involves a short drive on gravel roads leading to a turnaround area with space for camping. A $5 permit is now required for camping, contrary to earlier reports of free access. Highway 472 Camp features a small gravel/mud loop on both sides of the highway with several cleared areas suitable for camping. Most sites lack amenities, though Highway 472 Camp does provide vault toilets and trash collection. Vehicle access is generally possible without specialized equipment, though some areas may have soft ground requiring caution during wet weather.
These primitive sites attract campers seeking seclusion and natural surroundings. Russell Sage WMA includes camping spots near a pond and offers relatively quiet conditions despite occasional noise from local livestock and dogs. A camper noted, "For quick free road side camping this is the spot! Easy parking, Zero cops, had a campfire, cooked food, slept in my hammock." Highway 472 Camp provides a wooded setting with adequate cell service. One visitor reported, "Great little option as an overnight spot. Not much to it, just a few obvious clearings along the small gravel/mud loop on either side of the road. 2 bars Verizon service, enough to send/receive & use internet/GPS."
