Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area offers dispersed camping near Delhi, Louisiana with minimal development and basic conditions. Campers access the site via a gravel road located about 5 miles from Interstate 20. The area sits on lowland terrain typical of northeastern Louisiana, with mixed hardwood forest surrounding several small ponds. Hunting is permitted during designated seasons, requiring awareness of local regulations and hunting schedules.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: Russell Sage WMA contains various habitat types supporting diverse wildlife. A visitor notes, "I read the reviews about bears and put my ring doorbell out in hopes of a glimpse, but no such luck. We could hear local cows and dogs but nothing so loud as to disrupt our sleep." (Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area)
Hiking through forested areas: Several unofficial paths wind through the management area. The hiking options aren't marked but follow natural contours. "There are plenty of space to fit quite a few campers there, but the ground was soft. There were no gravel parking areas," reports one camper about the dispersed areas.
Photography at the pond: The small pond near the turnaround camping spot provides opportunities for nature photography. A camper described it as "a nice site at end of turn around. Next to a nice pond." (Natchez Trace Parkway - Rocky Springs) Though primitive, the water feature attracts various wildlife throughout the day.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many campers appreciate the isolated location away from busy areas. One visitor stated, "Absolutely nothing there! Easy to find with the link in Dryt. Don't even try to find it on your own with Apple Maps! It's just a longish drive off of a nice paved two lane."
Accessibility from the highway: The location provides convenient access for travelers on I-20 seeking quick overnight stops. "The location was great due to the proximity to the highway and there was very minimal road noise," noted a camper reviewing their experience at Russell Sage WMA.
Natural surroundings: Campers enjoy the undeveloped setting with natural features. At nearby Natchez Trace sites, visitors mention similar appreciation: "All campsites had a picnic table, fire ring and a grill which were typical of these free NPS campsites... We picked a pull-thru site and lit a fire in the ring and used our own camp chairs and table for a lovely star filled night."
What you should know
Permit requirements: A recent policy change now requires permits for overnight stays. A camper confirmed: "Perfectly fine site, a very nice ranger kindly told me that it's 5 dollars, just FYI!" This contradicts older information describing the area as completely free.
Ground conditions vary seasonally: Soft ground can create challenges during wet periods. One camper shared, "I ended up in the hunting-open dispersed area. There is plenty of space to fit quite a few campers there, but the ground was soft."
Limited site availability: The primary camping area has restricted capacity. A recent visitor clarified: "Beware only one camp site" at the main turnaround location, though dispersed options exist elsewhere in the management area.
Tips for camping with families
Bring all supplies: No facilities means coming fully prepared with everything needed. At similar rustic sites like Natchez Trace Parkway, visitors note that "The bathroom facilities were clean with running non-potable water. All of the fire rings and grills were rusty and some of the wooden picnic tables were falling apart."
Safety considerations: Be aware of hunting seasons and wear appropriate high-visibility clothing during these periods. Families should establish clear boundaries for children due to the undeveloped nature of the site.
Consider alternatives for amenities: Families needing more facilities might prefer other options. One traveler mentioned about a nearby site: "Nice big pull thrus all along the camping loop. Great camping with mostly one-nighterz. The campground is a large loop with about 30 sites. Only one bathroom open but everything was clean and garbage service was excellent."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: The maximum RV length at Russell Sage WMA is 25 feet, making it unsuitable for larger rigs. The turnaround has limited space for maneuvering.
Communication challenges: Cell service can be problematic in this rural location. A reviewer at a similar parkway site noted: "I did not stay because it had absolutely no Tmobile cell service and being alone and full time. I did not feel like camping without it."
Pull-through options: For those with appropriate-sized vehicles, the site configuration can work well. As one RVer described a similar rustic camping experience nearby: "Nice primitive grounds with pull-through and back-in options. It is a terrific spot to stop and sleep."
